There’s something undeniably satisfying about making something you’ll use every single day.
A leather journal cover is one of those rare projects that sits perfectly in the sweet spot between practical, beautiful, and achievable - even if you’re completely new to leathercraft.
In this tutorial, I’m sharing how I made a handmade leather journal cover using soft Italian leather, a simple elastic notebook system, and a Sam Browne closure for a refined finishing touch. If you’ve been wanting to start leathercraft, this is the perfect beginner-friendly make to begin with.
Why Make a Leather Journal Cover?
A handmade leather journal cover is one of the best entry-level leathercraft projects because it teaches you the core fundamentals without being overwhelming.
You’ll learn:
- How to cut leather cleanly
- How to assemble structured pieces
- How closures and hardware function in real projects
Plus, you end up with something genuinely useful - whether for journaling, sketching, planning, or everyday notes.
It’s also an ideal project if you’re building your confidence in leathercraft before moving on to bags or more complex designs.
Materials Used
For this project, I used:
Leather:
- Italian Softee leather in Waterfall from A&A Crack
This leather is structured but forgiving, making it ideal for beginners while still giving a high-end, professional finish.
Construction method:
- Elastic notebook system (for removable inserts)
Closure:
- Sam Browne stud closure for a clean, secure finish
Optional detail:
- Embroidered initials using the I Can Make Bags pricking irons
Choosing the Right Leather for a Journal Cover
When selecting leather for a journal cover, you want something that is:
- Flexible enough to wrap around notebooks
- Strong enough to hold structure over time
- Soft enough to feel good in daily use
Vegetable-tanned leather is often used for structured leatherwork, but for this project I chose a softer fashion-style leather to make the process more beginner-friendly.
The Italian Softee leather worked beautifully here - it wraps well, stitches easily, and still holds its shape once assembled.
Making the Paper Pattern
The pattern for this leather journal cover was really simple to put together.
I started by taping two sheets of A4 paper together, then wrapping them around my notebooks to get a sense of the overall size and proportions. From there, I trimmed the paper down until it fit neatly and rounded off the corners.
For this design, I wanted the leather to wrap fully around the notebooks, creating a cover that closes at the front with a simple closure system. That said, this is completely optional - you could just as easily leave the cover open on the side for a more relaxed, travel-journal style finish.
Once I was happy with the shape, I marked the spine position directly onto the pattern. This step is important as it helped me map out exactly where the eyelets would sit for the elastic notebook system.
I always recommend spending a little extra time refining your paper pattern before cutting into leather. It’s much easier (and far less wasteful) to adjust proportions, curves, and fit in paper first - so you can feel confident everything is right before committing to your final material.
The Construction Method: Elastic Notebook System
Instead of permanently binding the notebook inside, this design uses an elastic system to hold multiple inserts in place.
Why this works so well:
- You can swap notebooks in and out easily
- It keeps the design flexible and functional
- It’s beginner-friendly and requires minimal tools
This method is commonly used in travel journals and planner covers because of its practicality and simplicity.
Adding a Sam Browne Closure
To elevate the design, I added a Sam Browne closure.
This small detail makes a big visual impact:
- Keeps the journal securely closed
- Adds a polished, handcrafted finish
- Gives the piece a more “designed” look rather than purely functional
It’s one of those simple hardware additions that instantly makes your work feel more professional.
Optional Personalisation: Embroidered Initials
One of my favourite parts of this make was adding embroidered initials to the cover.
I used my new I Can Make Bags branded pricking irons to punch out my stitch holes, then added hand embroidery for a subtle personalised detail.
This step is completely optional, but it transforms the journal into something uniquely yours - or makes it a beautiful handmade gift.
Is This a Good Beginner Leathercraft Project?
Yes - this is one of the best beginner leathercraft projects you can start with.
It’s:
- Low tool requirement
- Straightforward construction
- Quick to complete compared to larger projects
- Extremely satisfying as a finished piece
If you’re just starting your leathercraft journey, a journal cover is a great way to build confidence before progressing to more advanced makes like handbags or structured accessories.
Learn More from I Can Make Bags
At I Can Make Bags, the goal is simple: to make leathercraft accessible, enjoyable, and achievable - no matter your experience level.
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