Introduction: Laptop Sleeve From a FedEx Envelope
Here are basic instructions for making a laptop sleeve out of FedEx envelopes. I was looking for a strong and waterproof material to make my own sleeve from and remembered that FedEx and the US Postal Service both use Tyvek (or similar) material for their envelopes. My sleeve fits a MacBook, but the design is easily adaptable for other sized laptops.
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Step 1: Materials
Find yourself 3 or 4 FedEx envelopes. This sleeve takes 3.
Step 2: Padding
Cut your padding material to fit the inside of the envelope. I used felt. Then stuff it into the envelope.
Step 3: Trim
Trim the adhesive flap from the bag.
Step 4: Mark Dimensions
Mark the size of the sleeve. *Note* Leave some extra room on the sides and top (1/4-1/2") for the thickness of the laptop and the seam allowance).
Step 5: Sew Pocket
Pin and sew along your lines and along the opposite side edge (shown right). This leaves an opening for the laptop (bottom).
Step 6: Trim Seems
Trim the seams.
Step 7: Turn Inside-out
Turn the pocket inside-out. This is the basic sleeve without the flap.
Step 8: Start Flap
Measure and mark the width of the folding flap.
Step 9: Pin Flap
Sew the flap to size and trim the seam. Pin the flap to the inside back of the pocket. You may notice that I mistakenly sewed it to the front on my first attempt (sigh).
Step 10: Attach Flap
Sew the flap to the pocket. I also sewed around the top of the pocket to hold the padding in place.
...yes, I am using red thread on the spool and purple on the bobbin. So what, I liked it.
Step 11: Fold Flap
That's basically it.
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32 Comments
7 years ago
I am so funny
11 years ago on Introduction
Hey, great idea. I'm thinking about combining this and the hoodie sleeve idea. Hoodie as the outer shell, with a layer of padded FedEx envelope as the outer inner lining, bubble wrap as a middle inner lining, and cloth as the inner lining. The only problem's that I'd have to modify the waterproof envelope and sew it in to attach. Is there anyway y'all can think of doing this while keeping this waterproof? Thanks!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Waterproof zipper?
12 years ago on Introduction
The aper dont destroy or cut in a bag o.o?¡?
13 years ago on Introduction
I did something similar with a bag from Staples. It fits netboooks or a smaller iBook perfectly!
https://www.instructables.com/id/Use-a-Bubble-Mailer-for-a-Netbook-or-Laptop-Sleeve/
13 years ago on Introduction
I was wondering this out but realized that couldn't you just use a tougher envelope with a layer of bubble wrap inside it.
13 years ago on Introduction
awesome! im going to try this for my Acer Aspire One, soon as i get some envelopes :P five stars and fav'd :)
13 years ago on Step 11
Using the fused plastic instructables, you can create a "skin" for this case. Very trendy, still waterproof and really trendy (like patent leather) and cool. Just a thought :)
13 years ago on Step 11
Ever notice the arrow between the E and the x? If you didn't, that's all you will see from now on. They spent so much money for that arrow. Sorry thought I would pass on my torment. Very slick I'm going to do this next chance I get. Thanks for the Idea
13 years ago on Introduction
Awesome bag! I took some of your cues and made a sleeve. Check it out.
14 years ago on Introduction
I think the lazier way would be to buy a macbook air.
15 years ago on Introduction
Great idea. It would be even more environmentally friendly if you just asked friends who get FedEx envelopes to save a few for ya'. That way, you'd be using something that would have ended up in the trash. Plus, with an address etc on it, it would look more like something not worth stealing.
I checked with Dupont's Tyvek envelope website and while the tyvek is very durable, it's only water resistant. If you want to make it even better, seal the inside with something like AquaSeal Map Seal (water based environmentally safe). Plus if you want a lining and worried about static, make an inner sleeve cut from a used paper grocery bag.
I plan on making one. My laptop will be inside a daypack but thought it would be nice to have a little more protection. Thanks again for the idea.
Jim WanderingTheWorld.com
15 years ago on Introduction
the red and purple thread is genius. great design touch.
15 years ago on Step 11
i just made this, thanks for the great idea! my kitty loves plastics as well. one note, i was a little confused at first as the instructions didn't spell out that on step 5 you are to sew two bags together, but it all came together perfectly in the end.
15 years ago on Introduction
Hay waynestead did u added a strap to it ?
15 years ago on Introduction
I know how you can make it a messenger bag you can cut the fourth bag in to strips and sew that on! ill try make this bag but ill make it in to a messenger laptop case.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
im srry i dont know if i can try make this my parrents might think im up to something bad when im make things like this so ill still try if i can make an instructables
15 years ago on Introduction
When using USPS material, keep in mind "Packaging supplies provided by the United States Postal Service are solely for use in sending Express, Priority, Global, or Global Express Mail via USPS. Misuse may be a violation of federal law."
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the reminder. That's why I used FedEx (not usps) and asked, politely if i could have the envelopes.
15 years ago on Introduction
sorry, color me thick but I can't figure out how this gets made. I'm wondering 1. you just stuff felt into the empty bag? then what? 2. What does he mean by "the pocket"? and how do you turn it inside out? And why doesn't the photo look like anything has been turned inside out? 3. Why do you need 3 or 4 bags when it looks like you need 2 at maximum? 4. Is there padding in the flap? Should there be?