Free Pattern: Passport Covers

My husband and I are headed to warm, sunny, Mexico in about 2 weeks!  What better time and occasion to create a pair of passport covers?  

These covers will fit a standard American passport.

I tried two different free patterns I found online, and both had limitations, confusing steps, and problems - so I wrote my own!  Please enjoy this quick and easy free pattern:

1. Cut 2 cotton fabrics (one outer fabric and one liner): 6" x 11 1/2". If your fabric is directional, pay attention! 

2. Cut 1 piece of fusible interfacing: 6" x 11 1/2".

3. Using an iron, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric.

4. Sew the pieces together, right sides together.  Leave a 4" opening along one long side.

5. Trim corners, then turn right-side out.

6. Poke out corners using a Purple Thang or something similar, and give it a good press. For the part that is not sewn, carefully fold the seam allowance inside and press, as if it was sewn.

7. Using a ruler, fold in each short side about 1 3/4", with the lining side up (see photo below).  This will make the pockets for the passport to tuck into.  Pin them in place.  

8. Cut a medium to large hair elastic apart.  Cut it to 5 1/2" in length (when not stretched).

9. You'll be sewing down the pockets, sewing up the turning hole, and sewing down the elastic all in one step.  Begin sewing about 1/2" past a pocket, topstitching about 1/8" from the finished edge, heading towards the closest corner. (The start of the sewing line is where the scissors are pointing).

10. Turn and continue down the short side.  When you turn again, place a cut end of the elastic within the pocket, about 1 3/8" from the corner, so that 1/4" of elastic is sandwiched between the lining and the folded pocket lining, with the elastic piece pointing away from the cover. As you sew over the elastic, backstitch a few times to ensure that it's secure.  

11. Leaving the second end of the elastic loose, continue topstitching around the rest of the cover, making sure that your topstitch seals the turning hole and secures the pockets to the cover.  

12. When you get back around to the last pocket (where you started), fold the cover a bit so that you can tuck the other cut end of the elastic into the pocket without the elastic stretching (which makes it hard to sew!).  Backstitch over the elastic a few times and finish sewing.  All done!

Please reach out with any questions or comments, and Happy Travels!

Julianne

Owner, Cary Quilting Company