DIY Network

CD Case Old books get a new lease on life, thanks to the Austin Glitterati. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-246

Host Allison Whitlock and Caro Sheridan, of the Austin Glitterati, get started on a sturdy but stylish CD case made from a hardback book.

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	CD Case
	CD Case (inside)
	Figure A

Materials:

sewing machine
6 felt pieces (wool or acrylic)
piece cotton canvas (for outer cover)
piece of fabric (cut to the size of the open book for inner lining)
hardcover book (with a minimum 1.5" spine)
craft knife
piece of cardboard (cut to 1/4" narrower than spine width and 1/2" shorter than spine height)
fabric glue
foam brush
CD for measuring

1. Use a craft knife to remove the pages of the book by cutting along the paper/glue connector along the inside of the spine (figure A).

Note: Be careful not to cut the cover of the book or the spine.

2. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit into the spine. Leave a little room (1/8" on the sides and 1⁄4" top and bottom.) Glue the cardboard to the inside of the spine to add strength.

3. Cut the outer fabric 2" bigger than the size of the book when it's open flat.

4. Use the foam brush to spread fabric glue over the entire outside surface of the book and carefully glue down the fabric, first one side, then the spine and lastly the other side. Set aside at least 3 hours to allow glue to dry.

5. Flip the book open and glue down the inside tabs as though wrapping a present (to get neatly folded inside corners). Set aside to dry.

Figure B

6. Cut the inner lining fabric to the same size as the open book. Press the fabric under 1/4" all the way around, then use a double needle and stitch down (figure B).

Tip: To ensure accuracy, first sew a seam 1⁄4" in, and then press that under so you can use the stitch line as a press guide.

Pages and Pockets

1. Cut 2 of the felt pieces 10-1/2"x6"; these will be the pages of the CD case. Cut the other 4 pieces of felt to 10-1/2"x4"; these will be the pockets for the CDs.

Note: The measurements for width and height should be taken from whatever book cover you've opted to use, but be sure to add the additional 1/2" to the width measurement for a seam allowance.

Figure C

2. Arrange the page pieces with the pocket pieces on each side carefully lined up on the edges, and stitch straight down the middle from top to bottom. Stitch along the bottom and side edges with a 1⁄4" seam allowance (figure C).

Note: You want the CD to fit snugly so it won't fall out but not so tightly that you can't remove it easily.

3. Line up the inner lining fabric with the CD pages and stitch them together, straight down the middle as before (figure D).

4. Spread fabric glue on the inner cover of the book and glue down the inner lining (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

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