DIY Quilted Journal Cover: Easy Sewing Tutorial for a Personalized Touch
Do you have an old journal tucked away that could use a little refresh? You’re in for a treat! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use scraps, leftover half-square triangles (HSTs), or your favorite fat quarters to create quilted journal covers. It’s the perfect blend of functionality and creativity and it makes a thoughtful gift too! Plus, this project is a fantastic way to experiment with new quilting techniques on a small scale.
- Measure your journal
Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your journal, wrapping it around the cover as shown to ensure an accurate measurement. The height is measured from the top to the bottom of the journal (not wrapping around). For reference, my journal’s width is 12.5 inches, and the height is 7.5 inches.
- Cut your fabric
What size fabric should you cut? It’s super easy! Simply add 1 inch to both the width and height of your journal.
For example, my journal measures 12.5” x 7.5”, so I need to cut:
- (2) 13.5” x 8.5” pieces (1 for the front cover and 1 for the lining).
- (2) pocket pieces measuring 7” x (Journal’s height + 1”). In my case, that’s (2) 7” x 8.5”.
Here’s the full list of pieces and other materials you’ll need:
- Main fabric: (2) 13.5” x 8.5”
- Batting: (1) 13.5” x 8.5” (I use leftover quilt batting, but fusible fleece works well for a sturdier cover.)
- Pockets: (2) 7” x 8.5”
- Ribbon or string: (2) 10” pieces (This length is generous, but you can trim it to your liking.)
- Walking foot (optional, but helpful for quilting layers)
- Ruler and Hera marker (for marking quilting lines)
- Point turner (for crisp corners)
- Sewing clips or pins
- Assemble your front cover
Option 1: Leftover HSTs
I have plenty of 2.5” HSTs from previous projects, so I’ll be incorporating them into this quilted journal tutorial. Don’t worry if you don’t have spare HSTs, check out this tutorial on how to make and trim HSTs with a Slotted Trimmer Ruler. For the front cover, I need a finished size of 13.5” x 8.5”. Using 2.5” HSTs, I’ll arrange them into 5 rows of 7 HSTs, resulting in a panel that measures 14.5” x 10.5”. This gives me extra room to quilt and trim down to the correct size.
Alternatively, you can make 4 rows instead of 5, resulting in a panel size of 14.5” x 8.5”. Just keep in mind that quilting will cause it to shrink slightly, so plan accordingly.
Option 2: Scrappy Heart
Download the free Scrappy Heart Quilt Block here. Sew the top and bottom strips (2.5” x 6.5”) to the heart blocks, pressing the seams toward the strips. Then, sew the center strip (2.5” x 10.5”) between the Scrappy Heart Blocks, and press the seams toward the strips.
Option 3: Fat Quarters or Fat Eighths
If you’re short on time and just want to cut to the chase, this option is for you! Grab your favorite fat quarters, cut them to the sizes listed in Step 2, and you’re ready to roll.
- Quilt your front cover
To make a quilt sandwich (without the backing), start by laying the batting down, followed by the front cover with the right side facing up. Decide on your quilting design for the journal cover. For mine, I’ll quilt straight lines spaced about 3/8” apart, alternating between gold and pink thread. Begin by marking lines 3/8” from the center and work outward. Using a walking foot for quilting is highly recommended as it helps feed all the layers evenly, preventing puckering.
- Prepare the pockets
Fold each pocket piece in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together, and press the folded edge for a clean finish. The folded piece should measure 3.5” x 8.5”.
Optional Step: adding a fun label
If you have any fun or cute labels you’d like to add to your quilted journal cover, this is the step to do it. Decide where you want your label to go, I’m placing mine on the inside of the lower back pocket. Unfold the pocket and sew the label in place. Then refold the pocket piece so the stitches are hidden inside. Now you’re ready for the next step!
Next, align the raw edges of the folded pocket pieces with the short sides of the quilted front cover, keeping the right sides together as shown. If you plan to add ribbons or strings, attach them at this step. Mark the center of the quilted front cover, and place one ribbon or string at the center mark, right sides together. Then layer the folded pocket piece on top and secure everything with sewing clips.
Sew along the edge using a 1/8” seam allowance to hold the string in place and prevent it from shifting. Be sure to sew back and forth a couple of times over the string for added security. Repeat this process on the other side.
- Assemble the quilted journal cover
Place the quilted front cover and lining fabric right sides together, with the pockets sandwiched in between. Secure around the edges with sewing clips or pins, leaving a 3” – 4” gap for turning. Sew around the edges with a 1/4” seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Carefully trim the excess fabric from the corners, then turn the cover right side out through the gap. Use a point turner to gently push out the corners for a crisp finish. Press the cover neatly, and topstitch around the entire edge to close the gap.
And that’s it, you’re done! Wasn’t it easy and so satisfying to turn your scraps into something beautiful? I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don’t forget to tag us @Quilters_Candy. We’d love to see what you make!
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