Sunday, July 6, 2014

Nook HD Cover Tutorial

Searching for a cute cover for my Nook HD (8G) was no easy task--so much so that I decided to make my own. I didn't even want to spend the measly $7 on a generic looking cover on Amazon when I could make one similar to those I found on Etsy absolutely free since I already had all of the materials I would need. I couldn't find any Nook HD-specific cover tutorials online, so it took a few days to work out all of the details in my mind of how I wanted to put it together--and even then I had to consult this older iPad tutorial for some help. And even THEN I ended up making it just small enough that the Nook wouldn't actually fit in the cover. Oops! On my second try (thank goodness for a large material supply...) I decided to go more slowly, measure more precisely, and to take pictures along the way so someone else could learn from my time wasting mistakes!

Nook HD Cover Tutorial



Supplies

Nook HD
Measuring Tape
Writing Utensils
Scrap Paper
Pattern paper/Cardstock
Scissors 
Rotary Cutter/Cutting Mat (optional)
Straight Pins
Coordinating Thread
Sewing Machine
Iron/Ironing Board
Coordinating Elastic/Hair-tie
Coordinating Button
Hand Needle

Fabric

Cut from the pattern/template (see below in step 3)

Outer Sleeve:
2x Outer Fabric (home decorator weight is the best. I got mine at Jo-Ann's)
2x Interfacing/Padding material (flannel/felt or interfacing will work)

Inner Sleeve
2x Inner Fabric/Lining (the part that touches the Nook--mine is basic brown broadcloth)
2x Interfacing/Padding Material


1. Measure the Nook HD from the back of the device with measuring tape...not a ruler. I made the mistake of measuring the front (screen side) with a ruler the first time, so my calculations were all wrong. The measuring tape accounts for the extra length/width added by the curvature of the device. Tricky!


2. Draw out a small diagram to help you remember the dimensions and aid in calculating your cutting measurements. For my cover, I added 1/2" each to the length and width to provide 1/4" seam allowance along each edge of the cover. See calculations below


3. Using the final measurements, cut a template from pattern paper, parchment paper, or whatever you have lying around. I used bright blue cardstock. 


4. Iron material and cut!


From top to bottom: Outer Fabric, Lining Fabric, Interfacing for Lining, Interfacing for Outer Fabric
I really wish I could figure out how to rotate these pictures!

After cutting 2 of each fabric, you should have a total of 8 pieces
 5. Sandwich the outer fabric with the outer interfacing. I will use the patterned fabric and the dark blue heavy duty felt. Starting at the bottom of the four layered sandwich, the layers should be interfacing, outer fabric right side up, outer fabric right side down, interfacing.


6. Put an arrow pointing to the top of the cover where the opening will be for the Nook, pin the layers together, and sew along the sides and bottom using a 1/4" seam allowance. I think I actually used 3/8". After sewing, run the iron over the stitching to set, and trim the outer edges. 


The finished edge of the outer sleeve
7. Using the same technique from the outer sleeve, assemble the inner sleeve, and pin. But don't sew yet, you will make one modification! 



8. As you can see in the picture above, I've marked an area at the bottom of the inner sleeve that says "No Sew"--leave this part open as you sew around the sides and bottom so you will be able to turn it later. If it seems weird, it's ok. It will make sense later. When you are finished sewing the edges (and ironing and trimming), cut a small rectangle the interfacing fabric on both sides where you left the opening for turning. This will reduce bulk after you turn the final product and sew up the opening. 

9. Time to grab the iron again! Turn the outer sleeve right side out and use your fingers to push out the corners and seams. Iron it flat. 


10. Prep your hand needle and thread to sew on the button. Using your best judgement (it really was a crap shoot for me), place the button on the front of the cover near the top. Reference the picture below for a general idea of where it should go. 

The end is in sight! If you're like me, all patience you had at the beginning is long gone by the time you begin sewing on the button...

11. Next, fit the outer sleeve (right side out) into the inner sleeve (wrong side out) so that the outer fabric and the inner lining fabric are touching. Scootch, pinch, and pull until it's a nice fit---the side seams should be lined up as well as the upper edge. Pin around the upper edge. 


A view to show how the fabric is layered




12. It is now time to affix the elastic/hair-tie. In my first failed attempt, I used a hair-tie. Had the cover been large enough to actually use, the hair-tie method would've worked perfectly. This time, however, I opted for just plain skinny elastic. I don't think this was the best idea because it was difficult to get the loop just right. 

Anyway, using whichever you decide, attach the elastic--loop side down--on the back of the cover between the outer fabric and the inner lining fabric--aka between the second and third layers. 


13. Sew around the top edge using a 1/4' or 3/8" seam allowance. Go really slow and make sure your pins don't get caught in the machine or the thread! 

What it looks like sewn


14. Remember that little hole you left when sewing the inner sleeve? Now it's time to work the magic! GENTLY pull the outer sleeve through the hole in the inner sleeve. GO SLOW. 


This is what it looks like  when the inner sleeve is pulled completely out. 

15. Fold the opening in on itself to close the hole in the inner sleeve and sew it shut. 

Folded

Sewn


16. Tuck the inner sleeve down in the outer sleeve, press with the iron, and voila! You could choose to top-stitch around the edges like I did, but in hindsight, I probably wouldn't. I think it'd look better without it--or at least with lighter thread. So...you make the call! 

And there it is, folks...a cute little cover for your Nook HD! When it was all said and done, it only took me an hour to complete--and I made it for FREE using materials I had on hand. If you don't have random fabric strewn about your house (why wouldn't you, though?) I can't imagine you'd spend more than $10 or so buying everything--as long as you had the essentials like a sewing machine and scissors, of course.

It fits this time!


My Nook is safe and sound and ready for hours of in-flight reading when I travel to France in two weeks!



And now to clean up the mess that has been happening about my feet...