The Envelope Case Sewing Pattern
Sometimes I start a pattern with a practical need, or a gift idea. The Envelope Case sewing pattern began as both. It's 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 it would be opened.
As I began drafting the pattern, another idea occurred 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 in 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.
Make it Yours
Whether you're organising your sewing space or wrapping a gift, I hope this pattern brings a simple solution to your making. You can find the pattern right here and some FAQs below.
If you’d like to explore more small sewing projects, you can read about the growing Maker’s Collection here.
Much love
Lisa xx
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Envelope Case sewing pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Envelope Case is a beginner-friendly sewing pattern, with a detailed guide and step-by-step video tutorial to help you through the construction. It also introduces useful techniques including simple machine quilting, making fabric ties, lining and edge stitching.
What sizes are included in the Envelope Case pattern?
The pattern includes three sizes. The Small measures 28 × 20 cm and is suitable for a standard iPad, A5 notebook or novels. The Medium measures 33 × 24 cm and works well for a larger iPad, A4 sketchpad or cookbooks. The Large measures 39 × 29 cm and is designed for items such as a lightbox, small laptop or reference books.
How do I choose the right size Envelope Case?
Choose your case according to what you'd most like to keep inside it. If you're making one for a particular device, book or lightbox, compare its measurements with the finished case dimensions before choosing. The long tie closure also allows the case to adjust slightly depending on its contents.
What fabrics are suitable for the Envelope Case?
The pattern works well with light to medium-weight woven fabrics. Cotton poplin, quilting cotton, calico, linen around 180–200gsm and cotton-linen blends are all suitable choices. You'll also need wadding for the quilted outer panels.
Do I need quilting experience to make the Envelope Case?
No. The quilting can be kept beautifully simple. The guide suggests vertical lines approximately 2 cm apart as one option, although you can quilt the panels however you like. If you're new to quilting, testing your stitch length and tension on a scrap first will help you get comfortable before beginning.
Does the Envelope Case have pockets?
Yes. The internal pocket is optional and can be divided into compartments using the stitch lines marked on the pattern. It's useful for organising smaller items such as stationery, cables or sewing tools.
Does the Envelope Case need binding?
No. The Envelope Case is fully lined, with the raw edges enclosed during construction, so there's no need to finish the outside with binding.
Can I add embroidery to the Envelope Case?
Absolutely. The front panel makes a lovely canvas for a monogram, initials or botanical embroidery. If adding embroidery, the guide recommends completing it after quilting but before trimming the quilted pieces back to their final pattern shape. This gives you a little extra fabric to work with while stitching.
Can I use the Envelope Case as reusable gift wrap?
Yes. Reusable gift wrapping was actually part of the inspiration behind the original design. The cases work particularly well for wrapping books, sketchpads and other special gifts, with the case becoming a useful part of the gift itself.
How do I print the digital sewing pattern?
The download includes an A0 file for copy-shop printing and an A4/US Letter file for printing at home. When printing at home, select 100% scale or Actual Size and check the ruler on the pattern before assembling your pages.
Is there a video tutorial for the Envelope Case?
Yes. A full sew-along video accompanies the pattern, so visual learners can follow the construction step by step. There's also a separate tutorial showing how to print and assemble a digital sewing pattern.