Journal Cover Tutorial

Last week I shared these adorable Journal Covers that I made for my church's recent women's retreat.  I got such a positive response from that post that I decided to share the tutorial with you!

I use a journal for many things such as blog planning, to do list, menu planning and grocery shopping.  But, one of my favorite journals gets used to write notes to those I love.  They may never read the notes, but I write prayers for my husband, my children and other important people in my life.  For that reason I am including this tutorial in the Sew, Mama, Sew! True Love Contest.  Click on the photo below to see all that amazing tutorial submissions!

This is a fairly easy sewing project, and I can make one in less than an hour, start to finish.  It involves sewing straight lines and beginner sewing skills.

You will need:

• 1/3 yard of outer fabric
• 1/3 yard of lining
• interfacing (I used Pellon 910), measuring 10 1/4" x 37 1/2"
• snap and snap fastener tool
• coordinating thread
• sewing machine and pins
• water soluble marker
• composition book from Target

Start with two pieces of fabric (one outer fabric and one lining).  I used Amy Butler's Daisy Chain Deco Rose Navy for the outer fabric, and simple piece of white cotton from my stash for the lining.  You could use a coordinating print, but the lining fabric is only visible on a very small piece of the finished product, so it's more economical to use something like broadcloth or muslin you have on hand.  

The two pieces of fabric should measure 11" x 37 1/2".  If you purchase 1/3 yard, you will have a piece that measures 12" x 44", so trim it down to the required amount.  

The interfacing should measure 10 1/4" x 37 1/2".  I use Pellon 910 sew-in interfacing, but you can use any lightweight interfacing.  It is a personal preference to me, but I don't like the iron-on interfacing because my fabric always seems to wrinkle or bubble up.  

Once your fabric is cut to size, pin it together in this order:  lining fabric right side up, outer fabric right side down, interfacing.

Sew around all edges, leaving a six inch opening on on of the short sides.  Trim the corners to reduce bulk.

So, since I use sew-in interfacing instead of fusible, I stitch through all three layers (outer, lining, and interfacing) on the two short sides but do not catch the interfacing on the long sides.  Not anchoring the interfacing on the long sides makes the turning a little difficult but it all works out when ironed and topstitched.  You could make the interfacing the same width as the fabrics (11"), but I fear that there would be too much bulk on the edges of the journal.  This will make more sense later if I'm too confusing now.  

So, next step is to tun this long piece of fabric right side out and iron well.

Top stitch the two short sides closed, which will close the opening you used to turn.

Now comes the fun part- wrapping it around the journal!  I purchased my composition books at Target, and they measured 9 5/8" x 7 3/8".  They were $0.94 each.  I would recommend purchasing the lightest color available, so that it doesn't show through your fabric.  I have read that all composition books can vary in size, so if you don't use this exact size from Target, you may need to adjust your fabric measurements.  

To wrap your long fabric piece around the journal, put one short end inside the front cover.  

Take the fabric and book to your ironing board and iron a crease into your fabric.  (I would recommend not leaving your iron in the same place for long, but just ironing long enough to get a good crease.)

With this fabric still in place, wrap the other end of your fabric around the back cover.  Place the other short side inside the back cover.  You will have a section of fabric that overhangs beyond the edge of the journal, and that will be the flap that wraps around to the front of the journal.

Here's the breakdown of my measurements (I hope this makes sense!):

Basically you're just wrapping the long piece around your journal, inserting both short ends of your fabric into the inside covers of the journal.  The extra fabric will be the flap that will wrap around to the top.

Got it?

So, before you sew it down, let's put a snap on!

Use your water soluble marker and measuring tape to find the center of the fabric and mark the desired spot for a snap. For me, this was at the 9 1/4" mark on my measuring tape.

I use a snap fastener tool which makes these snaps look amazing!  I love these pearlized snaps, too!

Now it's time to sew the edges down.  I put my needle in the far right position for this step, because I want as little flange as possible on my journal cover.

For this step, you will basically sew a big "U" shape.  (Be sure to remove the journal before you start sewing!  Ha!)

You're done!  Put the journal in and snap it down!!!

I love how it is so slim and sleek when it's closed.

I also love how you can stick papers inside of the book and they won't fall out.

Enjoy your journal cover!  I hope it helps you get organized, keep your thoughts together, or write notes to someone you love!  Please let me know if you have any questions about this tutorial.

I was inspired by this pin on Pinterest for this post.