Manchester Laptop Case: Briefcase and Shoulder Bag
In today’s tutorial, we’re making a laptop case so beautiful and practical that all your friends will want one too. It’s a 2-in-1 design: a briefcase and a shoulder bag!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a padded laptop carrier that works as both a handled briefcase and a shoulder bag. It includes a wraparound zipper, lining, removable strap, and an exterior charger pocket.
Foam stabilizer gives the case structure and helps protect the laptop from bumps. This layered project is best suited to a confident sewist rather than a complete beginner.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Prepare double-sided foam stabilizer for the exterior layers.
- Reinforce faux-leather handles with boxed-and-crossed stitching.
- Shape a zipper around the curved corners.
- Install the lining for a clean zipper finish.
- Secure side tabs and rings for the shoulder strap.
- Turn the case and close the lining opening neatly.
Materials and structure
The case combines exterior fabric, lining, foam stabilizer, pocket interfacing, a zipper, handles, webbing, rings, swivel hooks, and an optional strap adjuster.
A walking foot helps feed the thick stabilized layers, while a zipper foot provides access close to the zipper teeth.
Make it your own
Use one exterior fabric throughout or feature a contrasting pocket. The pocket can remain open or receive hook-and-loop tape, a snap, or a magnetic closure.
Add dividers for a charger, phone, pens, or headphones. Make the shoulder strap to a fixed personal length or fit it with an adjuster.
Webbing can replace the faux-leather handles. Appliqué or kraft-tex can add a personal detail to the exterior.
Sizing the case
Measure the laptop and add 2.5 cm at each side when drafting the main pieces. The example is based on a 23 × 32 cm laptop and uses 28 × 37 cm main pieces.
The complete video class includes the downloadable Manchester case pattern and laptop-sizing guidance.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.