My nephew is getting baptized one month from today and I really want to successfully create a home sewn bible cover for him. This probably isn't too difficult but I still feel like such a beginner at sewing. So, I'm here for some help. I'm trying not to put too much stress on myself because if it ends up not working out then I will just have to buy one. I saw some 'bible covers'
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this site when I was running out of options for my niece but we willsee what happens. I would like to try to make one also. Thanks for theadvice!
Does it need to be what seems to be traditional with a zipper and handles and all?
For a book cover, I like this method:
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I've used that a few times for notebooks and for little guidebooks that were about to take a beating at camp. Also made it easy for everyone to identify the owner of the book :-)
Part of the challenge will be to make the bible cover so that it doesn't look girly or worse yet, like Great Aunt Prissy made it. So. Therefore. Take a look at the fabric Footprints in the Sand by Makower. You can see it at several places and here's one: (maybe) Polly
Cut a fabric rectangle large enough for the outside of the book, front and back cover (don't forget the width of the spine), plus 2 X inside flaps, plus seam allowances. Note: depending on how thick your fabric is, decide how you want to finish the edges of the flaps. bias binding? simple turned hem? You could also cut the piece long enough to fold the flap ends double. If this is your choice, *press this fold* at both ends (wrong sides together) and make sure it's a really sharp crease. You might want to top stitch along the crease. So now you have a rectangle, both ends finished.
Cut a rectangle for the lining, same width as the other piece (= the height of the book) and about a half-inch shorter than the outside book measurement.
If you want a bookmark, you can use a piece of grosgrain ribbon.
Now layer your pieces: Place the outside rectangle *right side up*. Fold the 2 flaps over right sides together (it should now match the lengthwise outside book measurement). Center the bookmark and pin in place at one edge. Place the lining*right side down*, long edges matching, and center it. Pin as desired.
Finally, sew the 2 long edges, making sure you don't catch the bookmark on the bottom edge. Don't sew the ends! Turn right side out, turn the flaps into position and press. Make sure it fits the book. If not, consider this your practice piece and whip out another.
Another note: the short ends of the lining piece are hidden but not finished. If your lining is very ravelly, you might want to secure the edges with Fraycheck or pinking shears.
Ideas for a Bible cover: Suede (or alcantara) for the outside, l>
I have photos of one I made many years ago. There are no directions, but it's basically a 'placemat' making process with two inserts (stiffened with medium weight fusible interfacing) on the inside to slide the book's covers into each side plus a piece of trim for a bookmark- which is sewn at the top edge before binding the raw edges. The front/back could be decorated with a pieced area, an insert of fabric like I did or an applique design. A label or some writing could be added to the insert to personalize it. You could add something for ties or a flap with Velcro at the sides before binding, too, if you wanted the cover to secure the book.
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