Checkbook Cover Instructions
General Info: This is a fairly easy and straight forward design. For
this project I chose fabric with an all over pattern since it is easier to place the
template anywhere on the fabric and still create an attractive checkbook cover. There are
many variations that can be created.
The completed checkbook cover measurements when closed are approximately 3.75" x
7". It fits a standard top tear checkbook and register.
Template Note: I created this template in Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word or
Microsoft Word Viewer is required to download this. To download Microsoft Word
Viewer: click
here
Link to template: click here
Legal Stuff: This instruction and template are free for personal use. You
CAN NOT sell or distribute my template, instructions or any of the other information
on this website. You may, however, sell items you have made from the free patterns
on this site. I must admit, the checkbook covers are popular gift items.
All pictures are "thumbnails". Please click for a larger view.
Items Needed:
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1/4 yard
fabric for checkbook cover outside (butterfly fabric) |
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1/4 yard fabric for
checkbook inside (deep turquoise fabric) |
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1/2 yard fusible interfacing for
lightweight to medium weight fabrics |
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Coordinating thread |
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Rotary cutter |
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3.5 " wide quilting ruler |
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Rotary mat |
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Marking pen - I use disappearing ink quilt marker |
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Scissors |
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Template or pattern (see attached) |
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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| Cut one each of the outside fabric and inside fabric using pattern.
In the photo I am using a template made out of masonite. |
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| Cut 2 each of fusible interfacing. Note: You can either use the pattern to
cut these or use the cut fabric pieces as the pattern. My preference is to use the
actual cut pieces of fabric. I generally cut the interfacing a bit larger (see photos) so I can trim it for a perfect fit once it is fused to the fabric.
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| Attach fusible interfacing to fabric pieces. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the fusible interfacing. |
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| Place right sides of the two pieces of fabric together . Using a 1/4 inch seam, stitch on the long
sides of the fabrics. |
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| Press seams open and turn right side out. Note: I use a cardboard
tube from a bolt of decorator fabric slipped through the two fabrics with the seam to be
pressed facing up. The cardboard tube has been cut to a smaller
dimension. (See photos) |
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| Press making sure seams are flat. |
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| On the outside checkbook cover fabric, measure 3.5" from each short
(unstitched) end and mark with the disappearing ink
marker. |
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| On the outside checkbook cover fabric, measure .5" from each short
(unstitched) end and mark with the disappearing ink marker. After making
the marks, the outside of the checkbook cover should have the same marks as the
photo. |
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| Surge short ends. I do this since I sell these professionally. Your machine
may have a "overcast" function or you can choose to skip this step. |
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| Fold the .5" line towards the checkbook cover inside
fabric. Press and clip corners. See
photo |
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| Sew 1/2" from folded edge. The outside fabric should be facing up
- see photo. |
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| Repeat the two steps above on other side. |
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| Fold both ends towards the checkbook cover inside fabric at the 3.5" line and press.
The checkbook cover should look the same as the one in the photo. |
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Sew 1/4" seam along both folded sides. The folded sides
should face up when stitching (see photo at right). Backstitch to secure
stitching at both ends. My machine has a "fix" button that does that
for me.
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| With the outside fabric facing up, (see photo) sew 1/4" seam along top and bottom edges.
Backstitch to secure stitching at both ends. These are the edges where the
fabric was originally folded. Once completed, the checkbook cover should have
stitching on all four sides. |
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| Clip any remaining threads. Fold checkbook cover in
half.
Voila! A completed checkbook cover!
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