Journal/Book Cover Tutorial

Now I don't think this is revolutionary, but I wanted to make a cover for my bible, which I have had for 11 years and love very much. The pages turn perfectly and it feels lovely. I know. Weird. But I know you know what I mean.

This can be modified for any size book, just adjust the measurements.  Let's get started.

Materials

2 pieces of coordinating (or uncoordinating)fabric

a good length of skinny elastic

a pretty button

a scrap of velcro

Measuring

Measure from the top to bottom of your book

Measure around the book (vertically), the COVER only 

The thickness of your book

After you have these measurements add 1 inch to the first two measurements.

Add about 2 inches to the thickness measurement (*Note* You could also make this "reversible" and omit the strap.)

My cover pieces ended up being 13 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches

The strap piece was 3 inches and I just made a 3 inch square for that piece.

 Go ahead and pin the cover pieces together with right sides facing. Mark a 4 inch opening on one of the short sides. This will be the opening you will turn it out from and where you will place the strap and elastic.

 Make a tube with your strap piece by folding in half right sides facing and sewing along the open side.

 Fold under one of the short sides and topstitch all around. Add one side of the velcro as well.

 Sew all around your fabric (except for your marked opening) using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Clip the corners.

 Turn right side out and press really well. Don't skip this step!

Figure out where you want your strap and pin inside the opening.

Ok. Now we come to the elastic. I am sure there is a far more clever way to do this, but I wanted to ensure the elastic wouldn't be too loose or tight and to me this was the best way.

 Cut your elastic so it hangs over the edge a bit on each side.

  Decide where you want the elastic.  Mine is about 1.5 inches from the edge. Using a seam ripper carefully cut an opening and place your elastic how you want it. Repeat on the other side.

This is where you have to be careful. Topstitch around the entire cover being careful not to go over the elastic. You can pull it away from the needle and then at one point I had to pull the elastic through so I just carefully picked up the foot and needle and slid it through. It's actually not too hard because the elastic has a lot of give.

 Wrap your cover around your book and determine where to place the other side of the velcro. Mark it and pin and place and stitch it on. I hand stitched a button on the top of the strap just for decoration.

It turned out sooooo cute! It reminds me of when I was young and it was really cool to have a bible carrier. I had this insanely ornate one that was quilted, with lace and ribbons and the whole nine.  This is much sleeker, and maybe it's kinda dorky...but I never said I wasn't a dork ;)

This would also be nice to cover a plain journal with and give to a friend :)