How I Cut Off New Style Chic Sparrow Pen Loops

[@tamarawinje2127]

Thank you for your bravery! I just ordered a Preloved cover and need to trim it to fit a notebook snuggly. This helps me so much!

[@frienjie7148]

this is really helpful. i just bought my first cs from the duchess line, and my heart is really heavy. the leather is amazingly soft and has that rich leather smell. however, it scratches terribly easily and is already looking old when i’ve not even had it a week. i’ve never experienced such a thing. i hate the way the pen loop protrudes and the fact there’s no elastic. i contemplated cutting the loop off, and i’m glad to see i’m not the only one so now i have a bit more courage to go for it lol.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh I’m so sorry you’re disappointed! I found the lighter mockingbird colors didn’t age well and started looking grungy and dirty very quickly. The gray and light blue sort of “yellowed”😞. The pen loops are so easy to cut off! Just take your time. It makes a big difference😊

[@rebeccabee6615]

Thank you for this! I was thinking this could be done. I have a CS notebook that I got second hand and have never used because I realize I don’t like that pen loop! I don’t mind my old style ones but def not a fan of the new.

[@heartlink218]

This was so helpful. I love chicsparow but can’t stand their pen loops. I’m giving this a try.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Awesome! It’s really such an easy pen loop to remove😊

[@tattooedcat]

Awesome video! I love the shock factor too. In knitting, there is a technique called steeking where you cut your knitted fabric (that you spent hours on) and you can make a pullover into a cardigan. I love watching those videos, even if I’m not yet brave enough to tackle it. It’s great to know that it can be done and there are reference videos out there. Thank you for providing one! If I ever get there, I’ll come back to this. Also, I use a Stanley box cutter at work on aluminum, and the blade holds up for quite a while. I’d say I switch it out every month or so. If it works on metal, I know it will do just fine on the leather. If you prefer a pizza cutter to a kitchen blade, you may prefer a rotary cutter. There is really nothing that keeps a straight edge from slipping if you are focusing on a box cutter, unless you can clamp your ruler into place in 2 places. The extra piece of leather will help, but the box cutter will cut down and towards the handle, whereas a rotary cutter puts all pressure down. Just a little more information about the challenges of getting a straight line with a box cutter and not catching anything else in the process. Experience can be a b!+(h. 🙈 Thanks for sharing! 🧡

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

What a great perspective you have about the box cutter! I’ve been SO curious about it and that was really helpful♥️. Omg, steeking sounds scary! At least if you botch the pen loop, the TN is still useable😂

[@cheekyauschick]

just did my waypoint...looks bloody AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ..thank you..

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yay! I’m so glad it worked out♥️♥️

[@lyndasmith593]

To get the little bit sticking out afterwards and reduce the bulk use your scissors and lay them practically flat so that you can cut it off at a bevel.

[@lydiatrice7784]

Thank you so much for this video - I never liked the pen loop and was trying to figure out the best way to cut it off when I saw this video. Did just what you showed, and am so happy!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad to hear that!!

[@TheLibraryofOddities]

You inspired me to cut the penloop off my waypoint deluxe and it turned out beautifully! Thanks! ❤

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Oh that’s awesome to hear! ♥️

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

I’m new to chic sparrow and just ordered 2 classic Mavericks. I’d like to order the deluxe next time I order but I’m hesitating because I would prefer the pockets up instead of sideways. As I understand your complaints about the pen loop over the earlier model - it sits outward and is bulkier. Is that the main complaint. I might just, stick with classics until she changes the pockets and allows for the pen loop to be an add on option. But I don’t think she is making these changes very soon. And I’m eyeing a couple of others. I ordered the smaller sizes because their convenient to carry. Any other thoughts.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Bonnie Shapiro, yep, with the newer pen loops there’s no way to tuck the loop away-so it sticks out and looks odd to me (unless there’s a pen in it). I ended up cutting off so many of those loops! I haven’t used Chic Sparrow in over a year so I’m no longer in-the-know about changes she’s making. So sorry!

[@bethsaari6209]

Love it!! I would order more Sparrows if I could get pockets with no pen loops. Beautifully done!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you! I would LOVE for a pocket option with no pen loop😍😍

[@elenap3096]

A new deluxe without the pen loop would be fabulous! Thanks for showing how you do this. They look good.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you!! And I agree, deluxe without a pen loop would be perfection!

[@deborahr2913]

Thanks for doing this video! I was looking at my Hummingbird Deluxe today, wondering if I had the nerve to get rid of the pen loop. I despise them. They’re ugly, useless, and get in the way. I use a variety of fairly nice fountain pens with my notebooks, and carry them in a separate case, so have no need for a pen loop. I sometimes like the more structured look and feel of a “deluxe” notebook, rather than a “classic,” so have bought a few. I think I’ll risk pen loop surgery.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I totally get it! I like how the old pen loop had the option to at least tuck away when not in use. I like how my pens fit in the new loop though. Best to just not give me a loop😂. I hope the chop goes well for you!

[@deborahr2913]

Sarah Martinez I did it! Not perfect, but acceptable. I’d much rather be able to get a notebook without a pen loop to begin with, though. I hope that becomes an option.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yay! Fingers crossed a loop-free option is available in the future!

[@elenapic6859]

I don't really care for chic sparrows or pen loops, but I'm a ballet dancer and constantly "personalize" my pointe shoes. They come with a leather outer sole, so I think I might have a tip, by how similar the leather is. Maybe if you use a sturdy and sharp box cutter you can angle it to cut only the inner layer and shave it to have a finish like in the other areas of the edge, so it looks less diy.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You’re the second person who has recommended a box cutter so I think I’m going to try that next time! I’d love to use something a bit more precise. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@laurakaat252]

Thank you for sharing your how-to! I’ve thought of cutting the pen loops off a few of mine- now I know how. 👍

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Best of luck on yours!♥️

[@mom2triplets04]

I don't like the new pen loops either. But can't you order it without the pen loop added?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Unfortunately, the pen loops come with all the deluxe models 😩. So if you want pockets on the inside, you will also get a pen loop.

[@mcnanns]

Would the narrow size work well with a Galen leather TN wallet inside?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’ve always wanted a Galen Leather item but I haven’t gotten anything yet. I can’t say whether it would fit well or not. Im so sorry! But thank you for watching♥️

[@jenniferstanley41]

Wow, you are so brave 😀, I use penloops on some of my notebooks but now when I got the latest E-class I actually never used my penloop, most of the time I have my pens in a case since I have so many. You really have fun and creative videos, 🇬🇧

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you so much!! I felt nervous the first time. It gets WAY easier after that😄

[@thetinycanary]

I love the look! I would personally use a professional box cutter since the handle and blade are a bit more rigid and easier to control. I have the same rotary blade and prefer the box cutter 100%!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Maybe I’ll try that next time! I only have super cheap (and dull) box cutters so I never gave them a second thought. But I need to invest in some better ones! Do you have a brand recommendation?

[@thetinycanary]

​@@sarahmartinezjournals Some more inexpensive options I love using are the Stanley and Milwaukee utility knives! A good blade will last you quite a while until you have to flip or replace it.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Awesome! Thank you so much!

[@ilkyway5854]

Thank you! I think this gives me the courage to cut off my penloop too. On my Maverick it is too stiff to train.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I hope it goes well for you! Once I did my first one, it was easy to do the rest😊

[@ilkyway5854]

It worked well! Thanks again, without your video I would have thought the Maverick leather too thick to dare.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m so glad!

[@kellylovescoffee9419]

Yes! Cut it off! 😂This was fun! It looks sooo much better without it! I've cut mine off too! One Claire and 2 Mavs so far. I hate all pen loops (I use leather pen cases), and the CS ones are the worst design and they force you to get it w/deluxe. I love the clean, streamlined look without the loop. I use the same method as you, but I use a really sharp craft blade/box cutter type. I think the rotary style is easier though. I'll try one of those next time. 👍(My recent Mav also had a lot of glue on the pen loop)

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I’m glad to hear it has worked well for you! I want to try with a box cutter next. The Tiny Canary commented and said she prefers it over the rotary cutter. Who knew pen loops would be such a matter of personal taste! I’m glad these are easily remedied😁

[@butonelife]

Great video! I like the zipper pocket you mentioned at the end of the video. Where did you get it? I have a CS on the way and it has a pen loop. I was hesitant to order the deluxe and the pen loop was one of the reasons. I wonder if we can request "no pen loop" I the order notes when we place an order? If I absolutely hate it, I know how to remove it now! :D

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you!! The zipper pouch is from Keely Reichman on Etsy. She will post them for sale periodically. You can follow her on IG OddGirlJournals for shop updates! Unfortunately, We can’t request no pen loops on Chic Sparrows since the deluxe models are pre-made and can’t be customized. I totally wish we could! Thank you for watching♥️

[@micleahug]

I did it. I cut off my pen loop on my pocket Darcy. Very pleased.

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Right?! After doing my first one, I thought why didn’t I do this sooner?? 😁

[@angiepayne6104]

Thank you!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You’re so welcome, Angie!♥️

[@knc3]

I was breathing heavily when you broke out the mav lol

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

😂😂😂 I’m sure you’re not the only one!

[@jennylopez-ponce3259]

I don’t like pen loops either. They turned out great Sarah! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you, Jenny! I really wish I liked the pen loop more. But here we are 😁.

[@karlafountain1014]

Thank you for making this video!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You’re welcome!! Thank you for watching it♥️♥️

[@MarcellHobbs]

I would never!

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

You and a lot of others, I’m sure!😂

[@Dreblueskies]

This video made me nervous but they turned out really well. 👍

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I bet you’re not the only one😂. I can feel people cringing all over the community.

[@EviLittlefoot]

Love how she’s cutting off pen loops and yet her waypoint has a pen tucked into it. 🙄

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I keep pens in almost all my setups. Sometimes they’re in a zip pouch insert. I prefer to have them “hidden” within the setup instead of sticking out the side, which is why these loops all got the chop!😁

[@tiffanywatson152]

I’m so happy you made this! I was one of the people who tagged you on Facebook. 😬

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Thank you, Tiffany!! It reminded me to make this video😁

[@8hopper7]

Do they say why they don’t sell them without the pen loop?

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Yeah, in order to have a short turnaround time they make all deluxe models with the same design. No customizations. However, if they get enough feedback, they will tweak their designs-but it has to be large demand.

[@GraceBye]

First video of yours wow so brave lol

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Haha, thank you!! After the first time, it’s not so nerve wracking😁

[@GraceBye]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I look forward to seeing more of your planner videos

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Ever since I started using the hobo A6, I’m afraid my planning became repetitive and boring! So I don’t film planning stuff consistently anymore. I might just stick to monthly flip throughs🤔

[@GraceBye]

@@sarahmartinezjournals I make videos too and I think if you share the up and downs and be transparent people don't get bored because they go thru them too

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Very true!♥️

[@adeodata6364]

Oh MY GOSH 😳😱 😅 I would never ever do that to any of my Sparrows. Ever. Are you going to keep buying notebooks with pen loops just to cut them off? 🤭

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

Unfortunately, the only way to get pockets on the inside is to get the pen loop! So if I want deluxe, I’ll probably end up cutting off the pen loop 😂. Sorry for the shock factor!

[@adeodata6364]

@@sarahmartinezjournals We must absolutely do something about this 🤔 Let's all petition Jennifer H. to start making Deluxes without pen loops. Can't risk having heart attacks multiply among your and her sensitive fans caught unawares, witnessing such cruelty again 🤕 😋 Thanks for your videos anyway, Sarah. Because of them I'm forced to forgive you 🌻 Plus it's also your fault if I now have a Maverick, and it's my favorite... Like all the other ChicSparrows I own , I guess 😉

[@sarahmartinezjournals]

I would LOVE to have a deluxe option without a pen loop! I wholeheartedly support that idea. I’m hoping it keeps going in that direction (the e-class has no pen loop which is a great start!). And the fact that they’re offering glue-in pen loops in all the leathers is a good sign! I’m so glad you love your maverick!! 😍😍