Covered Journals

Designer: Jennifer Paganelli

• 1/2 yard each novelty print (journal cover) and white flannel (interlining)
• 1 or 2 -- 1/8-yard pieces contrasting prints (band, tie)

Finished size: fits 7-1/2x9-3/4" composition book

Quantities specified for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance unless otherwise indicated. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut pieces in the following order.

From cover print and from flannel, cut:

• 1--14x29-1/2" rectangle

From contrasting prints, cut:

• 1--1-1/2x42" strip
• 1--6x29-1/2" strip

1. Fold contrasting print 6x29-1/2" strip in half; sew along long edges (Diagram 1). Turn right side out and press to make band.

2. Layer cover print and flannel 14x29-1/2" rectangles wrong sides together. Position band on right side of cover print rectangle; topstitch long edges of band in place (Diagram 2). Zigzag-stitch around all edges of rectangles.

3. Turn under short edges of layered rectangles 3/4"; topstitch close to edges. Then fold each short edge 6-1/2" toward center to make a 14x15" rectangle. Sew 2" from each long edge (Diagram 3).

4. Turn under ends 1/4" on contrasting print 1-1/2x42" strip (Diagram 4). Press strip in half lengthwise with wrong side inside. Open up fold and press under 1/4" along long edges. Re-press strip along center fold; stitch close to both long edges to make tie.

1. To reduce bulk, trim upper layer only of cover seam allowances as shown. Topstitch tie in place to complete journal cover (Diagram 5). Turn cover right side out and insert 7-1/2x9-3/4" composition book.