Personalized Book/Journal Cover Tutorial Part I

Has another week gone by already?  I know I promised to post the book cover tutorial last week.  I did!!  But I hit the wrong button on my keyboard and the entire post vanished before my eyes.  So, I'm trying again and hopefully this will be a successful post!


The book cover which I made for my daughter is quite simple.  You only need...

 1) dimension of the book
 2) two strips of fabric cut according to those measurements
 3) Personalized the fabric with appliques or embellishments
 4) stitch two lines
 5) turn and press the fabric

Then you're done!

Step I:   Measurements

Below is a diagram of an English paperback book I've been reading! 

**Measurements are in centimeter and seam allowance not included.**

Step II:  Cutting the fabric

You need to cut two strips of fabric according to the measurements

1st strip =

 (17.2 + seam allowance of 2 cm)      x   (B+C+D)   

  = 19.2 cm  x  (10.5 + 2.5 + 10.5)

  =  19.2 cm   x   23.5  cm       length x  width

2nd strip = 

(17.2  +  seam allowance of 2 cm)  x  [(Ax2) + B + C + D + (Ex2)]         

= 19.2 cm   x  [(5x2) + 10.5+2.5+10.5 + (5x2)]

=  19.2  cm  x   43.5 cm      length x width




Step III:  Personalized

Take the 2nd strip of fabric and personalized to show your creativity and style.  For my cover I chose a flower print so I won't need to add any embellishment.  But if you want to applique, you probably need to iron on stablizer to prevent any shrinkage.


Next week, I'll show you how to turn these two strips of fabric into a book cover.  In the meantime, please leave a message if you have any questions or comments regarding Part I of this tutorial.  I'll be happy to answer them!!

Happy Sewing!