The Envelope Case Sewing Pattern

Sometimes a pattern begins with a practical need, or a gift idea. The Envelope Case sewing pattern began as both. It is a structured fabric cover designed to protect and organise the tools you love most but also offers a beautiful way to wrap a gift.

I had sewn a linen blouse for a dear friend who is a wonderful embroiderer. Rather than wrapping the blouse in paper, I wanted to gift it inside something beautiful and reusable. An envelope case felt like the perfect fit...thoughtful and useful long after the unwrapping.

As I began drafting the pattern, another idea came to me. My friend often works with a lightbox to trace embroidery designs, so I adapted the size and structure so the envelope case could also hold it. The result was a piece that could carry books, sewing patterns, lightboxes or tablets...something practical to hold them between projects.

That small idea became the beginning of The Maker’s Collection, a growing series of small sewing projects designed to support your making.

 

How the Envelope Case Works

• The Envelope Case is a structured fabric cover designed to protect and organise the items you reach for in your creative work.
• The case folds neatly around its contents and ties closed with long fabric ties, allowing it to adjust slightly depending on what is stored inside while keeping everything secure.
• Optional internal pockets can be added during construction, offering space for stationery, cables or notions.
• Because the case is fully lined, the construction neatly hides all raw edges inside the seams. This creates a clean, professional finish without the need for binding.
• The front panel also offers a beautiful opportunity for embroidery. A monogram, initials or a botanical motif can be stitched before final assembly to create a personalised piece.

What You Can Use It For

The Envelope Case pattern includes three sizes...

Small Case
Ideal for storing a standard iPad, A5 notebook or novels.

Medium Case
Designed to hold larger tablets, A4 sketchpads or favourite cookbooks.

Large Case
Perfect for lightboxes, small laptops or larger reference books.

The cases work beautifully as reusable gift wrap for books or handmade garments

 

 

Pattern Details

• Three envelope case sizes
• Optional internal pockets
• Tie closure for flexible storage
• Fully lined construction with hidden raw edges
• No binding required
• Suitable for sketchbooks, tablets, lightboxes and sewing tools
• Front panel suitable for embroidery placement

You can find the pattern (including all 3 sizes) right here. 

 

Video Tutorial

I also made a full step-by-step tutorial so you can follow along, available below.

 

Whether you're organising your sewing space or wrapping a gift, I hope this pattern brings a simple solution to your making.

If you’d like to explore more small sewing projects, you can read about the growing Maker’s Collection here.