BLOG 223

 

This week, as promised, I am sharing with you an illustrated method of how I make my book covers . My covers just happen to be made of felt but this method can be adapted to  any textile.

Measure the size of the book to be covered from top to bottom vertically and from edge to edge horizontally, with the book shut.

For the size of the prepared textile for the front cover, add 1” to these vertical and horizontal measurements to allow for seam allowances.

For the lining the fabric will have the same vertical measurement as above, but add 13” to the horizontal measurements for seam allowances and flaps.

Make your fabric/felt/embroidery slightly larger and trim off the excess to the calculated cover size.

Choose a fabric to complement the cover and cut it to the calculated lining size.

                                   Complementary fabric

 Find and pin the centres of both the cover and linings along the top and bottom edges.

                                              Pin the centres

With RS together, sew the lining to the cover along the vertical edges only, with a ¼” seam and neutral thread.

                                          Sew vertical edges

Line up the centring pins and re-pin the lining to the cover.

 

                                             Line up centres

 Working on an ironing board, fold under the excess fabric along one vertical edge to form a flap underneath. Make sure that the flap lies flat and straight and that the top fold is level with the raw edge. Iron to flatten the fabric and sharpen the crease ready for sewing.

                                    Fold under excess

Secure the edges with horizontal pins for easy removal. Repeat for the other edge.

                               Iron and pin

 You are now ready to sew around the edge to attach the cover to the lining.

                                            Ready to sew

Sew a ¼” seam around the outer edge leaving a 4” space on the lower edge for turning through. Remember to sew 3 diagonal stitches across each corner to help with shaping.

                                    Diagonal stitches

 Trim off the excess fabric to within 1/8” of the stitches.

                                     Trim the corners

                                     Space for turning

 Turn it through so that the flaps lie against the lining and not against the cover. Work the corners with a blunt tool to give a good shape. Iron it well to give sharp edges all around.

                                                  Cover

                                                      Lining

 

Turn under the seam allowances of the opening and secure with pins.

                                          Secure with pins

 From the RS, sew a line of stitches all around the cover, about 1/8” in from the edge to complete. This will close the turn-through space.

                                         Edge stitches

                                  Completed cover