Create Fabric Book Covers

Fabric book covers can serve a very functional purpose– protecting books from wear and tear, but they are also a lot of fun. Cover books for a decorative accent on a book shelf or stacked casually on an coffee table or chest. It’s also just fun to read a book and glance at pretty fabric cover. So whether you are covering a book for a student or for a fun home décor accessory, follow these easy steps and you will be finished in minutes.

Supplies:

1/2 yard print fabric, FreeSpirit Hadley collection by Denyse Schmidt shown here.

1/2 yd or fat quarter Solid fabric

Dual Duty XP General purpose thread to match fabric.

Step 1: For the outside cover, measure the book the length and width of the book. For the width of the book lay the book flat holding the pages in the air, making sure the spine of the book is flat on the table. These dimensions are the size of the book, add a 1/2″ seam allowance to both the length and width. Next, measure the length and width of the inside covers. This will be the pocket piece that will hold the cover on the book. The length will be the same as the cover. For the width, measure the width the inside cover. Add a 1/2″ seam allowance to the dimensions.

Step 2: Cut out the pieces using the measurements. Cut 2 of the outside cover pieces from the print fabric , and 2 of the pocket pieces from the solid fabric.

Step 3: Fold the two smaller pieces in half by the length, wrong sides together to form the pockets. Press. Place the 2 large pieces right sides together and sandwich the two smaller pieces on each end, aligning cut edges. Pin in place. Machine stitch all four sides using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a 2″ gap along the bottom edge, and for turning the cover right side out.

Step 4: Turn the cover right side hand-sew opening. Slip the book in, open. Read!

Project designed by Annie Scott