Every year, at least one of my kids has one book that is too big for a regular-sized book cover. My suggestion of a recycled brown bag was met with gasps of shock and horror. Apparently that's just not done anymore! It's a shame, really, because paper book covers were so great for doodling.
Instead, we used a cool sparkly remnant and now my daughter's Algebra book has pretty new clothes, custom sized and washable to boot!
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Measure out the remnant for your book, making sure that it is at least 2" wider on top and bottom (4" total) and several inches longer on each side than the book when it is opened. Trim the top, bottom and sides so they are straight and will be easy to sew. Rotary cutters work perfect for this if you've got them!
Hem both of the short ends. Turn under 1" and then again 1/4" or 1/2" to make a sturdy seam. Stitch with a straight stitch.
Both ends, hemmed.
As evenly as possible, align the fabric on the book inside out, with the hemmed edges inside the book cover.
Check the ends for alignment.
Pin the fabric, leaving enough fabric for seam allowance and hemming later. The pinned corners should be approximately 1/16" of an inch away from the outside of the book. It's very important to not pin too far away from the book's edge or the cover will be too loose.
Repeat for all corners.
Using a straight edge, mark along the pins in chalk.
Stitch on chalk or pencil line for all four corners.
Reinforce the stitching line several times. These will have a lot of pressure on them from the book being opened and closed.
Trim corners and the short piece of fabric where you have just stitched. Repeat for all corners.
Turn, using a chopstick or crochet hook to push out the corners.
The seam allowance along the edges are at this point still unstitched. Press these, using the already-turned corners for your measurement. Turn the hem under (opt) and pin in place if needed.
Start under the flap then straight stitch along the hem, finishing after the next flap.
You do not need to stitch all the way to the end, but it's a good idea to reinforce the hem past the flap so the fabric will lay nice and flat.
Trim your threads and slip your new fabric book cover on!
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Moon Owl (Bella J.)♥
06 Sep 04:13
I know what gasps your talking about... The same ones I gave my parents!♥
ofenjen
06 Sep 20:43
Generational differences, it happens to the best of us... even if we're trying our best to *not* grow up!
Moon Owl (Bella J.)♥
18 Sep 02:27
Most kids just doodle inside the book or on their schoolwork! Those book covers are good for customizing your book though... I like to doodle in the book.... Don't tell my parents!