Books take a lot of abuse. And when they're school books, they are most often owned by many people over the years. To keep a nice book nice, and to disguise one that's been defaced, you can sew a simple fabric book cover. Plus, textbook cover designs are usually utilitarian at best, and ugly at worst. With this fabric cover, your books will stay protected from the constant ins and outs of lockers and backpacks.
Make this book cover with any durable fabric you like. Choose one that shows your personality, or that matches your backpack and other school supplies. Be smart in class with DIY style and function!
Materials
Book, hardcover or paperback
1/2 yard fabric
Rotary cutter and mat, or scissors
Thread
Pins
Needle
Materials Note: I used a fabric called Heaven, from RainbowFabrics.etsy.com.
Directions
Step 1: Measure the book. Determine the width of the cover, then double it, and add the width of the spine. Measure the length. Those dimensions are the size of the book, and to that, add a 1/2" seam allowance.
Next, measure for the inner panels that form the pockets that hold the cover on the book. To calculate the width of one inner panel, subtract 1" from the width of the cover. The length of the panel is the same length as the book. Also add a 1/2" seam allowance to the dimensions.
Step 2: Cut out the pattern pieces using the dimensions you just calculated. Cut 2 of the large pieces, and 2 of the smaller pieces.
Step 3: Place the 2 large pieces right sides together, and pin them. Using a straight stitch, sew them together along the edges. Leave a 2" gap along the bottom edge, and use it to turn the cover right side out. Then sew the gap closed.
Step 4: Pin the panels onto the cover. Place the cover so that the front side is facing you. Pin the panels to the sides, their right side facing the front side of the cover. Sew them along their 3 outer edges.
Step 5: Turn the whole thing right side out and slip the book in. You're done!
LOVE IT! I am SOOOOO making some!!
Reply to this comment
Thank you. I have looked for something nice and not expensive, that would be easily constructed. I believe this is it. I will reply and let you know how it went. Again thank you for your time and sharing with us.
Reply to this comment
I am covering a school book for my neice and this is a great tutorial. I quilt but for some reason could not figure the book covering out. Thank you!!!
Reply to this comment
Just to add to my comment I made the other day. Because of this project I was able to sew up and apron. Now I realize a book cover and an apron have nothing in common. I needed a project to boost my confidence to create new things. Since I did the book cover so well because of your easy to follow totorial I started a project that was really hard for me. I made an apron that looks great!!! So Just wanted to thank you for really helping me out make a great book cover but really inspired me to do more too!
Reply to this comment
Thank you so much for this pattern. It was very clear and easy to follow. I just got into sewing so I need easy projects so I can gain skill. Now I have something practical and pretty to look at! YAY! :)
Reply to this comment
I just made some of these to cover composition notebooks for my kids' teachers. I thought there were too many steps, so I layered the panels between the front and back layers of the cover and it worked a charm - less sewing and looked great. I also had one that turned out just a little bit too big, so I top stitched around the edges and it looked great and fit just right. Thank you so much!
Reply to this comment
Thanks so much for the well detailed tutorial...I tried making them earlier but could never get them to fit so snug to the book...now I'm sure I can!
Reply to this comment
Hi
thanks for sharing this project. I have been looking how to make a fabric book cover for awhile and your tutorial is just great.
Reply to this comment
Finally, a tutorial with great quality pics and well explained instructions! thank you!
Reply to this comment
Thanks. I decided to make my own fabric book covers after seeing they charged $5 for one at Staples that was not even cute. Now we can make custom book covers that are less expensive and better looking. Great for back to school.
Reply to this comment
This will be really helpful really soon. Thanks!
Reply to this comment
Not exactly the way my mother did it, but close enough. I went through school with my mom making my covers. (graduated in '92) I loved my fabric covered books, never once did they read to replaced and you don't need durable fabric, cheap cotton works just as well. I remember picking for the $1 per yard bolts at Woolworth's.
Reply to this comment