Sunday, November 13, 2011

Quilted Book Cover Tutorial

I have looked at about a dozen different directions on the web for ways to make a quilted cover for a book. Here is my mini tutorial based on a compilation of what I have seen.

First select your book, or note pad, or what ever you want to make a quilted cover for.

Record your measurements here:

Width __________ Length___________ Thickness (Spine)_____________

Now draw these measurements out: Replace the example numbers that are shown with your measurements and add 1.5" to the total length and total width. See the example below.

You will need

2 pieces of fabric Length A x Width B for the body and the lining.

1 piece of batting slightly larger that your base piece

2 pieces of fabric for the pockets Width x 2 – ½” in this example would equal 7.5” x 8

Step One. Lay your cover fabric on your batting and quilt if desired. This is your opportunity to piece something pretty, I just use plain fabric for this tutorial. Embellish as you wish, but be aware that you will have a 1/2 inch seam allowance on all sides.

Step Two: Fold your flap fabric in half and topstitch. Test the fit and make sure you folded it the right way.

Step Three: Trim your cover to the correct dimensions and finish any embellishment, if you wish to add a closure elastic or ribbon, now would be the time to stitch that to the edge.

Step Four: Place the flaps with the raw edges matching the raw edges of the cover like below and pin in place.

Step Five: Place the lining fabric on top and pin into place.

Step Six: Stitch around the entire piece, leaving an opening at the bottom sufficient to turn the piece right side out when finished. Stitch 1/2" seam allowance. Clip corners, trim seams back to 1/4" and press the lining back to the seam on the side where you have the opening.

Turn the piece right side out and press.

Top stitch completely around the piece, closing up the turning opening. Insert your book.

And WAAALAAA, you are done!

Now, this little chicken tablet is 3" x 5"...I just wanted to see if you could do it tiny...and you can! These will be in the stockings for Christmas. I will be adding an elastic closure to the next one, but I wanted to get this up and posted. Here is the little quilted paperback book cover that I did this morning.