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How is summer almost over? If preparing for back to school has left a sour taste in your mouth, allow us to sweeten it! Maker Team member Megan of @mlevacy has created a tutorial for felt Notebook Covers with four unique designs for the student - or students! - in your life. The vibrant felt colors and fun appliqués will brighten any school day and maybe even encourage conversation with a new friend. Grab your supplies and find a seat because school is in session with Megan!
Going back to school was always exciting to me because it meant new school supplies! Nothing says school more than a nice new notebook. When I was in middle school I learned how to cover my notebooks with brown paper. Recreating these covers with wool blend felt creates the same fun blank canvas on which to personalize your supplies. Provided are four simple patterns that utilize printable adhesive sheets to make your appliqué easy and quick.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 1-1 ½ hours, per notebook
Additional Supplies:
Animal Applique Patterns (click to download)
Floral Applique Patterns (click to download)
Stitching Guide (click to download)
Composition Notebook, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4"
Directions:
This tutorial uses felt from The Danielle Palette and includes four unique applique designs. Mix and match felt colors and patterns to make multiple original notebook covers.
Notebook Cover
1. To cover a standard composition notebook, cut a 10 x 18" rectangle of felt. Lighter felt colors may allow for pattern on notebook cover to show through.
2. Fold short sides of felt rectangle over 1 1/4" on each side to create pockets.
3. Using matching embroidery floss, whip stitch open ends of pockets together. These pockets are where the notebook cover will be inserted.
Cover Appliques
4. Print patterns (Animal or Floral) onto iron-on adhesive sheets. Follow manufacturer instructions. Imagery on patterns is already reversed and ready to print.
5. Roughly cut all pieces and lay them on designated felt color. Use one sheet of pressing paper and iron to adhere pattern pieces to felt (printed side up.)
6. Cut out pattern pieces along printed pattern lines. Do not remove adhesive backing.
7. Take 10 x 18" felt cover and lay out pattern pieces in appropriate arrangement (printed side down) as shown on Stitching Guide. Remove printed adhesive paper to reveal shiny adhesive. Return felt pieces to proper place with adhesive side down.
8. Use iron and pressing paper to adhere felt appliqué pieces to cover. Follow manufacturer instructions.
9. Following the Stitching Guide, add embroidered details to each appliqué.
Cover Assembly
10. Once appliqué is finished, iron back side of cover. Place composition notebook inside by inserting front and back covers into felt pockets.
Embellish the notebook covers with more advanced stitches, sequins and beads or personalize with the recipient's favorite colors. There are lots of subjects in school, so it's probably a good idea to make several versions!
Thanks to Megan for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @mlevacy and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
