Inspired Project #1: How to Sew a Patchwork Mini Binder Cover

PatchworkBinderCoverTutorial

Hello and welcome to Sewspire!

My name is Andrea and today I am going to show you how to sew a Mini Patchwork Binder Cover which is designed to fit a 1″ Mini Three Ring Binder.

This is a FUN & EASY beginner sewing project that reinforces Sewing Skill #1: Fabric Piecing.

For this project you will need a 1/2 yard to 3/4 of a yard of assorted fabric remnants. You can download the written instructions (which include the pattern key and measurements) here.

As a supplement the following video includes step by step assembly instructions and some sewing tips and tricks that will be helpful as you move through this project.

Thank you for your support and remember to tag your sewing projects @sewspire and #sewspire on Instagram and Twitter! I love to see what you are making and want to cheer you on!

If you would like to make request for a future sewing project to be featured in our Friday Inspired Project post please leave a comment in our Guest Book and I will do my best to make that happen.

Until next time…subscribe today and be inspired!

Andrea


Comments

11 responses to “Inspired Project #1: How to Sew a Patchwork Mini Binder Cover”

  1. Chrystal Avatar
    Chrystal

    Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this tutorial together!

    I completed this project! It looks good but I think I used to much of a seam allowance because it is about a quarter of an inch to small from top to bottom. I’ll try again with less seam allowance.

    1. SewSpire Avatar
      SewSpire

      I am so glad you enjoyed the project and am certain you’ll achieve a perfect fit next time around! When making these covers, I like to use a short stitch (2.5 on my machine) and align the edge of my fabric with the right edge of my sewing foot to ensure I capture all of the fabric layers in my stitch, maintain a straight line and achieve a nice even seam allowance. Hope that helps! Happy sewing! Andrea

  2. I just discovered your site and videos and have been enjoying them. I love the concept of the mini binders w/covers for gifts. Since our Walmart is small, I thought I might order binders online. I’m puzzled, though, when looking at binder from your link. It shows an expandable envelope on front inside cover. Did you remove this? Would cover fit the same size binder with round rings? Thanks for sharing your projects and for any help.

    1. Hello Carolyn and welcome to Sewspire! I am so happy you found us. The binder covers have two slip pockets on either end which you slip the binder into; but, they can be used to hold additional documents. I think this is what you are referring to…let me know if I have misunderstood your question. This cover will fit any of the 1″ mini binders. Happy sewing! Andrea

      1. Thank you. I was referring to the actual binder on the Amazon link. It appears to have a thicker expandable folder inside front cover that I think would prevent you from sliding it into a fabric cover. I’ll wait until I can get to a stationery store to see what binders they have available.

        1. Oh, thank you for clarifying as I didn’t realize that. I purchased my binders at Target and they did not have the expandable folders.

          All the best,
          Andrea

  3. Jeannine Anctil Avatar
    Jeannine Anctil

    Loved this project, I made four in one day! Thank you for your clear instructions!

    Looking forward to your next projects!

    Jeannine

    1. SewSpire Avatar
      SewSpire

      That is awesome, Jeannine! I’d love to see some photos! You can post those on Instagram and tag @sewspire or feel free to email a pic to [email protected] and I can share it with our creative community. I am so happy you are enjoying the projects and shall be looking forward to seeing more of your inspired projects soon! Happy sewing, Andrea

  4. Loved this project. I’ve made 4 already. It’s taking me longer to pick out the fabric and cut it than it is to sew the project. Thank you Andrea for a wonderful project 🙂

    1. SewSpire Avatar
      SewSpire

      That is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear you are enjoy the first project. I just finished recording our second project and am so excited to share that this Friday! Many thanks for all of the encouragement and kind words. You are a gem Paula!

      1. Yay!! I can’t wait till Friday. Fridays are going to be awesome now 🙂 Thanks again Andrea 🙂