I can remember covering my text books in grade school with brown paper to protect them from wear.
Throughout the years, my Mom and I would come up with more creative solutions like wallpaper and thick wrapping paper.
It definitely added a bit of style to otherwise drab book covers:).
I still like to cover books, and here is a fun way to spice up a typical school notebook.
I love having something a little out of the ordinary and this simple fabric cover is a great beginner project.
This tutorial is laden with pictures, but the project should only take about 30-40 minutes.
Here is what you will need:
a composition book or other notebook
{I prefer a stiff cardboard cover}
about 1/2 yard of fabric {you won't use it all}
about 1 yard of coordinating ribbon
1/2 yard of lace or trim that is about 2 inches wide
{mine is off of an old sheet}
needle and thread
hot glue gun
First, cut the fabric you are using at least 1/2 inch wider than your book {as in above picture}.
Now, for the length, you will need to open up your book and overlap the fabric to the inside cover....like the picture below.
Make sure that the fabric is overlapping 1/2 inch longer than the inside cover.
See how I am leaving a little room to hem?
You will want to measure and cut accordingly on the back cover.
Next, hem each side.
Using your book as a template, fold long edges down so that they are exactly the width of the notebook.
Press them with an iron.
You will use this as your guide when sewing.
Now, we will attach the ribbon and pencil holder.
Fold the fabric to the inside cover...about where you would want it when finished.
Close the cover and place the ribbon about half way down.
You are going to use it as a tie, so make sure that at least 1/3 of the ribbon is left as a tail to the right of your book.
I hope this picture gives enough detail.
Pin the ribbon in place.
Next, sew a spot for your pen or pencil that is exactly 3/4 of an inch wide.
I used blue thread so you could see what it should look like:).
My "pocket" is about 1 inch from the left side of the notebook.
I will show you how to make the little flower at the end:).
Find the center of your fabric and mark it with a pin at top and bottom.
With right sides together, fold sides to the center...leaving about 1/4 inch gap in the center.
Pin, and sew together.
Use your pressed fold marks as your guide of where to hem.
It should look similar to this photo after you have finished sewing.
Turn inside out, making sure corners are at a neat angle.
Press with your iron.
Here is the slightly tricky part...inserting your notebook.
Fold your cover in half, so that there are two pocket openings showing.
Close your notebook covers together just like this...
Now, just slip the front and back covers into their slots.
And close your book.
I like this style because it has a really tight fit.
Tie your ribbon around and cut to fit.
Leaving a little more room is better than not having enough.
On to the little lace flower!
Before starting, make sure you have your needle and thread ready.
Take one end of your lace and pinch together a couple of folds, like this:
It should kind of resemble this on the opposite side.
Hold the back side by pinching fabric together and holding it in place.
I call this the "stem."
Keep slightly folding and pinching fabric together, as you work in a circular motion.
Around and around until you come to the end of the lace.
There is no right or wrong way to do this....so each flower will look unique!
Just play with it until you have the look you want.
Here is how mine came together...
Your "stem" will get thicker and thicker.
Tuck the end of the lace underneath and fold into the "stem."
Next, while holding the base or stem, run your needle and thread through the center a few times.
Take the excess thread and circle around the stem.
Tie off in a knot.
The underside doesn't have to be pretty or perfect.
No one will ever see it!
Hot glue your finished product on your notebook.
This project makes a wonderful gift and is so very simple to make.
Enjoy!
~Julia
