April 19, 2008

Purse notebook with fabric cover

In appreciation for all you readers' lovely encouraging comments I want to share a tutorial. Well, I do also want to enter the Sew, Mama, Sew tutorial contest. I came up with this idea because I have had countless notebooks shredded in my purse. I wanted a sturdy, beautiful notebook that could survive the harsh purse environment. This project took me about 45 minutes, which included me agonizing over my fabric choices. Click on the thumbnails for mammoth-sized images.

Start with a book-style notebook. I use a mini-composition book with strong cardboard sides. On a scrap piece of paper, trace around the top, edge and bottom of the book.


Then, holding the book in place, wrap the paper snugly around the spine of the book. Flip the book and paper over without letting the book shift in place. Lay the paper back open. Trace around the book again and connect any gap in the lines. You will be left with a pattern of the wrap-around dimensions of the book.






Cut the pattern out leaving a 3/8" to 1/2" seam allowance.


Using this pattern, cut three separate pieces of fabric. One for the cover, one for the flaps, and one for the liner. Don't worry too much about the liner fabric, very little of it will be seen. Cut the flap fabric in half.


Fold over the cut edge of each flap 3/8" and stitch. Iron so the turned edge is flat.


Now layer your fabrics. Liner fabric face up. Then flaps face up. Then cover fabric face down.




Pin the fabric stack together and stitch a scant 1/4" from the edge, leaving an opening of 1-2".


Turn your work right side out through the opening you left. Iron the opening if needed to make sure the seam allowance stays turned under.


Top stitch close to the edge around the entire cover, and slip the book covers inside the flaps!




This pattern could be easily adapted with a closure or elastic band. It could be used for any size book. I hope you enjoy!

17 comments:

QuiltedSimple said...

Oooh - I'm so glad you posted this tutorial. I was thinking of making purses and covered notebooks for an end of year gift for the various teachers, but lacked the motivation to figure it out!! Thanks so much,
Kris

Carol E. said...

Great tutorial! Thanks!

carolyn said...

SEW cute! can't wait to make one!

Diana said...

Thanks for the very clear directions. These will be great for small gifts.

Jana Nielson said...

That is such a fun idea!! I love having special little books just for me!! Thanks!

Molly said...

I love the notebook! I am adding it to my list of things to make!

Meg said...

Such a cute, easy, and useful little project! Very nice!

Anonymous said...

I made one of these for a giveaway. Your tutorial was most helpful. Thank you!!
(I have included a link to this tutorial in my blog post. I hope that's okay.)

April said...

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! I just made one and it rocks. I have some cute fabric with brides on it, and I think I am going to make one of these for my future sister in law to use for wedding notes, etc. Very clear tute and LOVED ALL THE PICS. Thanks again,

Lavinia said...

This tutorial is just great!!! Now I have a beautiful notebook with my favourite fabric yay!!! Thank you soooo much ^___^

AmberDash said...

I made one of these for my 7 year old daughter. I used black corduroy for the exterior and a repurposed pink plaid print from an outgrown dress for the inside (and star deco on front). I added matching ribbon coming out the spine for a built in book mark and "purse straps" so it can be easily carried. Excellent tutorial.... simple and easy to follow. Thanks!

Unknown said...

nice blog you have...

Edel Therese said...

Hey! Great tutorial! I just reviewed your it on my blog (I hope you don't mind!), check it out and see what you think!!

Edel Therese said...

Sorry I forgot to post a link! here it is! http://lilmizzchatterbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/tutorial-review-book-cover.html

Anonymous said...

Love the idea and I'm going to try it out.

Kramers5 said...

Excellent tutorial for non-sewers! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

This was my first attempt at this sort of project and as a beginner sewer this tutorial was so easy! Turned out great, will defintitely be making more of these :) Thank you!

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