Transform Your Books with Style: A DIY Guide to Crafting a Quilted Book Cover
Instructions
If you have books with uninspiring covers or special notebooks and diaries in need of a makeover, this project is perfect for you. It's a slight variation of the doorstop project, featuring four cathedral window patches instead of two. However, the end result is definitely worth the effort.
A quilted book cover is a delightful fusion of functionality and artistry, offering a charming and protective embrace for your cherished books. Crafted with care and creativity, these covers not only shield your literary treasures from wear and tear but also infuse them with a touch of personal style.
The intricate quilted patterns, often adorned with vibrant fabrics and meticulous stitching, transform a simple book into a work of tactile and visual delight. Each cover tells a unique story, reflecting the maker's passion and imagination.
Whether as a DIY project or a cherished handcrafted gift, a quilted book cover adds warmth and character to your reading experience, inviting you to explore the pages within with an extra layer of comfort and charm.
Materials Needed To Make A Quilted Book Cover
- 12 x 12in. (30 x 30cm) piece of red linen fabric
- 5 x 62in. (12.5 x 16.5cm) each of two floral and two dotted fabrics
- 5 red buttons
- 6 x 12in. (15 x 30cm) piece of dotted fabric
- 14 x 12in. (35 x 30cm) piece of floral fabric
- 1 large sparkly button
- Short length of narrow ribbon
Let's Start Making Our Quilted Book Cover
Step One: Prepare Cathedral Window Patches
Take one red linen square, fold each corner into the center point, and press. Fold each corner into the center point again, press, and pin in place. Stitch a couple of stitches into the center to secure the points. Repeat for all four squares.
Step Two: Assemble the Patchwork Panel
Slip stitch the four folded squares together from the reverse side into one large square.
Start Assembling The Pieces Together
Step Three: Add Patterned Fabric
Place a small square of patterned fabric diagonally over each seam and pin in place. Place the remaining eight patterned squares diagonally over the edges of the panel (two on each side).
Step Four: Create Curved Frame
Fold back the edges of the red linen over the raw edges of the patterned squares to create a curved frame. Stitch in place for all squares. Trim any excess fabric extending past the edges of the main patchwork piece.
Add Some Details And Embellishments
Step Five: Embellish with Buttons
Stitch a button into the center of each cathedral window.
Step Six: Prepare Back and Borders
Cut the floral fabric (7 x 10 inches) for the back. Cut two pieces (6 1/2 x 3 inches) for the top and bottom borders of the cathedral window panel. Cut the dotted fabric (2 x 10 inches) for the spine. Cut one piece (3 x 10 inches) for the front inner panel. Pin and machine stitch the top and bottom border pieces to the cathedral window panel with right sides facing. Open out and press the seam.
Final Assembly Of The Book Cover
Step Seven: Assemble the Cover
Pin and sew the spine piece and right inner piece onto the front cathedral window panel with right sides together.
Step Eight: Attach the Back
With right sides together, pin and sew the back piece to the front piece. Press seams and trim raw edges with pinking shears. Press all edges under by 1/2 inch (12mm) all around or to fit the book.
Finish Making Your Quilted Book Cover
Step Nine: Fit the Book and Create Flap
Place the book into the cover. Fold the excess fabric on either side over to create a flap. Slip stitch at the top and bottom to secure the flap in place.
Step Ten: Final Touches
Stitch the large sparkly button onto the front of the quilted book cover. Create a ribbon loop to fit over the button and stitch it onto the inside flap at the back of the book cover.
Now, enjoy your beautifully crafted quilted book cover!
