Making fabric notebook covers simplified...

Once again, I am using up my half yard fabrics from my stash. These are the same fabrics that were used to cover the front of my storage drawers that I showed you back on June 12th. By using various fabrics over the plain black notebooks, I can create a pretty interest on my bookshelves and reflect the fabrics used on the desk with the drawers. Here are the first 6 of mine completed.

I first measured the size of my notebooks. They are varying widths but this one for the example is 12 1/2 inches X 24 1/2 inches. I cut my fabric to 17 12 inches X 38 1/2 inches.

Fold back a spacious 1/4 inch of fabric and pin in place. Sew first the short ends.

Fold the long sides in the same way and sew. There is no need to roll hem this as it will only create bulk which would be visible with the finished cover and these seams are protected within the notebook cover.

I checked the fabric at this point by folding it in half and measuring it from the binding to the end for the size of the flap. Fold back the flap at 6 inches and sew each side 1 7/8 inches from the edge.

You must be sure to allow a little extra in the width for the cover to slide onto the notebook. My notebook is 12 1/2 inches but I sewed the width of 13 inches for ease.

Now slip the cover on the notebook and mark with a straight pin where the second flap will begin. Pin and sew the second flap as shown in the previous step.

Iron the cover so that the edges are nice and crisp giving a better result.

Now simply insert your notebook into the cover.

This cover is a cheerful way to put your own 'stamp' on store bought notebooks. You can also decorate these covers in any way you would like with embroidery or applique. If you would like to mark the contents, sew a muslin strip to the side with the contents written in permanent ink pen.

I hope I have been able to give you yet another fun idea to use up some of your fabrics and create something personal for your craft room/area.