This tutorial is to show how to make a book sleeve. The book sleeve can be made in two different sizes: a larger version for hardcovers, and a smaller sized book sleeve for thinner paperbacks. 

Take the exterior fabric and cut two pieces that are 10” x 12.25” (8” x 10.75” for the smaller size). For this example, we are only going to be showing making the larger size.

Using a ruler and a rotary cutter, cut two squares of the lining fabric at 10” x 12.25” (8” x 10.75” for the smaller size). You can also mark the fabric and use a pair of scissors to cut out the material.

Repeat the process again with the fusible fleece, by cutting two pieces at 10” x 12.25” (8” x 10.75” for the smaller size).

Iron on the fusible fleece to the backsides of the exterior fabric, covering the fabric with a pressing cloth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to best apply the fusible fleece.

Pick which exterior piece is going to be the front piece. This one will be getting the design embroidered on it. Mark down about 1.5” down from the top of the piece. This is where the top of the Velcro will be going in a later step.

 Use a marking method of your choice that will not be in the way of hooping and embroidering the piece. Keep in mind you will need to iron this piece later, so your method may need to withstand heat or be remarked at a later step.

With the printed template cut out, place it on the exterior piece where you want the design to be. Remember to leave a little room underneath where the Velcro will go, so you don’t accidentally put the Velcro over part of the design. Leave at least ¾” of an inch at the bottom so the design doesn’t get stitched into the seam allowance when the exterior is sewn together. If it helps, mark these lines before placing the template.

Mark and extend the alignment lines on the fabric to make aligning the design easier. 

Cut a piece of cut-away stabilizer to fit the hoop size being used for the design. Spray it with removeable spray adhesive and apply to the backside of the exterior piece. Using the alignment lines drawn earlier, line up the fabric and stabilizer in the hoop and secure it in the hoop.

Load the design onto your machine and then align the design to the center point marked on the fabric in the hoop. Once it is centered, you’re ready to start embroidering.

Start the design on your machine and complete any required color changes. For this example, we’re just doing a one-color stitch out.

Once the file is done stitching out, unhoop the finished stitch out. 

Iron the embroidered piece to help it lay smoothly. Be conscious of the marking or any material (like tape) that was used to mark the location of the Velcro. Heat from the iron may remove your marking, or in the case of using tape, may have the tape melt into the exterior piece. If you accidentally iron away your mark, just remark it 1.5” down with a method of your choice.

Remove the excess stabilizer from the back of the embroidered piece with scissors.

Place the top of the loop part of the Velcro on the top marking which was about 1.5” down and be sure to center it. Pin it in place. 

Stitch just slightly inside of the edges of the Velcro, being sure to sew all four sides of the Velcro. You can either do a straight stitch or a narrow zig-zag stitch. 

Using the exterior fabric from before, cut out a tab piece that’s 4.5” x 4.5”.

Cut a piece of fusible fleece to 3.5” x 3.5” for the tab.

Place the fusible fleece center on the backside of the tab. It should be centered as best as you can, it is OK if some of the fusible fleece ends up in the seam allowance. Cover the pieces with a pressing cloth and iron it on according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fold the tab in half, with the fusible fleece side up. Clip or pin two sides of the tab, keeping one short side open.

Stitch the one long side and one short side of the tab with a ½” seam, leaving the top shorter side open. You will not have to stitch the folded side.

Trim the corners and flip the tab right side out. 

Press the tab flat using an iron and a pressing cloth.

Topstitch down the three sides of the tab with a ¼” seam, leaving the fourth side to stay open.

Take the hook part of the Velcro and place it centered on one side of the tab. It should be about ¼” to 3/8” above the bottom closed part of the tab. Pin or clip it in place.

Stitch just slightly inside of the edges of the Velcro, being sure to sew all four sides of the Velcro. You can either do a straight stitch or a narrow zig-zag stitch.

Find the center of the back exterior piece by folding it in half or by using a ruler. Center the tab on the center point of the back exterior piece and pin in place. Be sure to have the Velcro side facing up, as it will need to be able to connect with the Velcro on the front once the book sleeve is completed.

Using a ¼” or slightly smaller seam, stitch the tab onto the back exterior piece. This will hold it in place for the next step.

Pin or clip together the exterior pieces on three sides. Make sure that the right sides are facing each other and that the design is upright.

Sew the two pieces together with a ½” seam allowance. Do not sew the top. Repeat this process to sew together the lining

Clip the corners to remove excess fabric to make it easier to turn out. Be sure to repeat this for the lining as well.

Flip the exterior pieces right side out. Poke out the corners using a tool or method of your choice.

Slide the unflipped interior piece over the exterior piece. It should be right sides to right sides. Pull the fabric up so the tops match. Align the side seams and then pin or clip the pieces together, leaving an 3-4” opening on the front portion.

Sew the pieces together on a sewing machine using a ½” seam allowance. Do not sew the opening shut.

Pull the sewn together book sleeve through the opening and keep going until all the material is right sides out. Tuck the lining into the exterior so it is even at the top.

With an iron and pressing cloth, press the top of the book sleeve flat. This will let it sit better and make it easier to topstitch. Be sure to not catch the Velcro with the iron as it can melt under high heat.

Hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch and a needle and thread. 

Using a ¼” seam, top stitch all around the top of the book sleeve. Be sure to keep the tab out and don’t catch it by accident when stitching around.

The book sleeve is now complete and is ready to hold a book or two of your choice. Or, gift it to your favorite bibliophile in your life. Consider adding the Banned Book Club or Trash Reader Book Club patches as an extra surprise!