Adjustable Fabric Book Cover

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This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew a padded fabric cover measured for your book, with an elastic section that helps the cover adjust when moved between books of different sizes.

The design includes a flap pocket for the book cover and an integrated lace bookmark. It protects the book and conceals the title while you read in public.

What you’ll learn in this class

Calculate the base dimensions from your book.
Interface and finish the flap pocket.
Sew a fabric casing around the elastic.
Position the elastic to grip the book cover.
Insert a lace bookmark into the layered cover.
Sew, trim, and turn fabric with batting.
Finish the bookmark with a fabric end tab.

Fabric and notions

Use exterior and lining fabrics, batting, pocket fabric, elastic, a strip for the elastic casing, and lace or trim for the bookmark.

Interfacing is optional for the pocket. A walking foot can help feed the thicker layers, especially near the elastic.

Make it your own

Use one fabric or combine prints across the exterior, lining, pocket, and elastic casing. Add a title on Kraft-Tex or an appliqué inspired by the book.

For a reversible cover, sew the pocket from two fabrics, right sides together, and turn it instead of interfacing a single pocket layer.

Measure for your book

For the base height, measure the book and add 3 cm. For the base width, measure the book and add 13 cm.

The elastic should equal three quarters of the base height. The bookmark trim should equal the base height plus 8 cm.

The class includes a PDF with book-based sizing formulas, material guidance, and the reversible-pocket option.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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