Easy DIY Faux Leather Journal Cover Gift Idea for Writers and Artists

This post is all about an easy DIY faux leather journal cover no sew, how to make it, and how to decorate it so it’s aesthetic and chic.

When I first came across DIY journal covers, I thought it was such a great idea for writers, artists, and anyone who likes journaling.

Not only does a handmade journal cover protect notebooks from daily wear and tear, but it also adds a stylish and personal touch that store-bought covers often lack.

I remember watching Elena Tea’s TikTok videos about her journal ecosystem and how she made her own DIY leather journal cover, and I got really inspired. She’s an angel, by the way. 🙂

So, I watched her YouTube video about her process of making a journal cover, which you can watch below:

I like her journal, but I wanted something slightly different.

Instead of a journal with a longer side, I wanted one that’s the same length on both sides, yet still wraps my notebooks perfectly.

However, I couldn’t find an exact leather journal cover pattern, so I decided to measure everything myself and personalize it to my own needs.

This is how my journal journey begins.

In this tutorial, I will show exactly how I make a DIY faux leather journal cover step by step, without sewing, and include helpful tips for measuring, cutting, and adding decorations for a personal touch.

Whether you want a minimalist notebook cover, a handmade leather cover for your planner and sketchbook, or a thoughtful handmade gift for writers and artists, this project is creative, practical, and easy to make.

Let’s get started!

Gather All Materials

To make a beautiful handmade journal cover, you will need a few materials.

I divided the list of supplies into 3 categories: things you need to make a journal cover, decorate it, and fill it up.

I hope it’s easier for you to buy what you need for this project.

For my DIY journal cover, I used laux leather, because of my personal preference, but if you like the feel and touch of real leather, feel free to buy it.

I found a piece of artificial leather that I really liked for its color, quality, and overall look.

1. Materials to make a journal cover

1. PU Leather fabric (Dark Brown) – this is the same piece of faux leather I used for my journal cover.
2. Elastic cord 1.5 mm – I have a slightly different blush pink color elastic cord
3. Eyelet Grommet Set 3mm – I have exactly the same set.
4. Craft knife
5. Self-healing cutting mat
6. Pencil – If your leather is a dark color, use a white pencil for fabric.
7. Triangle ruler
8. Tailor scissors
9. Hammer for crafts

2. Materials to decorate a journal

1. Charms, I personally used charms from a necklace I bought some time ago. Check what you’ve got at home. 🙂
2. Vintage lace – the same as I have attached to my handmade journal cover.
3. Ribbons, I bought my gold ribbon in a local fabric shop.

3. Materials to fill a journal

1. Stainless Steel Paper Clamps – I am planning to add these to my journal.
2. Pen Holder – similar to mine
3. Kraft Notebooks A5 60 pages – I use them for lists and everyday notes
4. Black A5 Sketchbook – similar to the one I’ve got with thick paper for sketching and junk journaling
5. Kraft File Folder + Zipper PVC Pouch – the same I bought
6. Extra Large Paper Clips
7. Papier Lined Notebook – This is the same notebook as I have. There are more PAPIER notebooks on Amazon.

You can easily buy these products by clicking on the pictures below:

Step-by-step Tutorial on How to Make a DIY Faux Leather Journal Cover

When you have all of your materials to make a journal cover, you are ready to go.

I wrote an easy 5-step tutorial for you to follow.

The size of the final handmade journal cover (when it’s closed) is 9.44 x 7.08 in (24 x 18 cm).

Let’s get started!

1. Measure

The whole journal cover is 15 x 9.5 inches (38 x 24 cm). Use a pencil and a ruler to draw straight lines along the top, bottom, and sides of the leather’s inner edge. Using a round object, draw round corners.

There are 6 holes at the top and 6 at the bottom, 1 cm apart from each other and from the edge of the cover. There is a 1 hole in the center of the journal, 19 cm from the left and 19 cm from the right side. Draw dots in those places.

In my opinion, this is the most important step.

If you measure something wrong and cut the leather, there is no coming back.

Unless you have a bigger piece of leather to use.

However, be careful not to waste your supplies.

In the picture below, you can find the exact measurements I did for my handmade journal cover.

I designed my DIY faux leather journal cover to hold 3 journals inside:

• A5 Brown Notebook with 60 pages
• A5 Black Sketchbook with 40 pages
• A5 Lined Notebook with 192 pages

NOTE: The measurements on the graphic are perfect for these 3 notebooks. If you have notebooks in different sizes, you can adjust the cover size to your needs.

As I wrote earlier in the article, the idea is to cover the journal and enfold all 3 journals nicely.

2. Cut

When your measurements are in place, it’s time to cut the leather.

Cut along the lines around the journal cover and the round edges.

My PU leather was soft, and a craft knife was the perfect tool for cutting my design.

3. Install Eyelets

Firstly, use a tool from your eyelet set to make holes in previously marked places.

Use a hammer if needed.

Next, on the right side of the leather, place your eyelet through. Flip your leather piece over to the inside and place a grommet (ring) on top, and use the other tool to secure it.

Repeat this process for the remaining holes, including the one in the middle.

4. Tuck Elastic Cords

Play around with the length of the elastic cord. Some people like it tighter, and some prefer looser ones.

I cut 3 x 18.5-inch (47 cm) pieces of elastic cord and 1 x 16-inch (40.5 cm) piece for the main elastic cord that wraps around the whole journal.

At this point, take your charms and decide if you want to attach any of them to the top or bottom part of the journal. (picture 2)

Start threading the elastic cord through the holes. I recommend starting with the inside hole (picture 3), going outside (picture 4), repeating with the other side, and tying up 2 ends inside in the middle (picture 5).

Repeat with other elastic cords that go vertically.

Tie and untie the cords if you need to adjust them a little bit more.

At the end, take a 16-inch-long elastic cord, add your charms that are going to go across the journal, the ones that you will look at the most, attach them to the cord, thread 2 ends of the cord through from the outside to inside this time, and tie a knot.

When everything is attached, trim the ends and burn the cords a little bit, so they look neat.

5. Decorate and fill your new journal cover

Now, it’s time for the fun part – decoration!

Take your laces and ribbons and check which ones suit your cover journal best. Decide if you want to make a bow or add more charms.

Play around until you’re satisfied.

Finally, I decided to use the big heart charm from my necklace to attach it to the front elastic cord.

I also added an evil eye necklace, which is the first necklace that I ever bought.

Lastly, take all your notebooks, folders, a pen holder, and clips, and fill your journal cover.

Here’s the final result!

Conclusion

I hope you find this DIY faux leather journal cover tutorial easy and helpful.

I know there are a lot of handmade journal covers on Etsy and Amazon, or you can order one from Louise Carmen’s website.

However, making it myself gave me great satisfaction and joy. It was a fun process. 🙂

So I recommend giving it a go!

If you’ve made one, share your thoughts in the comment section below.