Bow Journal DIY

I don't know about you but this time of year makes me want to plan. Write lists. Set goals. Daydream.

I LOVE pretty notebooks, but I really cannot justify paying $20 + for one.  So... (you know where this is going, right?) I decided to get my craft on and make one. 

Alright, let's go.

What you need:

Main fabric - less than 1/4 metre
Contrast - less than a fat quarter
Notebook

1. Cut your main fabric with about 4cm on the top and bottom.

2. Hem the top, folding over about 2cm. Sew in place.

3. Check your notebook size and trim off any extra.  Remember you need to leave enough to hem the bottom and to stitch close to the edge to make a pocket.

4. Fold over 1cm on both sides and sew. No need to fold over twice because it will be hidden.

5. Time to make your bow. Cut your fabric twice the width and slightly more than the length of the notebook.

6. Fold your strip together lengthwise and sew down the length.

7. Turn your strip the right way out and iron the seam into the middle.

8. With the seam on the outside fold the strip again and sew the raw edges together.

9. Iron your strip with the seam in the centre. This will be the main part of your bow.

10. To make your bow centre, cut a piece approximately half the size of your current bow.

11. Follow exactly the same steps as before to make your middle loop.

12. Pin the centre of your bow and thread the small loop onto the middle.

13.  Ta Da!

14. Test out the alignment of your cover on the notebook to work out where you bow needs to be placed.

15. Stitch from the centre out twice  on each side of the bow to hold it in place.

16. Pin the top and bottom to mark where you will need to sew to create the pocket for each side of the notebook cover.

17. Sew close to the edge to complete your cover.

That's it! Write your little heart out. x