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Materials:

" File Folders or similar weight cardboard

" Fabric

" Decorative thread for both loopers if using a serger

" Decorative or matching thread for top and bobbin is using a sewing machine

" Strips of 3/8" or 5/8" Heat 'n Bond Lite or Steam a Seam

Procedure for Sewing Machine:

1. Cut the file folder the size you want the fabric folder to be, keeping the fold at the bottom.
2. Cut the fabric 4 times the height of the envelope and 1½" wider.
3. Cut two strips of Heat 'n Bond Lite or Steam a Seam the length of the inside sides of the folder with it opened up. (These are the sides perpendicular to the fold.) Fuse these strips, without taking the paper off, to the inside sides of the folder, even with the edge. (Be sure to follow fusing instructions on the package.)
4. Remove the paper from one of the strips. Being sure that the ends of the fabric will wrap around to the fold of the file folder, (your folder will be centered on the fabric), take the paper off and fuse one of the sides perpendicular to the fold. Then fuse the other.
5. Now cut two strips of Heat 'n Bond Lite or Steam a Seam the width of the folder. Fuse these strips, without taking the paper off, to the inside of the folder, one on each side of the fold.
6. Remove the paper from one of the strips. Wrap the fabric around the folder so the short edges meet on the inside, fuse the one down in the center where you've removed the paper. Fold in the raw edges on the sides, and fuse the rest of the strip. Be sure the edges are folded so they won't show on the outside. Then remove the other paper and fuse the other side down the same way.
7. Start stitching at the open edge, with the feed teeth down, and do a three step zig zag to give extra reinforcement. Then chose a decorative stitch or a zig zag, and stitch the rest of the way down, near the edge. (Throw away your needle at the end of the project after stitching through the paper.)

Procedure for Serging:

1. Cut the file folder the size you want the fabric folder to be, keeping the fold at the bottom.
2. Cut the fabric 4 times the height of the envelope and ¼" wider.
3. Cut two strips of Heat 'n Bond Lite or Steam a Seam the width of the folder. Fuse these strips, without taking the paper off, to the inside of the folder, on each side of the fold. (Be sure to follow fusing instructions on the package.)
4. Remove the paper from one of the strips. Wrap the fabric around the folder so the short edges meet on the inside, and fuse the one down where you've removed the paper. Then remove the other paper and fuse the other side down.
5. Thread your serger loopers with decorative thread, set stitches close together. Serge, trimming the fabric slightly and serging through paper. Run your thread tails into the seams to bury them.