You Asked for It --This Should Cover It!!

As promised, here are the directions for the notebook cover brought to the last meeting.

The cover holds a purchased notebook:

Here is the inside left side:

And, here is the back of the notebook:

This project was presented on a Fons and Porter episode.  It is particularly good for prequilted fabric, but you can certainly create your own prequilted fabric to use. 

I used a composition notebook.  They are commonly found, and I figured that if I give it as a gift, then the notebook can be easily replaced.

But, if you choose a different notebook, the pattern can be easily adapted.

You also need the following materials:

1/3 yard of  quilted fabric

12 inches of ribbon

1 package of seam binding

1 to 2 inch piece of velcro

My notebook was 9 1/2" high, so the fabric was cut crossgrain at 10 1/2."

The notebook width is measured front to back and 3/4 of the distance across the front again. I cut the fabric 10 1/2" by 21".

Next, you need to cut the curve on the right side of the fabric. I used a very special tool to cut the curve: a plate.

So, when it is done it looks like this:

Next, add the velcro to the inside of the rounded edge about 1" from the edge.  Then add the other piece of velcro to the outside of the squared edge. 

Use the notebook placed in the folded fabric to help with placement and allow a fabric edge for the binding.

I am sure you noticed that the velcro changed colors!!  Well, I put the black velcro on, and it did not stick well, so I removed it and added the tan velcro.

Next, you need a sleeve in the front of the cover and a strap to hold the back of the notebook.
Cut a 6" strip off your 10 1/2" remnant and cut it in half to get 2 strips that are 3" by 10 1/2."

You may add a pocket to the front inside flap.  If you do, you will need a small remnant of coordinating fabric.     Cut 2 pieces of fabric: One piece of quilted fabric and one piece of coordinating cotton.  Sew the edges at 1/4 inch and leave a space to turn. Turn and press.Sew the pocket on the front sleeve 10 1/2 by 3" strip and stitch up the center to hold pens. (I did not add a pocket.)

Binding:  Cut bias binding 2 1/2" wide. Double fold.  Or just buy a package of bias binding like I did!

Now you need to add binding to the right side of the front flap and both sides of the back strap.

 
Cut a 12" piece of ribbon for a bookmark.

Now it is time for assembly.

Stack the base fabric inside up,
left sleeve at the left edge,
ribbon where center of book will be - mine was 6 inches from the left edge,
the right band 13 inches from the left edge.

I turned the left sleeve and the band over to contrast with the inside fabric.  Pin all pieces.

Sew binding around all edges.

I started at the upper left corner, went across the top, around the curve, and back to the left side and then up the left side, turned and stitched down the other side.  It took a little less than one package of binding.

Insert the notebook, and there you have it!!

Very simple and very quick! 

I took the scrap that was left and made a zipper bag to match:

Happy Birthday to my sister!!

 This project is so easy and so fast!  I hope you try one!  Enjoy!