How to make a recorder case

1. Materials & tools

Materials (soprano recorder)

• Main fabric (oxford, sheeting or printed cotton) — about 25 × 80 cm (10 × 31 in)
• Cord (4–5 mm / ³⁄₁₆ in) — about 70 cm (28 in)
• Bodkin
• Optional: a fabric label for the name

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Recorder case” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the recorder length, bag width and the drawstring casing drop. Presets cover a soprano recorder, an alto recorder and a melodica hose.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Measure the recorder
   Measure it assembled — that is how a child will put it away.
2. Trace the pattern
   It is a rectangle folded at the base, so mark it straight onto the fabric.
3. Cut
   Cut one piece.
4. Finish the edges
   Zigzag the side allowances — they get plenty of wear.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the sides, leaving the casing openings

1. Fold at the base, right sides together.
2. Sew each side, but stop at the casing drop measured down from the top. Those unsewn sections are where the cord comes out.
3. It is a narrow bag, so a wandering seam shows. Rule a line and follow it.

4-2. Finish the casing openings

1. Press the allowances open at the unsewn sections and topstitch them down in a narrow rectangle.
2. Backstitch at the point where the seam stops — that is where a bag tears.

4-3. Make the casing

1. Fold the top edge under twice, to the casing depth, and stitch all the way around.
2. Check the channel connects to the side openings you left.

4-4. Thread the cord

1. Turn right side out, thread the cord in one opening, around, and back out the same one. Knot the ends.
2. For a two-cord version, thread a second cord from the other side so it pulls evenly.
3. Add a name label and check the recorder goes in easily.

✏️ Measure the recorder assembled, not in pieces. Children put it away in one piece. If the cleaning rod goes in too, add a centimeter to the width or the bag will always be a struggle.

5. Tips & variations

• Name it prominently: every child in the class has the same recorder.
• Melodica hose: the hose preset is sized for the tube and mouthpiece.
• Washable fabric: it holds an instrument that goes in a mouth. Cotton that survives a hot wash.