Sew the cutest ribbon book sleeve with my easy step-by-step sewing guide. This pattern is great to try and you will be so impressed with the final finish of your book cover.
You can easily fit at least 2 paperback novels in this book case, and the rainbow will make sure your books stay comfortable wherever you go.
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Making this book cover was a fun sewing project. I’m so happy with how it turned out and using a pretty patterned fabric for the outside makes this project even more beautiful and worthwhile.
You will no doubt admire your work whenever you use this padded book pad. That’s for sure.
If you have 20 minutes to spare, you can sew this book cover with a bow from any fabric you like.
This sleeve is fully lined and you can adjust the width of the straps (before sewing) if you prefer a larger bow.
With that said, I’ve put together a complete, detailed sewing guide with written and picture instructions. You’ll also find the video tutorial, which I highly recommend watching!
Finished Book Size: 19cm x 25cm / 7.48in x 9.84in
Bow Book Sleeve Tutorial
Consumables
- Cotton fabric – 40 cm x 27 cm (15.75″ x 10.63″)
- Frame – 40 cm x 27 cm (15.75″ x 10.63″)
- Batting – 40 cm x 27 cm (15.75 in x 10.63 in)
- Strips – 40 cm x 6 cm (or 10 cm) / 15.75″ x 2.36″ (or 3.94″)
For a larger book case, choose 50cm x 35cm (19.69in x 13.78in) sizes instead!
If you want high quality, AD-FREE version of this sewing guide with step-by-step instructions included below each photo, you can find the printable PDF guide here!
Book Case Video Tutorial
Instructions
01. Start by folding the top edge of one side of the strip. Do the same for the second strip. Then fold each strip in half right sides in and sew them together.
02 – 03. Remember to sew along the edges of both strips. Do not sew on the folded side of the fabric.
04. Thread a safety pin through the folded side of the ribbon as shown above.
05. Thread the pin until it comes out the opposite end.
06. The right side of the tape should be facing out. Repeat this process for the second strip.
07 – 08. After turning the two strips, press the fabric with an iron and then sew the folded end of the two strips.
09. Place the wadding and outer cotton fabric together and staple the fabric to hold it together. If using fusible interfacing, iron the fabric to the interfacing instead.
10. Place the strips on the sides of the fabric, making sure they are centered. The open (unstitched) ends of the strips should line up with the edges of the fabric.
11 – 12. Go to the machine and sew the strips to fabric.
13 – 14. Place the lining on the pattern piece of fabric (right sides together) and sew the piece on both sides using a 1cm seam allowance.
15 – 16. After sewing, carefully open the lower part of the workpiece.
17 – 18. Align the fabric so that the lining is on one side and the patterned fabric is on the other as shown.
19. Sew the top and bottom edges of the piece together, making sure to leave a small portion of the lining unstitched to turn it inside out. Use a 1cm seam allowance.
21-22. Now we will box the corners. Start by folding one corner into a triangle shape as shown above.
23-24. Measure 5 cm (2 inches) and sew the piece. Repeat this process for the remaining corners.
25-26. Box and sew all the corners of the piece and it should look like this.
27-28. Trim excess fabric from all corners.
29-30. Use the lining opening to turn the fabric inside out. Next, place your hand inside the fabric, fold one end of the piece toward the opening, and pull the right side of the fabric through the opening.
31-32. Move the entire piece to the right side and then use the same hole to open each corner of the piece.
33-34. Tuck the raw edges of the hole inward.
35. Sew a small seam near the edge of the fabric for a neat finish.
36. Place the lining inside the bag.
37-38. Adjust the lining inside the bag by gently pulling the fabric down and then adjusting the top edge of the fabric.
39-40. To complete your sleeve, simply add a topstitch. Feel free to detach the arm on your machine as this makes sewing easier.
As a final touch, give your book cover a quick press with the iron to remove any creases.
Here is the finished result:
Simply insert your novel into the sleeve and tie the two ribbons together.
This book cover looks so beautiful! I adore him
I promise it’s so easy and fun to sew this book cover, even if it’s your first time.
I wear it with me so often and have gotten quite a few compliments. I can’t wait to sew a few more of these book covers in different fabric.
If you love reading accessories, this one is worth owning.
Go ahead and try it. If you have any questions or tips you’d like to share, drop them in the comments below.
Also, if you end up making this book cover, tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I would love to see your creations!
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