Fabric Notebook Cover DIY - Sewing for Beginners, by Sewing Tutorials by Fabric Designer Tara Reed on YouTube. 20 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 20 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure your composition book. Cut an outer fabric and a lining piece each about 10 inches tall by 16 inches wide, plus a matching piece of fusible fleece.
Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the outer fabric with a hot iron. Lay a pressing cloth over the fleece so it does not stick to the iron.
Hem the short ends of the outer fabric that will become the flaps. Fold each edge under about half an inch, press, and sew close to the fold.
Fold each short end of the outer fabric inward to make the two flaps that hold the book. Press the folds with a hot ruler to keep them straight.
Place the outer cover right side up and lay the lining on top, right side down. Clip or pin the edges and sew around all four sides with a half inch seam, leaving a 3 inch gap on one long edge.
Clip the corners close to the seam and turn the cover right side out through the gap. Push the corners out with a point turner.
Fold the raw edges of the gap inside and hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
Press the whole cover flat, working the flap folds straight with the tip of the iron.
Slide the front and back covers of the composition book into the two flaps. Smooth the fabric down and check the fit.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a pressing cloth every time the iron touches fusible fleece, or the glue will gum up the soleplate.
If your fabric has a directional print, check the pattern runs the right way before you cut and fuse.
Sew slowly around the corners and stop with the needle down to pivot for sharper points.
Clip corners but never cut through the seam line, or the cover will fray open.
Questions
What size fabric do I need for a composition book cover?
About 10 by 16 inches for both the outer fabric and the lining, plus the same size of fusible fleece. That gives you room for the flaps and seam allowance.
Can I make this cover without a sewing machine?
Yes, but it takes longer. Use a backstitch for the seams and a ladder stitch for the opening, and keep your stitches small and even.
Will this cover fit a standard notebook?
It is sized for a composition book of about 9.75 by 7.5 inches. Measure your book and add an inch to the height and width before cutting if it is larger.
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.
