How to make a fabric book cover…and why you should!
We’ve been told “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but maybe we should! A fabric book cover adds a touch of elegance or whimsy to an ordinary book or journal. Here’s how, and why, you should give this project a try:
How to make a fabric book cover:
There are many tutorials out there. I found this one to be easy to follow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgvp25PWGS8
The most important thing is to measure your book carefully (as the tutorial demonstrates) and stitch and fit the corners one at a time to insure just the right fit. Too loose, and the cover sags; too tight and the book won’t close properly.
Here’s why you should make a fabric book cover:
It’s a great way to use up fabric scraps.
Admit it. Us sewists are notorious for saving all the leftovers from previous projects. You probably have a stash that looks something like this. I hate to throw anything away. I’m always on the lookout for ways to use these bits and pieces.
Fabric Covered books are beautiful, and make great gifts.
I look for journals in the stationary department of stores such as TJ Maxx, or Burlington Coat Factory. I’ve even found some great ones in the used book store, being careful to make sure the pages were blank! The price is right, but many times the covers aren’t what I want. With some imagination and spare fabric, a nice gift is created. Maybe you have a family cookbook, photo album, or other keepsake volume that you’d love to give as a gift.
Not a sewist? No problem. My friend, Karen recently gave me this unusual accordion book she made. The paper cover is beautiful and the accordion style pages will be just right for capturing small thoughts or poems.
Karen made her beautiful book in a bookmaking class, but there are many tutorials for ” how to make a paper covered accordion book.”
As a former teacher, this kid friendly tutorial caught my eye.https://www.readbrightly.com/diy-accordion-book/
Fabric Covered Books wrap your words in love.
I love to start each morning with a cup of tea and my journal.
http://seamslikeastory.com/the-blank-page/
When I’ve taken the time to make a book cover for my journal, it seems to elevate my thoughts and words. As I take my journal from the bookshelf, the texture and colors of the fabric inspire me. Maybe that’s the best reason of all to stitch one up for yourself or a friend.
Threads of Thought
If you are a sewist, how do you use your fabric scraps?
Fabric often inspires my creativity. What inspires your creative spirit?
Thank you Debra. This is a creative idea and will give personality to each journal making it easier to distinguish one from the other. My sewing machine has not been unboxed for decades and on Monday will have its debut. A friend will teach me how to use it properly and I will make a book jacket as a first project.
Yay! One of my goals for this blog is to inspire others to try new things, revise old passions, and create! The book cover project will be a good one to start with. Plus, it combines writing and sewing! Let Diane or I know if you have any trouble after your friend helps you get started.
I’ve been sewing quite a bit! We use linen napkins, never paper ones. I’ve made napkins for every holiday and now I’m making them for friends. I find sewing relaxing🤷🏼♀️❤️
I love this idea! Now I’m looking at my stash of fabric scraps and seeing napkins! Very relaxing and good for the environment! Miss you Debbie!
I also love your ideas. Debra, I usually type instead of hand write/print my thoughts, ideas, stories so I can easily file them on my laptop. Hey! Maybe I should think about sewing a nice fabric cover for my laptop. Don’t ask me why I never thought about that before! I don’t know why, but you all have certainly inspired me.
Devi, I’m waiting to hear about your success story with your sewing machine.
The laptop cover sounds interesting. Have you ever tried making a sewing machine cover? One of my machines doesn’t have a cover and I’m thinking about it.
This is beyond my skill level. I can however make a cover out of a brown paper grocery bag (remember those?). We were required to cover our elementary school books for protection.
LOL…I remember those! I thought of your workshop when I was writing this and how you use scraps of wood to create new pieces, like that beautiful chair you made.