Make - a Fabric book cover

August 11, 2015

Turn a note book, journal or diary into something wonderful with a fabric book cover. Personalise for yourself or make gifts with this easy tutorial.

What you'll need:

Fabrics - In this tutorial we are using 3 fabric prints but you can use just 1 or 2 designs.
Matching thread
Fabric scissors
Pins
Book to cover (hardback works really well)

Making your own sewing pattern is easy: Just take the book you wish to cover, measure around it and add 1" inch to the total height and 1" inch to the total width. This will give you the main cover pattern inc 1cm seam allowances. You also need to make a pattern for the pocket pieces which is the same height as your main pattern and a width of 10cm. All these pieces will need to be cut on the fold (cutting 2 layers with one edge folded so that the piece is double the size when opened out).

1cm seam allowance is included in this method.

If you are covering an A5 book download our PATTERN HERE.

Here's how to make:

Cutting out (be aware of pattern direction if you are using printed fabrics) cut the following:

1 outer main on the fold
1 lining main on the fold
1 main wadding OR interfacing layer (optional)
2 pocket pieces on the fold

Taking your 2 pocket pieces, PRESS them in half length ways along the center fold with pattern/wrong sides together.

Lay all your fabric pieces in the following order and pin ready to sew (not forgetting any additional trims you wish to add).

Lay your lining piece down first right side/pattern facing up.
Lay both pocket pieces on top to the outside edges with the fold facing inwards.
Lay your outer fabric on top right side/pattern face down
If using a wadding layer add this now (optional)