DIY Patchwork Book Cover - Embroidered Diary Cover Tutorial - Fabric Scraps Book Cover - Gift Idea, by Knia Handmade on YouTube. 19 min 51 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 51 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Measure your notebook's height and width, then add a seam allowance of about 1 cm on every side. Cut a piece of quilt batting to this size as the padded base.
Cut fabric scraps into squares or strips. Lay them on the batting in a patchwork pattern until the whole surface is covered, overlapping the edges slightly.
Pin the patches in place. Sew them down by hand with small running stitches, or machine stitch close to each seam line.
Draw your motif on the patchwork with the heat erasable pen. Keep it simple, like a small flower or leaf sprig.
Embroider the motif with embroidery floss, using a basic stitch such as satin stitch for petals and backstitch for stems.
Sew cotton lace and the 1/4 inch silk ribbon along some patch seams to hide the joins and add texture.
Cut a lining piece of cotton the same size as the cover. Place it right sides together with the patchwork and sew around three sides.
Turn the cover right side out through the open side, push out the corners, then slip stitch the opening closed.
Fold the cover around the notebook to check the fit. Trim or adjust the edges if it is too tight or loose.
Sew a button on the front and make a loop from the 1/8 inch ribbon so the cover closes. Seal ribbon ends with the lighter.
Tips and common mistakes
Press each patch with an iron before sewing so the patchwork lies flat under the needle.
Keep embroidery stitches loose enough that the fabric does not pucker.
Use a heat erasable pen lightly, since heavy marks can leave faint lines on some fabrics.
Hold the lighter briefly at the ribbon ends only, and keep it away from the fabric and your fingers.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine?
No. The whole cover can be sewn by hand with a needle and thread. A machine just makes the patch seams faster.
How do I make the cover fit my notebook?
Measure your own notebook and add a 1 cm seam allowance. Check the fit before you sew the button and loop.
Can I skip the embroidery?
Yes. The patchwork, lace and ribbon alone make a finished cover. Add a button or applique instead if you prefer.
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.
