Tin Whistle Case Tutorial
This beginner-friendly tin whistle case pattern is quick, simple, and perfect for making multiple cases. The case is sized for a standard tin whistle, with fleece for cushioning and a secure button closure. Customize with tags or embellishments for a personal touch!
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Round object (e.g., mason jar) for tracing semi-circle
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Hand-sewing needle
Materials
- ⅛ yard fleece fabric
- ⅛ yard cotton fabric
- matching thread
- 1 button, medium size, about 1/2"–3/4"
- 3 inches ⅛" wide elastic avoid thinner elastic cord pictured for better stitching durability
Instructions
- Cut Fabric Strips: Cut one 3.5" x 27" strip from both the fleece and cotton fabric along the length of the material.
- Prepare Elastic: Cut a 3" piece of 1/8" wide elastic. Fold it in half to form a loop and set aside.
- Layer Fabrics: Place the fleece strip on the bottom. Lay the cotton strip on top, right side facing the fleece (wrong side up).
- Mark and Pin Elastic: At one end of the fabric layers, trace a semi-circle using a mason jar or similar round object.
- Assemble: Place the folded elastic loop between the fabric layers at the semi-circle end, with the loop inside and the cut ends aligned with the fabric edge. Secure with two pins, one on each side of the elastic, to prevent shifting.
- Sew Main Seam: Starting at the unmarked (straight) end, sew a 1/4" seam allowance along the long sides and around the semi-circle end, leaving the straight end open. When sewing over the elastic, reinforce by stitching back and forth multiple times to ensure it’s secure.
- Trim: Trim excess fabric around the curved end, leaving a small margin (about 1/8") and keeping the elastic ends intact for potential repairs.
- Turn: Turn the fabric tube right side out through the open end.
- Iron: Press with an iron to flatten and shape the case, ensuring the seams are smooth.
- Close Open End: Fold the raw edges of the open end inward by 1/4". Sew a 1/4" seam to close.
- Form Pocket: Lay the case flat. Fold the straight end up to create a pocket 12" long from the fold to the opening. Pin in place if needed.
- Mark and Attach Button: Fold the semi-circle flap over the pocket. Mark where the elastic loop rests on the flap, then move slightly past (about 1/4"–1/2") to mark the button placement. Hand-sew the button securely at the marked spot.
- Final Stitching: With the pocket still folded to 12" and the flap folded down, sew a 1/4" seam around the entire case, starting and ending at the pocket opening. Backstitch at the start and end for durability.
Notes
- This pattern yields a padded case perfect for tin whistles.
- For personalization, add a name tag or decorative stitching before the final seam.
- This method is efficient for bulk sewing—great for fundraisers or group projects!
Tips:
- Test the button placement to ensure the elastic loop reaches comfortably without stretching too tightly.
- If the elastic feels too loose, shorten it slightly before sewing.
For extra durability, double-stitch the final seam around the case.
