DIY Christmas Planner Cover Tutorial

Cutting:

For the front of the cover:

• 4 1/2″X 10 1/2″ main print
• (2)- 2″ X 10 1/2″ accent for pen pocket
• 1 1/2″ X 10 1/2″ accent
  

Back of cover:

• 2 1/2″ X 10 1/2″
• 7 1/2″ X 10 1/2″
• (2)- 6″ X 10 1/2″- lining of zipper pocket
• (not shown) (2)- 1″ X 2″ for ends of zipper
• **If you don’t want to do the zipper pocket, you can just cut 1- 9 3/4″ X 10 1/2″ pieces instead
  

Inside of Planner Cover:

• 16″ X 10 1/2″ lining piece
• 10″ X 10 1/2″ for front sleeve (with pocket)
• (2)- 4 1/2″ X 6″ for pocket
• 5″ X 10 1/2″ for back sleeve
  

Assembly:

• Start with the back zipper pocket.
  
• Add the 1″ X 2″ fabric pieces to either end of your zipper. Make sure the zipper measures just under 9″. I like to add the fabric tabs just inside the metal zipper tabs, so I don’t have to worry about the needle hitting them, but you can do whatever you prefer. Press the fabric away from the zipper. You can top-stitch these down if you like, but it’s unnecessary.
  
• Place the zipper face down on the left side of the 7 1/2″ X 10 1/2″ back pocket piece. Place one of the lining pieces face down on top, and ensure all the edges are lined up. Sew using 1/4″ seam allowance.
  
• Press both sides away from the zipper. Top stitch along the zipper.
  
• Take the second lining piece and place it right side up. Line up the zipper—right side up—with the left side of the lining piece. Place the 2 1/2″ X 10 1/2″ piece of back fabric right side down, lining up the left side. Sew along the side using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
  
• Press ONLY the 2 1/2″ piece away from the zipper. Turn the pocket over and sew 1/4″ in from the bottom of the shorter lining piece to create the bottom of the pocket. Trim off the extra lining fabric.
  

Apply Batting:

• Cut a piece of batting to 11″ X 16 1/2″. Line up the back pocket piece with the left side of the batting piece. Top stitch down the left side of the zipper
  
• Fold over the top piece of the back pocket. Line up the fold with the stitch line of the pocket lining, finger press, and unfold. Top stitch along the press line to hold the pocket in place.
  

Construct the Front Cover:

• Line up the rest of the cover pieces as shown. Press one of the 2″ X 10 1/2″ pieces in half to create the pen pocket (the striped fabric in this pic).
• Starting with the accent piece, place it right side down and line it up with the right side of the pocket piece, stitch using 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the piece away from the stitch line and top stitch both sides of the stitch line to quilt as you go. Repeat with the pen pocket and final accent piece. *I don’t top stitch on top of the pocket piece. Trim the front cover to be 10 1/2″ X 16″

Embellishments:

• If you want to add any embellishments, do so now. I used felt to create a “badge” and added a fussy-cut elf from the Pixie Noel fabric for mine. Then I finished it off with some buttons. *You could also add pom pom trim, ric rac, or any other embellishments you like.
  

Sleeve Pocket Construction:

• Take both sleeve pieces and press them in half along the length. Place both pocket pieces (4 1/2″ X 6″) right sides together. Sew around all four sides, leaving an opening for turning on the bottom seam. Clip corners, turn right side out, and press.
• Center the pocket on the larger front sleeve and stitch the top left and bottom sides. Close the opening as you go. Make sure the fold of the sleeve is to the right.
  
• If you’re adding elastic to keep the notebook closed, line it up 1 1/4″ from the left side of the front cover and pin it in place.
  

Final Assembly:

• Place sleeves on the cover—place the front sleeve with the pocket on the right side. Make sure to line up the raw edges so the folds are toward the center. Place the 16″ X 10 1/2″ lining piece right side down on top of the cover, line up the edges, and pin in place.
  
• Sew around the entire cover, leaving 3-4″ open on the bottom for turning (1/4″ s.a.). Clip corners and turn right side out. Press carefully- making sure to push out corners and edges. Top stitch opening on the bottom.
  
• Finally, pull out all your matching washi tape (or buy some!) and your favorite pens and plan all the fun for your holiday season.