I am a BIG fan of a composition notebook cover. For years I’ve made them as teacher gifts because they are quick, easy and reusable. This Kraftex version is no different. You can find my free pattern for a fabric covered composition notebook here.
I started with a standard composition notebook. You can pick them up for about 50 cents each.
Step one: measure your notebook. Mine was 9 3/4” tall by 16 1/2” wide. Some of the notebooks vary in size a little bit so measuring is crucial.
Step two: cut your Kraftex. I wanted the top of the Kraftex to be the same height as the notebook so I did NOT add a seam allowance to the top or bottom (ie: kept it at 9 3/4” high) and I added a 3/8” seam allowance on the edges (so it was 9 3/4” x 17 1/4”). Make sure you add 3/8” seam allowance. You will need that extra 1/8” since Kraftex has bulk.
Step three: Embellish the front. I opted for simple embellishments for this. I used some hand dyed burlap that I fringed on the edges from Fiber on a Whim, a strip of batik that I also fringed, some buttons and embroidery floss.
I cut the burlap and batik the same width as the Kraftex and at a height I liked – there is no fixed height, just do what YOU like! I sewed the buttons on using the embroidery floss.
Step four: cut two small panels for the inside. I cut mine 9 3/4” x 4 1/2” wide (again, same height as the notebook).
Step five: Put the flaps on the inside/on the back of the Kraftex notebook cover. Place a piece of ribbon about 12” long between the flap and the cover on EACH side to create the ties. Clip the layers together and sew with a 1/4” seam allowance. You can use coordinating or contrasting thread.
- Because the cover is the same height as the composition notebook, you will have to trim a small section from the top and bottom of all sides. I cut a 3/8” x 3 1/2” section so the notebook cover would fit into the cover.
Et, Voila! Enjoy!
Patty Murphy 