| s can create a great solution for the new TSA | | | | the top open. |
| regulations and not have to remove their laptops from | | | | 13. Cut interfacing and batting close to the seam. |
| a nice, padded case. With simple sewing skills, you can | | | | 14. Again, miter the corners and sew the tips to the |
| breeze right through security. | | | | seam line. |
| A simple, padded tote bag should do the trick! | | | | 15. Slide your laptop into this quilted layer and then into |
| Materials: | | | | the outer layer. Does it fit? Hooray! |
| * Fabric- You can use one or two colors if you like | | | | 16. Cut the inner layer two inches from the edge of the |
| (one for the lining and one for the outside.) Use a more | | | | laptop and the outer layer two inches from this edge |
| sturdy fabric for the outside of the tote bag. | | | | (the new inner layer edge). |
| * Quilt Batting | | | | 17. Fold the outer layer of fabric in on itself and again |
| * Interfacing Materials | | | | over the inner layer and pin. |
| * Thread in complimentary color | | | | 18. Sew along the folded edge, right above the lining |
| * Sewing Machine | | | | fabric, around the inside of the bag. |
| Instructions | | | | 19. Cut five inch wide strips of the outer fabric for the |
| 1. Pre-wash and iron your fabrics. | | | | handles from 12-20 inches long based on how long you |
| 2. Measure your laptop around from the hinge of the | | | | want them. Twelve inches will make a short tote and |
| laptop to the front and back again (length). Measure | | | | longer will make a shoulder strap. Measure for your |
| the width of your laptop plus the height of EACH side | | | | own comfort. |
| (width). | | | | 20. Fold one edge of the handle strip into the center |
| 3. Add an inch to the width and height of your | | | | and iron to stay. Fold the other edge into the center |
| measurements. Cut your lining from this measurement. | | | | and iron. Fold in half again and iron. Repeat for other |
| 4. Cut the outer layer of fabric ½ inch larger all the | | | | handle. |
| way around. | | | | 21. Top stitch around the edges of the handles. |
| 5. Using the smaller piece of fabric as your guide (the | | | | 22. To properly place the handles on your bag, |
| lining), cut two layers of quilt batting. | | | | measure the top opening of your bag and divide in |
| 6. Cut a piece of interfacing material the same size. | | | | thirds. Place a pin in the fabric at each third. |
| 7. With a standard seam allowance, sew three sides | | | | 23. Place the ends of the handles just outside each |
| of the outer fabric, leaving the top open, and miter the | | | | marking pin and pin in place. Fold the ends of the |
| corners. | | | | handles under and pin again. |
| 8. Sew the miter tips to the seam line. | | | | 24. Topstitch the handles in place. |
| 9. Turn this material inside out and make sure the | | | | 25. Trim any excess threads and you are done with a |
| fabric fits your laptop. If so, hooray! Continue. | | | | basic, padded tote/shoulder bag for your laptop! |
| 10. Sandwich the batting between the interfacing the | | | | 26. You can decorate your tote with embroidery |
| lining fabric, aligning the three layers. | | | | (embroider the cut, outer fabric before assembling), |
| 11. Quilt the layers together carefully. | | | | needle felted flowers, or use fabric paint and freezer |
| 12. Sew three sides of the quilted layer, again leaving | | | | paper for a stenciled design (how to here). |