fbpx

Book covers

Give dull stationery and tatty old books a revamp using gorgeous patterned prints. This how-guide will have you making covers to protect your favourite hardback novel, a much-loved volume of poetry or a precious childhood story – and fill a whole shelf with Liberty prints.

The following method is adjustable to fit any size. 

You will need
a lightweight cotton fabric print (see below for the length needed)
matching sewing thread

Measuring up
width = height of book
plus 4cm for hems
length = four times width of
front cover, plus width of spine

Cutting out
Cut one rectangular slip cover
piece for each book cover

Featured fabrics include Liberty’s ‘Tana Lawn’ in ‘Helena’s Pay’, ‘Mitsi’ and ‘Willow’s Garden’ 

Step 1
Marking the fabric centre
Fold the fabric in half widthwise and mark the centre with pins. Press a 3cm turning to the wrong side along each short edge.

Step 2
Pinning the cover
With the right side facing the book, wrap the fabric around the back and front covers of the book, lining the pins up with the centre of the spine. Pin the front and back of the fabric together along the top and bottom edges of the cover.

Step 3
Stitching the cover
Slide the cover off the book and tack along the four pinned lines. Machine stitch right across the top and bottom of the cover, working a few reverse stitches at each end of each seam. Then clip a small triangle from each corner. Remove the tacking.

Step 4
Pressing the cover
Turn the cover right side out and ease out the corners into neat right angles. Press the seams and press back the top and bottom hems at the spine along the machine stitches.

Step 5
Slipping the cover on
Fold back the front and back covers of your book and slip the fabric cover in place.

Extracted from the sumptuous book of brilliant craft ideas, The Liberty Book of Home Sewing, Quadrille Publishing 2011, distributed in New Zealand by Bookreps NZ. Guaranteed to inspire!

Spread the love
Rate This Article:
Processing...
Thank you! Your subscription has been confirmed. You'll hear from us soon.
Sign up to our email newsletters for your weekly dose of good
ErrorHere