Little Bits.....: Save that book!

I really don’t like a book that looks ratty. I love them to look like I just took them out of the bookstore. I think a book should be treated with the utmost respect and they should be treasured.
I decided when I bought 2 Lawrence Hill books a few years ago to make book covers for them. They are both soft covered and it doesn’t take long for the corners to bend or rip. For the smallest amount of time you can make a fabric cover to save them. This was my first attempt at making one and thank goodness, I did progress from this.

This time I opted to “cushion” the cover and used a very thin batting called Thermore. This is the same as I use in my jackets, so I just pulled out some scraps. You can either use two different fabrics or one for both the lining and the outside. I did both. You will need the following:
2 pieces measuring 11 1/2” x 15 1/2” (front and inside)

4 pieces measuring 3 1/4” x 11 1/2” (flaps)

For the flaps:
Lay one piece of fabric on top of the other, right sides facing and then lay on the batting. Stitch along one long side only. Three sides will be open.

Trim away the batting, turn and press. Lay one piece of fabric onto the batting, then pin the two flaps along the short sides.

Then place the other piece of fabric on top, right sides facing, pin in place, and sew around the perimeter, leaving an opening for turning.

Turn right side out and hand stitch the opening closed.
This size will fit a book that measures:
6 1/2” by

9 1/2”

with a spine of about 1”.
Here they are. I made two within the space of about 1 1/2 hours, making notes at the same time.

Wouldn’t these make a great gift? If you don’t know what someone reads, you could put a gift card inside and perhaps some tea bags. Mother’s Day is coming and Father’s Day too.
I have a PDF for you, so you can print this off.

Enjoy