How to Sew a Paperback Book Cover

Stack of uncovered paperback books with damaged spines

Paperback books do not stand up to a lot of heavy use, but putting a cover on a paperback book makes soft-cover books last longer because of the protection offered by the extra layer. Sewing your own paperback book cover instead of buying a manufactured cover saves money and gives you a book cover unlike anyone else's. The directions provided will guide you through the steps for making a cover that fits snugly without being tight enough to damage the book.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Scissors
• 1 rectangle of stretchy fabric, approximately 1/4 yard
• Sewing machine, zigzag or over-lock/serger

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the book and add half an inch. The extra half inch adds a quarter-inch seam allowance to the upper and lower edges.

2. Place the book face down, and measure the width of the book. Include the front and back covers plus the width of the book's spine. Add six inches to the measurement. The extra inches will form two 3-inch-wide pockets that wrap around the paperback book's cover.

3. Using the scissors, cut the stretchy fabric to the dimensions you calculated above. You will have a long rectangle when you are done cutting.

4. Install either a ball point or universal needle in the sewing machine, if one is not already installed. Using the proper needle will prevent damage to stretchy knitted fabric.

5. Using the zigzag or over-lock sewing machine, sew all the way around the edge of the fabric rectangle, being careful not to stretch the fabric out of shape.

6. Place the fabric face up on the table, and measure three inches in from each skinny end. Fold the three-inch ends over so the right sides are together. If you open the book and hold it over the fabric, the folded fabric's shape will be almost exactly the same as the open book. The top of the book will match up with the top of the cover and the bottom of the book will line up with the cover's bottom edge.

7. Using the zigzag or over-lock machine, sew across the top and bottom of the fabric cover. Turn the pockets right side out and slide the paperback book's front and back covers into the pockets.

Tips & Warnings

• The finished edge will be exposed between the pockets on the top and bottom cover edges, so trim off any stray threads with the scissors.

References

• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Sewing Machine Needle Chart
• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Zigzag Stitch: Seaming
• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Serger Stitches