How to Make a Guitar Case? (Let's talk Part One)

1.Measure your guitar. 

Using a tape measure or tailor's tape, measure the approximate length and width of your guitar. Use these dimensions to buy your fabric. Choose exterior fabric in a color or pattern you like. Interior fabric is optional for lining the case and could be in a complementary or contrasting shade to your exterior fabric. Duck cloth is a plain, heavy cotton fabric used for padding; its color won't show.

2.Trace your guitar on paper. 

Lay the guitar on a piece of paper and trace around it's edge with a pencil. Then make a second, darker line that is ¾ inch larger on all sides to make sure the case is not too tight on your guitar. Cut the shape out along the darker line.

Measure all the way around the outside edge of the pattern once you cut it out. About half this number is a good length for a zipper and about double this number is a good length for piping, if you choose to use it.

3.Cut fabric to size for front and back panels. 

Using the pattern you created on paper, cut out 2 pieces of your exterior fabric, 2 pieces of the duck cloth, and 2 pieces of fleece/batting. Then cut the 2 pieces of fleece/batting to be ½ inch smaller all around to reduce bulk when sewing.

4.Sew the pieces together. 

Place 1 piece of your fleece/batting on top of 1 piece of duck cloth, and then place 1 piece of your exterior fabric on top of that. Do the same with the second set of pieces. One set will be the front panel of your case and the other set will be the back panel. Then, use a sewing machine to quilt the pieces together, using straight lines across the length of the fabric. Do this on both panels.

5.Attach piping (optional). 

If you want to add piping to the edging of your case for a finished look, you can do so by pinning it around the edge of your front and back panels and then sewing it on with a basting stitch on your machine (straight stitch at the longest length).