Tutorial: Small Notebook Fabric Cover
This is a tutorial for making a notebook cover for a standard pocket notebook (3.5″X5.5″). I thought this was a fun way to bring my tiny sketchbook with me and keep it from getting bent out of shape in my (way to disorganized) bag. It also has a slot for a pen or pencil along the spine because I kept losing all of my pens.
All you need for this are some larger scraps of fabric, a bit of leftover elastic and interfacing, and a large button. Print out the pattern with the button below and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. That being said, I encourage you to use your local sewing shop whenever possible, or to look for supplies second hand.
Supplies Needed:
(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)
Step 1
clip into the seam allowance at the stitchlines
Clip in 1/2 inch at both sides of the stitchlines on the pattern.
Step 2
make a narrow hem between the stitch lines
Fold over the clipped area and sew it in place to make a narrow hem at the top and bottom between the stitch lines.
Step 3
sew the elastic and the button
Fold the elastic in half and baste it to one side. Then sew the button two inches in from the other side.
Step 4
sew the stitch lines together
fold the notebook cover in half with wrong sides together, lining up the stitch lines (as seen on the pattern). Topstitch to create a slot along the spine where you can put a pen.
Step 5
apply interfacing to the flaps and the notebook lining
Step 6
hem the flaps
Make a narrow 1/4 inch hem on one long side of both flap pieces.
Step 7
baste the flaps to the lining
line up the flaps with the edges of the lining and baste them together along the edges.
Step 8
sew the lining to the cover
With right sides together, sew the lining to the cover around the perimeter. Be careful not to stitch through the pen slot you made earlier. Leave a small gap so that you can turn it to the right side.
Step 9
turn the notebook cover to the right side
clip the corners and turn the cover to the right side through the small gap.
Step 10
sew the gap
Press the notebook cover flat, and sew up the gap.
Finished!
