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!