Sew a Book Cover that Will Magically Adjust to All of Your Books!

[@Beherenow473]

By far the best tutorial on KZbin, and I have watched a few now.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Thank you!

[@fionamacleod4311]

I bought an adjustable fabric book cover yeeeeaaars ago and it just lived on one of my books. I thought to use it for another book I got recently but it's just a teeny bit too short! I was about tearing my hair out trying to figure out how to calculate the measurements I'd need before finding your video :D Thank you so much! You make it so easy to understand!

[@gzxklair]

"you can always just make another one, right?" LOVE THAT! So true. This pattern looks so easy to follow. I'm going to give it a go right now 😄

[@LJG7654]

Thanks for sharing! This worked really well. My only suggestion for change would be a little more height added to main fabrics as the book is a bit of a struggle to get in the pocket once sewn down. This is a great tutorial and I love that I won't be leaving finger marks on my books anymore!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Ha! Finger marks is such a struggle! And good thinking for the extra space. I know I tend to sew with a small seam allowance and not everyone prefers that, so always feel free to adjust to your own preferences.

[@User-go5hb]

Whenever I get to progress in my sewing techniques and skills, I might and/or definitely will make this. The only adjustment I might add on to it is a handle for carrying the book around.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

A strap would be an excellent addition!

[@legacybuilder9664]

Would this work for spiral sketch books?

[@SpargurYarnCrafts]

A lot of hardcovers are pretty standard size now. Think I’ll grab an average size one from my shelf and give this a go!

[@ella.2902]

Ok, no joke, I have been trying to find one of these or figure out how to make one for ages. You are amazing, thank you so much. Love your videos. Xx

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Aww!! Yay! I’m glad I can oblige! I can’t wait to see what you make!!

[@ella.2902]

@@TheLiterarySewist It took five months but I finally got around to making this 🥳 I didn't top stitch the rectangular flap down though, I just top stitched around the edge of the whole project to close the opening and then pressed the flap so that it was reversible because i couldnt make up my mind as to fabric I wanted on the outside 😂

[@presstarhahn]

This is such a cute idea, thank you for sharing ❤

[@julieandrews3295]

Great, loved sewing this for my granddaughter.

[@sew_april]

That was a great tutorial!! Love the fabric!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Thank you! Isn’t it a fun fabric? I’ve had the scraps forever leftover from a dress I made my daughter. Fabric hoarding can be helpful sometimes!

[@igitha..._]

Okay I'm going to ask you because I CANNOT find this anywhere else! Your channel seems like the right type of place to be asking this question and I'm truly hoping this is legible! If one is using a fabric or material such as a stretch faux leather (for example) to cover a book when bookbinding from scratch (or even as an afterthought) how would one go about covering a book that has a circle hole cut-out in the front cover please? I understand that there's a certain amount of cutting-in triangles to get the fabric to fit through the hole to the back without gathering but how does one stop there being gaps where the triangle fabric cutout sections are visible and showing on the lip of the circle cutout? this has been doing my head in! THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE !

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I apologize for such a late reply to your question. I haven't been working on the channel due to some major career changes. So if I am beyond, late, I am super sorry! I'm going to try to explain, but it probably needs a video to better visualize. I would first cover like normal. Poke a hold in the center of the circle, the mark quarter points around the circumference of the circle. Cut straight lines down from the center toward each of the four quarter marks, but stay away from the actual edge. You'll trim down the triangles created leaving enough room to put down on the back side of the circle. Clip down around the edges in little triangles to eliminate the bulk. Repeat until everything lays nicely. I hope this makes sense! I've added it to my tutorial ideas list, so I can make a visual for it in the future.

[@SewCharleston]

Such a perfect idea. Thank you!!!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re very welcome! 😄

[@LOOKATME408]

Love this!

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Awesome, and so well explained. Thanks so much for posting. 👍🌼

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@jennienicholls705]

made this on this snowy morning in the uk :)

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Perfect excuse for sewing pretty happy things!

[@jennienicholls705]

@@TheLiterarySewist I tagged you on Instagram :)

[@teebrown3666]

So. It seems the dimensions are off here. If you only cut the width 1/2” wider then the book. You eat all of that up doing the initial stitching with 1/4” seam allowance. But then when you make the front flap you have to fold over and sew down - now it makes the flap too narrow for the book - am I doing something wrong?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I get what you’re saying. It’s been a minute since I personally walked through the steps but in watching back, the measurements match what I’m doing. So I don’t know how to explain it. 😅 It worked though. I had made three of these before the one in the video and they were all the same process. I’ll admit it is a snug fit to the book. You are of course welcome to make yours a little wider. I’ve had some people use a 3/4” width with the 1/4” SA so it’s a little easier.

[@rebelsong88]

I had the same problem. Topstitching the edge removes an additional 1/4" from the height. So the paperbacks I used are now too tall for the pockets. But it looks like at the end of the video, her hardcovers have at least an additional 1/4" of space on the top and bottom, so they really are magical! Maybe she added 1/2" to BOTH the top and bottom? I'll try that for the next one.

[@feliciabarton5468]

Very cute! Love your style!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Thank you!

[@rosangelaropis]

Thank you! Best tutorial for book cover!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re very welcome! 🥰 Sorry for the ridiculously slow response!

[@GretchenMartin]

I love the tutorial except for the fact it doesn't mention anywhere how much material or how long to cut the length of fabric. I have tried a couple of different ways and can't seem to get the right proportion. Can you give me some help?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Hi Gretchen. Sorry for the late response. There isn’t a set length of fabric. It all depends on the book you’re using. At 0:47 the first part of the tutorial shows how to determine the length you need. If it’s easier you could use a reliable measuring tape using the same steps to get the length you will need. I hope that helps!

[@anahidheemstra8077]

Hi very clever you good instructions great idea thank you so much I will do the same Anna

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Thank you! I can’t wait to see yours!

[@rebeccarapoli803]

I’d love to try this I’m just having trouble visualizing where the perpendicular line from the length of the book is

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Oh my gosh! I don’t know how I missed your question! I’m so sorry! Think of the perpendicular line as the spine of the book.

[@texasgirl0660]

I'm going to try this again. I don't know what I did wrong but even my smallest book was too big for my cover. Your tutorial is amazing by the way. ❤

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Oh no! Were you able to figure it out? Or is there some additional guidance I can help with? My notifications on these videos didn’t go through so I’m just now seeing them as I manually look.

[@texasgirl0660]

It was a measuring issue and a patience issue. I didn't add the 1/2 inch on the long side.

[@jeniferalvarez2914]

So cute! Where on earth did you find this fabric? All the tutorials I’ve found have been for skinny journals and I’m glad yours is for those of us who are readers! Have you tried the book jacket with elastic? I have two that I purchased and both have elastic and all the ones on Etsy that are adjustable use elastic. I’m wondering if your method is even better. Though, elastic is cheaper than fabric at .40 cents a yard. 😂

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Yes! It’s so hard to find ones for books that are what we actually have in mind. The fabric was from Joanna’s probably a decade ago! I had bought it to make my daughter a dress so this was leftovers. I haven’t tried this one with the elastic but it would totally work the same way!

[@ANGELES3JJJ1970]

Muy bonita la funda, la acabo de encontrar, muchas gracias, por cierto de donde es esa plancha?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re very welcome! 🥰 I use the Cricket Easy Press in this video. amzn.to/3lAKz4G

[@stokes9221]

will this work for paper backs too?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

It does! But I prefer to use a stiff interfacing for additional protection when it’s mean for paperbacks.

[@bonnieleighton8280]

Brilliant!

[@writingsoul-q1v]

Amazing!

[@jkoucheki]

Very nice!!!!

[@jenb9274]

New sub here! Thank you for your easy to follow instructions.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re welcome! 🥰

[@sutela2060]

Thank you so much 😊❤

[@TheLiterarySewist]

You’re very welcome!

[@lizgonzalez4781]

Would this work for paperbacks?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I had someone else ask me about this so I gave it a try. It does work! However I would suggest not using the fusible fleece and just use a woven interfacing like SF101. Maybe even double layer that for more structure. I didn’t use it long term though so I’m not sure how well the corners will be protected.

[@msdavisnight9773]

Will this still work if I remove the interfacing?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

It will. The interfacing provides more structure and using the fleece gives more padding, but it will still cover the book. If using a thinner fabric, expect it to be more floppy. I say go for it!

[@graziacavallaro8854]

brava

[@loganskeel2177]

Do these work well for soft cover books? I only ever see people putting them on hard backs

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I had someone else ask me about this so I gave it a try. It does work! However I would suggest not using the fusible fleece and just use a woven interfacing like SF101. Maybe even double layer that for more structure. I didn’t use it long term though so I’m not sure how well the corners will be protected.

[@alidaludick8988]

Hi, do you have a cover pattern that could fit 2 books?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I do not, but that is interesting! I’ll have to add that to my “great ideas” list!

[@annabellelopez3857]

ty ❤

[@rajimoorthy6183]

Super

[@stellamcdonald4706]

Awesome!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

It’s pretty tricky ;-)

[@linda.brotherton1689]

My tablet is ruined but you gave me a great idea. Thanks

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Boo to the tablet but I’m glad I can still inspire!! 🥰

[@aelw918]

What kind of interface are you using here? I have the EZ-Steam one sided fusible web - will this work?

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I used Fusible Fleece in the video but I’d also recommend a fusible woven like SF 101. The purpose is to give it more structure. I haven’t tried it with this but I have with others. Using a second layer of woven fabric and sewing it in could help as well.

[@fuchsiacherryblossom]

Genius!

[@imagesbynancy]

I am sorry i really want to make this but the video is so so fast and ikeep backing up but cant follow it with th speed, is there any way i can slow the video down. Nancy

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I believe when you’re watching, fb has a speed setting on the video itself. Look for the little wheel icon.

[@heleneharmon828]

I joined but do not see where I can get this pattern for the book cover. Help!

[@TheLiterarySewist]

This one isn’t a downloadable pattern. The tutorial is only done through the video instructions.

[@learnwithsona358]

Your press was very nice, what's the cost can we buy??

[@TheLiterarySewist]

It’s a cricut easy press 2, the size I have runs about $127 on Amazon. amzn.to/3PouStV

[@jessicalietz8963]

Such a great tutorial! I want to make one myself but O can’t quite figure out the measurement for the height 🙈 You drew a line at the height of the book and added seam allowance, so I guess you sew along the line of the actual book height?!? Wouldn’t that turn out to be a bit too small when you turn it? Thanks in advance!

[@LJG7654]

I just made this myself...I will be adding another 1/2 inch to the seam allowance for just this reason. It fits...just! So if just a bit more in height is added, it should solve the problem.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Sorry for the late response! I don’t get notifications on older videos for some reason. I had to rewatch because I wasn’t sure… and I don’t think I explained it super well. At 1:30, I mention to make the mark 1/2” further than the height mark. This is for the seam allowance. So since it’s sewn with a 1/4” SA it will make it snug right at the edge of the book. You can always make this bigger! And add more if you prefer a bigger SA.

[@krystaturner]

When I signed up for the newsletter, this pattern wasn't sent, it was a frog coin pouch, I'd like to make the book cover

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Sorry about that! Can you send me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll make sure to get the right one to you.

[@arielferguson9064]

When you say "one cut," how much is that? 😅 I am the definition of novice with sewing, but I'd love to make this book cover for a friend.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

One cut means one piece of fabric. I didn’t list sizes in the beginning because it varies based on the books. So you’ll need 1 piece of fabric for the outside, 1 for the inside, etc. Does that make more sense?

[@krystalfu1183]

1 inch from the line so you have half an inch in both sides.

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Of course! Totally a personal preference! I just like my books to be nice and snug so they don't slide around on me. I'm a bit of a butter fingers.

[@apekepoo]

This is a great cover, however, I really wish when people post TUTORIAL videos, you slow it down. Y'all so fast and it's so frustrating having to pause, rewind, etc. But do love this pattern

[@TheLiterarySewist]

I’m sorry, I’ll keep that in mind going forward. I’m personally not a fan of “slow” videos so I try to keep the pacing more upbeat. I have actually slowed down since my first videos, but sometimes I need to reevaluate to make sure I’m helping the most people. I also do plan on written instructions for this one soon!

[@lydiasalinas568]

Can you please subtitle the measurements on your video for the book cover when you show ur cut outs of fabric pieces would very much appreciate it if it isn’t a inconvenience for you thank you

[@starlawheeler81]

😮❤

[@TheLiterarySewist]

Think you'll end up making one!

[@ВераЯковлева-и8в]

🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹

[@marlenagwzdz6198]

I can’t download. I need case not frog 😂

[@TheLiterarySewist]

There isn’t a download for the book cover because it doesn’t have locked in sizes. It’s a video tutorial only. Sorry for the confusion.

[@kaoruM33]

sans music would be nicer~🫧

[@briamorales2996]

Such a dumb question. But do you think I could super glue all this? 🫣