Tutorial: Fabric-Covered Notebook (Part 1)

This 2-part tutorial will show a simple way to cover a notebook with fabric.

It includes details such as...

- Reinforcing flimsy covers

- Adding a built-in ribbon bookmark

- How to work around the spine

- Attaching a belt-style closure

You can use the steps in this tutorial to cover other books and journals, as well as on projects like the Fleur de Lis Wall-Hanging.  

In this portion of the tutorial, I'll show you how to...

- Strengthen your cover

- Make sure you don't see the book's original cover & spine through your fabric

- Add an attached bookmark

Let's get started!!

Step 1: GATHER SUPPLIES

Necessary Items
- Notebook (I used a mini composition notebook)
- Glue (I used Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue)
- White or black cardstock
- Fabric
- Coordinating cardstock or other thick paper
Optional Items
- Grey-board (cereal box cardboard)
- Wide ribbon or strip of fabric
- Coordinating 1/8" satin ribbon
- Large-eye sewing needle
- Coordinating beads
- Charm
- 2 Jump-rings or split-rings

Step 2: REINFORCE COVERS (optional)

The little notebook I used had covers that were made from a single layer of grey-board.  I wanted them to be more sturdy, like a regular book cover.  This is an easy way to strengthen your covers and can be repeated to make them even stronger.

Prep Cardboard

Find or make a straight edge on one side of your cardboard.

Place your cardboard inside one cover with the straight edge towards the spine, making sure it's straight.

Trace around the edge of the cover and cut out.

Repeat this process for the other cover.

Attach Cardboard

Place a relatively thin layer of glue on one side of your cardboard.

Flip over and line up with the outside edge and corners of the cover.

Press firmly to make sure the cardboard is bonding to the cover.

Wipe away any excess glue and trim any overlapping cardboard.

Step 3: ADDING A BOOKMARK (optional)

If giving your book as a gift, adding a bookmark can be another special touch that's functional as well.  It's a great way to personalize your book even further if you're keeping it for yourself.

Make the Bookmark

Cut a length of ribbon that's about 3x the height of your book; remember that it's better to cut it too long than too short!

Tie a knot or a charm on one end of the ribbon.

Thread the other end of the ribbon through the large-eye needle.

Feed the beads on to the needle and pull them onto the ribbon; it will be difficult.

Push the beads all the way down to the knot or charm.

Attach the Bookmark

Place a thin strip of glue down the center of the spine that goes the entire length of the book.

Gently press the end of the ribbon without the beads onto the glue starting at the bottom and working your way towards the top.

Make sure the ribbon is straight and that it's adhering to the book.

Step 4: HIDE THE COVER & SPINE

This step is really important especially if the original cover isn't a solid color.  You'll want to use white cardstock for light to medium fabrics and black cardstock for dark fabric.  Having this behind your fabric guarantees you'll see the true colors of your fabric.

Hide the Cover

Using the white/black cardstock, repeat the steps shown in Step 2.

Hide the Spine

(Sorry for the lack of photos)

Cut a length of grosgrain ribbon that is 1" longer than the spine and wide enough to cover the spine and reach the edges of your white/black cardstock.

Fold your ribbon about 1/2" from the edge and glue in place.

Fold the other end so that the final length of your ribbon is a little shorter than the spine and glue in place.

Place a strip of glue from one end of your ribbon to the other, making sure it's centered.
Gently press the ribbon along the length of the spine.
Make sure the ribbon is straight and that it's adhering to the book.

Glue down the sides of your ribbon to the cover

Press firmly in place.

Note: Sorry about the photos in steps 3 and 4 being out of order.  While writing this I decided it would be easier if I grouped hiding the cover and hiding the spine into one step since they have the same purpose.

Part 2 Coming Saturday!!

I hope you'll join me on Saturday to see how we finish this project!!  In the second half of this tutorial, I'll explain how to...

- Attach your fabric to the cover

- Hide the edges of your fabric

- Add the belt-style closure