I wanted to make some covered mini notebooks for stocking stuffers and teacher presents, but couldn't find a tutorial for one. So I thought I would share what I did to make mine.
I am sure that there is an easier way to make these, but this way works great. If you find any errors, please let me know so I can fix them.
Feel free to use this pattern as you wish, it is not just for personal use. Just give props and tell people where you saw it - 'kay?
Covered Mini Notebook Tutorial
(edited 1/8/08 - edits in parenthesis)
Materials:- fabric - at least 23" x 10" (OR FAT QUARTER)
- lightweight interfacing - at least 23" x 10"
- coordinating thread
- 3 x 5 mini notebook
- Papermate or Bic mini pen or pencil
Instructions:
- Cut fabric & interfacing to 22 1/4" x 7 1/2". (If you use a fat quarter, don't cut the length, just use it as is x 7 1/2") Fuse interfacing to fabric. Iron 1/2 of one short side, toward the wrong side of fabric. (The length of 22 1/4" gives just enough ease above the spiral of the notebook, to put a mini pen or pencil. If you don't plan on putting a pen or pencil there, you can go down to 21 3/4. This won't leave room for a pen, but it will leave ease to close the cover. )
- Fold in half the long way, right sides together and pin.
- Sew using a 1/4 seam allowance, leaving the folded short end open.
- Clip corners and turn.
- PRESS PRESS PRESS
- Topstitch the open end closed.
- Mark 4 3/4" up each end. Fold each side up at this mark and pin in place.
- Topstitch all the way around, starting at one short end and ending at the same short end. I know you don't have to topstitch the 2 short ends, but it looks neat and takes up some of the extra space.
- PRESS PRESS PRESS
- Fold the cover so the new pockets are on the outside, back to back. Insert the notebook's cover and back into a pocket.
- Slip a mini pen or pencil into the ring of the notebook.
- Sit back and admire your work.
10 comments:
Oh my. That is just too cute. I'm sitting here trying to figure out if I can add these to my "still too long" christmas sewing list. Thank you so much for sharing :)
~Krista
So cute, simple, and easy...love it! Listing that one for next year! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you- these look like too much fun!
My father-in-law uses these little notebooks every day to make lists and organize his thoughts. When my husbands grandmother died, my husband received a bunch of little notebooks that she had been recording her thoughts in for months.
Thank you very much for sharing this tute. I'm going to make some (last minute) for my father-in-law this weekend. I think he'll love it! Merry Christmas!
I hope you will see my comment, I love this idea and am going to make some, I was wondering if you had any ideas on how I could put something on the front? I was thinking of a big A for my niece, or a little one in the corner, and I don't know what to make it out of, felt? something else? Any tips would be great, just leave me a comment on my blog if you would.
Thank you so much for your help I will let you know how they turn out.
Thanks for sharing this one. I always end up with ones that the covers have fallen off of.
I've linked to your tutorial on my blog. I made 2 so far from plaid flannel (cool gift for men) and am planning to post more next week that I make from Valentine's fabric. Thank you so much for posting the tutorial! Kathy at http://www.stashinhalf.blogspot.com
great tutorial. someone made a notebook cover based on your tutorial for me and directed me to this post. i can't understand the sewing jargon, but i'm pretty sure i know what to do. i just inspect the item and work backwards - haha. with your permission i'd like to make some to sell or something. thanks again!
Thanks for the tut.
Great idea. Will comment again when I make one.
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