In this FREE tutorial, you will learn how to make a simple book sleeve that you can adapt the cutting measurements to fit any book!
The fabrics used in this post are Meadow by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics. This new collection ships to stores in August 2022, check more about it HERE.
I am also using Windham Fabrics Artisan Cotton by Another Point of View.
To see a video of this pattern, click HERE.
Materials used (for a 7 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ book size):
*2 different fabrics fat quarter for the main fabric;
*1 fat quarter for the lining;
*Flex foam for stabilizer (quilt batting and Soft & Stable are other examples of what can also be used);
*Snap button + snap plier for closure (optional);
Cutting directions:
(12) 1 1/2″ x 12″ strips of color 1;
(10) 1 1/2″ x 12″ strips of color 2;
(2) 10 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ rectangle for the lining and
(2) 10 3/4″ X 9″ flex foam (stabilizer).
If using one rectangle of fabric instead of the strips to make the main fabric part, cut (2) 10 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ rectangles of one single type of fabric, or for any block construction make sure to cut it to size to use as the main fabric part.
NOTE: the main fabric part is entirely up to you on how to construct it. In this tutorial, however, you will learn how to quickly piece a horizontal patchwork using the method quilt-as-you-go.
How can you adapt it to fit any book?
For any book size you make a sleeve, simply measure 1 1/2″ larger on each side of the book and if needed, cut out the template (printer paper for example). Let’s use the example of the book sleeve we’re making in this tutorial:
Book size = 7 1/4″ x 5 1/2″.
The main fabric finishes in 10 1/4″ x 8 1/2″, and the same size is cut for the lining.
The stabilizer is always cut 1/2″ larger so it counts for quilting shrinkage.
Following this standard measurement added to any book size, you will have a sleeve that fits any book.
Quilt-as-you-go
To use the quilt-as-you-go method to piece the strips, you will sew directly on the batting/stabilizer.
Simply lay the first two strips facing right sides together, and sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Open the fabrics, add the next strip, and sew as the first time. Keep on adding the strips until you’re done. Quilting is optional, but you can also do it as you go, sewing the strips and quilting, sewing and quilting, and so on.
Trimming the patchwork
After the piecing is done, it’s time to trim it to size, so we can move on to the next step and sew the lining.
Lay the template and trace the size on the patchwork, sew around it if needed (so the fabric pieced is not stretched further), or cut the patchwork to the final measurement, which should also be the same size as the lining.
Sew the lining
Sew each of the lining fabrics in two pairs with the main fabric.
Choose one of the shorter ends of the main part to be the top side of the book sleeve, align the lining fabric facing the right sides together, and sew a straight line using 1/4″ seam allowance.
Open both of the sides and align the seams all around it and clip or pin to secure it in place. Leave a 4″ opening on the bottom part of the lining to turn the project inside out. Remember to reinforce the seams backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam.
Remember to align the horizontal strips so they match when the project is turned inside out.
Final steps
After sewing all around, clip the 4 corners diagonally (be careful with the seams!!) so the project’s corner is not bulky when turned inside out.
Sew the bottom lining closed using a 1/8″ seam allowance and push the lining inside the book sleeve.
Adjust the top opening to show a 1/4″ binding-like edge of the lining fabric, or push it completely inside to align to the main fabric, and topstitch. If you choose to make it like in this tutorial, with the 1/4″ binding-like edge, don’t worry, the lining will be 1/4″ shorter inside, and that actually helps the bottom of the sleeve not to be bulky since there’s also a layer of 1/4″ stabilizer sewn right there.
It’s optional, but it adds a nice closure to the sleeve if you choose to use snap buttons!! You can also add a button and elastic to the center, but don’t forget that needs to be sewn right when sewing the lining to the main fabric before the bag is sewn together.
And it’s done!!!
You can also play with the closure types, and draw any shape you like, for the blue and yellow book sleeve I drew a circle and added a long strap-like shape to it, and cut it out on the fabric and stabilizer – make it any length you want, square or round the corners, the possibilities are endless.
Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!!!
If you make it, please share and tag me on Instagram www.instagram.com/daisitoegel