Leather Moleskine Cover

[Albus Culter]

I've started to carry a notebook for reminders, notes, lists, etc.

I looked for a cover for my Moleskine but struggled and the few I found were hugely expensive. Man of Tanith however suggested I make my own, was kind enough to send me a piece of leather, and got me to join BCUK. Good man.

Finally made it this morning as I had time, and though I would share

Said leather marked out and cut to shape. No plan or measures, just put the book on the leather and worked it out as best guess and cut away.

I have a cheap eBay stamp so put this on (wrong place in the end but you live and learn). It does not stamp very well, so crushing it into the leather gets the result.

The ends of the leather folded over to make the slot for the cover. Then glued and marked with an awl. Waxed tread and saddle stitch (only stitch I know?).
I had seen on a commercial one it having a slit in the back cover so the elastic still hold the book together, so I nicked the idea, and remembered to put this in prior to sewing it together.

The finished cover. Oiled and waxed. I kept the colour as I liked it and I have no dyes. Was tempered to try the home made dyes listed on here, but kept in natural. Not perfect, but I quite like it.
Spot the error on where I put the paw print

Let me know what you think

 

[John Fenna]

Nice one - I like it too!

 

[Perrari]

I love it !

 

[curiosity]

I think it's great! How did you make the paw print?

 

[Albus Culter]

I think it's great! How did you make the paw print?

Cheap leather stamp off eBay a while ago. Wet the leather then just clamp it on for a few mins. Works a bit better on thicker leather, but it looks ok.

Cheers everyone

 

[Dreadhead]

very nice neat work there

 

[crosslandkelly]

Nice job there.

 

[jackcbr]

I've been beaten to it. I'm part way through making something similar. Sadly it's nowhere near as good and I'm using up scraps of leather.

Nice work mate, I'm humbled.

 

[Albus Culter]

I've been beaten to it. I'm part way through making something similar. Sadly it's nowhere near as good and I'm using up scraps of leather.

Nice work mate, I'm humbled.

Loved the stolen idea for keeping the elastic strap, and by folding the ends over is cuts down on a lot of sewing and keeps the cover narrower for in the pocket.
Again thanks to Tanith for the nudge and importantly the leather

Cheers everyone else for the great comments.

 

[BJJJ]

Super job there, well done

 

[monkey boy]

That's nice that is

 

[plastic-ninja]

I love Moleskines and that is a very classy cover.
I may have to have a go too.
Fine Job and thanks for sharing.
Cheers , Simon

 

[Albus Culter]

Thanks guys and girls. Really appreciate the great comments :notworthy

 

[Nomad]

The slot for the elastic - is there a thin cut running between the two wider slots at the top and bottom?

 

[Albus Culter]

The slot for the elastic - is there a thin cut running between the two wider slots at the top and bottom?

You got it spot on. Two holes punched and joined to form the top and bottom slot, then just slit between the two. Reach through and pull the elastic through. Just remembered to put it in before I stitched it together.

 

[Nomad]

Thanks Albus. When I first looked, I thought the impossible had been acheived.

 

[Man of Tanith]

Looks good Fella

all my fault....

 

[Albus Culter]

Looks good Fella

all my fault....

Yep. From trawling the Internet for buy it options to inspiration (and leather) nudge to make my own. What a good idea. Your turn now. A post on knife making

 

[Man of Tanith]

It's coming
just gathering bits together