If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your everyday essentials, I have the perfect project for you. In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to make a stylish and personalized DIY notebook cover using fabric.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a newcomer to the DIY scene, this project is a fantastic way to express your unique style and protect your favorite notebooks.
Cute notebooks make a great gift, although personally I am always tempted to keep them for personal use!! This removable fabric notebook cover can be freshened up with a gentle wash.
Table of Contents
Easy DIY Notebook Cover
Materials:
- Notebook: Choose the notebook you want to cover. Whether it’s a plain journal or sketch pad, pick one that suits your style.
- Fabric: Select a fabric that resonates with your personality. Consider the size of your notebook and ensure you have enough fabric to cover it entirely.
- Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors will make cutting precise and effortless.
- Sewing Machine:
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: To measure and cut the fabric accurately.
- Pencil or Fabric Marker: Use a pencil or fabric marker to outline your cutting lines on the fabric.
- Decorative Elements (Optional): Get creative with buttons, ribbons, or any embellishments you’d like to add to your notebook cover. I am using fabric which I have printed along with free motion embroidery
Now that you have all your materials, let’s dive into the exciting process of making your very own fabric notebook cover!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Measure: Grab your notebook and a sewing tape measure. We are going to measure around the notebook whilst it is closed.
My A4 notebook measures 18 by 12″. Add an extra inch along the long edge for seam allowance (1/2″ top and 1/2″ bottom). Add an extra 8″ to the length (4″ each side) to create envelopes for the cover.
A4 notebook: Two pieces of fabric measuring 27 by 13 or one long length 52 1/2 by 13″
A5 notebook: Two pieces of fabric 20 by 9 1/4″ or one long length 39 1/2 by 9 1/4″
2. Cut your fabric pieces: Either measure out and cut with scissors or use a rotary cutter, cutting mat and quilters ruler.
3. Embellish Your Journal Cover (Optional): Now comes the fun part! Add personal touches to the front of your notebook cover by attaching buttons, ribbons, or any decorative elements you’ve chosen. Get creative and make it uniquely yours.
I have used gelli plate printed fabric (with acrylic paints) along with machine stitching to embellish the front cover of the notebook. If you have not gelli plate printed before check out my how to tutorial, note that fabric takes far more ink than when printing paper. You can see this process in my DIY notebook cover youtube video. You may also find my how to applique post helpful.
You can see this process in my DIY notebook cover youtube video. You may also find my how to applique post helpful.
4. Sew the Sides: Place the fabric right sides together. Sew the side edges with a straight stitch with 1/2″ seam allowance. If you have used one continuous length of fabric you will only have one side seam to sew.
5. Turn right side out: Turn the fabric right sides out and press. Place the cover over the book and fold in the envelope edges. Mark these edges with pins.
Remove the cover and turn so the wrong sides face you. Fold in the pressed side seam, in between the front and back to your marked pins.
6. Sew the top and bottom:
The next step is to pin the top and bottom seams. Stitch these seams leaving a good 4-5″ turning gap along the bottom.
Trim the corners and turn right sides out.
Turn in the raw edges of the turning gap and top stitch to close, or use bond a web.
Lastly insert your plain notebook, and enjoy the notebook look.
Notebook Decoration Ideas
Congratulations! You’ve just created a custom fabric cover for your plain notebook that reflects your individuality.
Looking for further notebook cover ideas? You can customize your DIY Notebook cover however you like, you can use cute fabric or express your personality with your own designs. This cover is inspired by Japanese boro stitching. I place pieces of fabric over the front piece of fabric and held them in place with running stitch.
This gorgeous notebook cover uses reverse applique and simple running stitch, playing with rough circle shapes to create the design. If you have not appliques before check out my how to applique post.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use any type of fabric for this project? Absolutely! Choose a fabric that suits your taste and ensures durability. Cotton, linen, and canvas are popular choices.
Can I wash the notebook cover if it gets dirty? It’s best to spot clean the cover to preserve the adhesive. Avoid submerging it in water to maintain its longevity.
There you have it – a fantastic and easy way to add a personal touch to your notebooks! If you are inspired by gelli printing check out my 25 great projects for gelli prints.
Have fun experimenting with different fabrics and embellishments to create covers that showcase your unique style. Happy crafting!
