How to Make a Fabric Journal Cover

Take one boring, generic note book...

Cut your outer fabric, lining and interfacing so they are all the same size (26x49cms).

Following the instructions on the interfacing, iron it onto the wrong side of the lining fabric.

Take your outer fabric and place it face it right side up, ensuring your pattern is also the right way up...(I know it seems a simple thing but we've all been there..)

Measure approximately half way and pin your ribbon to the top so it hangs down beyond the bottom of the cover by about 5cms (2").

You'll need to tuck the tail of the ribbon up as you don't want to trap it inside cover.

Place your interfacing and lining right side down (interfacing side up) and pin around the edges leaving a gap of the left side of approximately 8cms.

You will use this gap to to turn your work the right way.

Now you need to trim the edges to  5 to 10mm and cut across the corners.

This is also referred to as "mitre the corners" because you are trimming the corners at a 45 degree angle. Think of a Bishops hat... 

This is reduce bulk on the seams and corners.

It should look like this.

Turn your cover the right way round, this will involve pulling some funny faces and some wrestling moves as the interfacing is quite stiff

Press your work firmly.

This will give your work a professional finish.

Fold one edge over approximately 5.5cms and pin.

Double check that your notebook fits snuggly and adjust accordingly.

Pin the sides in place and insert your book, you should be able to close it properly!

Top stitch all around the edge.

Press firmly.

Cut two pieces of ribbon approximately 15-20cms for the ties.

Sew these to the outside of the cover, about halfway, ensuring that you only sew through the top layer of fabric.

I sewed one on the back, folded the cover in half and used the measurement to place the other ribbon.

You are finished. Doesn't it look great?

What are you going to use it for?