EASY Fabric Journal Cover Tutorial, by Alanda Craft on YouTube. 8 min 36 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 36 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure your notebook's height and width, then add about 1 cm seam allowance to each measurement. Cut the outer fabric and lining to this size, and cut the batting the same size.
Cut a third fabric piece for the flap or inner pocket, about the same width as the cover and a few centimetres deep. Fold and press its edges under.
Lay the batting flat, place the outer fabric right side up on top, then pin the flap piece in place along one short edge.
Cut a length of ribbon long enough to tie in a bow around the closed journal. Pin the ribbon ends at the centre of the front and back edges so they will sit outside the finished cover.
Place the lining fabric right side down over the stack, sandwiching the ribbon ends inside. Pin all the way around.
Sew around the edges with a straight stitch, leaving a gap of about 8 cm on one side for turning. Backstitch at the start and end.
Trim the corners close to the stitching and clip any bulky batting. Turn the cover right side out through the gap and poke the corners out with a blunt tool.
Press the cover flat, fold the gap edges under, and topstitch close to the edge all the way around to close the gap and secure the batting.
Slide the notebook into the cover and tie the ribbon closed. Check the fit and trim the ribbon ends if needed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a walking foot or reduce presser foot pressure if the batting makes the layers slide.
Pin the ribbon well inside the seam line so it does not get caught in the stitching.
Test the fit with the notebook before topstitching, since seam allowances can make the cover tight.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
What size fabric do I need?
It depends on your notebook. Measure the height and width, add about 1 cm seam allowance to each side, and cut the outer, lining and batting to that size.
Can I make this without a sewing machine?
Yes. A simple backstitch or running stitch by hand works, but it takes longer and the seams may be less even.
How do I stop the batting from bunching?
Quilt a few lines through all layers before turning, or topstitch around the edge after turning to hold the batting in place.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
