Digital tablets and iPads have created a whole new genre to inspire the home cook – food blogs with gorgeous photos, community recipe sites, You Tube cooking videos and more. But working with the iPad means trying to prop it up on the kitchen bench while following a recipe. I’ve found many of the cook book stands don’t always fit the slim size of a digital tablet.

While trying to master the digital cooking session one day Lynn Pavey (our Guest Presenter) decided to make a stand from non-slip rubber matting. She had been using it to make the Embroidered tray mats and was inspired by it’s versatility and durability. Here she’s created a protective cover for an iPad, Kindle or tablet which rolls up to prop up the device while you follow a recipe. The non-slip material stops the device from slipping on the bench and from slipping easily out of the case when packed up. Just remember to adjust your screen settings so that it doesn’t fade to black just when both hands are covered in goo and you’re at a crucial step in the recipe!

Step 1: Materials

1 roll of non-slip rubber matting 1 roll of coloured raffia 1 plastic bodkin 1 coloured button (which matches with rubber matting and raffia colours_ 1 sheet of A4 sized corflute (corrugated plastic sheet, approx 3-4mm thick) 1 Adhesive velcro dot scissors ruler pencil

Step 2: Measure the Corflute

Measure the corflute into 4 pieces each measuring 23cm x 8cm wide (almost 9 inches x 3.25 inches).These are the panels to insert in the pockets of the case.

Step 3: Cut the Corflute

Cut the corflute with a ruler and ‘Stanley’ (or ‘X-acto’) knife. Practice on a spare piece first, holding knife tight to edge of ruler.

Step 4: Measure and Cut the Rubber Matting

Measure 2 pieces the same size, 25cm x 50cm (10 inches x 20 inches). It doesn’t have to be exact, as long as the corflute pieces are shorter than the width of matting. Cut in a straight line so that a clean row of holes for a row of sewing is close to the edge. To make the tie strap for the case, cut another piece 4.5cm x 50cm, or the same length as the large pieces (1.75 inches x 20 inches).

Step 5: Sew the 2 Large Pieces

Lay the 2 large pieces directly on top of each other to make a rectangle with the long sides sitting horizontally. Match the holes together for the needle to thread through. Thread the raffia onto the bodkin and knot the end. Make it a really long piece, it will run 3 sides of the rectangle. If you run out, start with a new piece. Start in top left hand corner, gently pulling through the threaded needle, leaving a 12cm tail on the reverse side. Stitch 1 row in, where there is a complete row of holes, sewing down the short side of the rectangle. Sew over 2 holes and under 1 in a running stitch. When the first side is complete continue along the full length of the long side, then continue up the last short side. Leave the other long side open.

Step 6: Sew in the Pockets for the Corflute Panels

To create the pockets to insert the corflute pieces, 4 vertical rows are stitched about 8.5cm apart. This creates 4 pockets the same size and one larger pocket (which doesn’t have a corflute panel). Measure 8.5cm in from the row of stitches along one of the short sides of the rectangle. Then measure another 3 rows, each 8.5cm apart. Test the corflute pieces can fit with enough room on either side to slide in when the pocket is sewn up. Using running stitch again in the same pattern (2 over, 1 under) thread the needle and knot it,stitch a line from one side to the other. When you reach the other side, leave a 10-12cm tail. When finished insert the corflute panels.

Step 7: Sew the Case Closed

Sew down the last side of the rectangle to close the two pieces together with the 4 corflute panels in place. The larger pocket will remain empty.

Step 8: Tidy Up Loose Threads

To finish the ends neatly, re-thread the 10-12cm loose tails and and sew over 2 or 3 of the first few stitches following the same pattern, to secure the thread. This secures the thread neatly without excess knots over the piece.

Step 9: Melt the Knotted Ends (optional)

To finish the main knotted ends, try burning them with a match for a couple of seconds to melt it. Test it first with a spare piece of raffia to check how fast it burns and how much heat you need. Too much could melt and discolour the raffia and the mat.

Step 10: Make the Tie Strap

Take the long strip of matting, sew the button on at one end about 1 cm in from the edge. Stick the velcro dot on the underside of the button. Fold the case up, so there are three layers of matting. Tie the strap around the folded case so it fits snugly. Mark where to attach the other side of the velcro dot for the strap to sit firmly but not stretched.

Step 11: Use As an IPad or Book Case

To fit the iPad/tablet inside the case, sit the iPad on 2 middle pockets containing corflute with the empty pocket on one side. Fold over the longer end of the case with the 2 corflute pockets so it looks like a book cover. Then fold the last empty pocket over the top of the two layers containing the tablet. Tie together with the strap.