Style and Fabric Choices

• Your laptop sleeve should match your personal style. Choose clean and professional black wool to go with business attire or a colorful quilted padded laptop sleeve for everyday use. Consider weather and water proofing, durability and weight. Heavy wool or neoprene can provide some water protection, while lightweight fashion fabrics will require a heavier lining and additional padding. While laptop sleeves are closely fitted, you should consider whether you prefer a button and loop closure, a button tab or a full protective flap for your padded laptop sleeve. Decide whether you prefer a horizontal or vertical opening.
  
  

Measuring and Drafting

• Measure the length, width and depth of your laptop. Allow for additional battery height or protruding hardware. Sketch a rectangle measuring the length of your laptop plus the depth of your laptop by the width plus the depth onto newsprint or similar paper. Add 1/2 inch around all sides of this rectangle to allow for seam allowances. Draft out a flap or closure pattern, allowing for the depth of your laptop, seam allowances and as much overlap as you prefer.
  
  

Cutting and Preparation

• Use your laptop sleeve pattern to cut a front and back piece from both lining and outer fabrics. Cut the lining and outer fabric for the button tab or laptop sleeve flap. Apply fusible batting to the back side of the lining fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions using your iron. Apply a medium to heavyweight interfacing to the back side of the outer fabric.
  
  

Assembly

• Assemble the flap by stitching its right sides together around three sides. Turn the flap or button tab right side out. Press, then topstitch near the edge of the fabric. Sew the front and back of the laptop sleeve together with the right sides facing one another and with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Trim the seams, then turn right side out. Repeat for the lining, leaving a 3-inch opening along one side and the lining fabric wrong side out. Pin the flap into place along the back side of the outer fabric of the padded laptop sleeve and baste. Place the outer fabric shell of the laptop sleeve right side out inside the wrong-side-out lining. Being careful to keep the flap out of the way, stitch along the top edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Trim this seam allowance and turn right side out through the opening in the bag lining. Hand sew the opening in the lining closed. Add a buttonhole and button to the flap, or use hook and loop tape to secure your DIY laptop sleeve.