DIY Stylish Linen Book Covers With Metal Tags
Do you want to make a stylish statement while indulging in your reading obsession? Then you’re going to love these easy-to-make and “oh so gorgeous” decorative linen book covers with metal tags.
Not only can you dress up your old or new books in new attire, but you can customize the tutorial to suit your décor style.
I used left-over linen scraps for my book covers, but they would look equally good dressed in denim or even velvet. 😉
And these stylish book covers also fit perfectly with this month’s IBC “Bodacious Books” challenge. I’m not sure if they’re bodacious, but they sure are pretty 😉 You’ll be able to see a whole bunch of other IBC book-inspired projects at the end of this tutorial, and in my humble opinion, they definitely qualify as bodacious.
Right, before I share the easy tutorial to make linen book covers, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need
Besides a collection of books, you’ll need:
- Linen fabric
- Fusible interfacing
- Sewing machine
- Ruler and scissors
- Metal tags
- Thread or Twine
How to make linen book covers with metal tags
If you can cut and sew a straight line, then this DIY décor idea is going to be a breeze. Using your book as a guide, cut the fabric and interfacing so it’s at least ¼- ½” wider than your book is tall…….
…. and at least 3-4” longer or wider than the book when it’s open.
If you’re using a fabric that frays, like linen or denim, and want to make it part of the look, cut the interfacing a little smaller so the frayed edges can swing free 😀
Place the interfacing, adhesive side down, on the cut linen. The adhesive side has these teeny, tiny little glue bobbles all over. You want that bobbly glue side facing down onto the fabric.
Cover with a clean, damp towel and use a warm iron to press, not iron, small sections at a time. Repeat until the interfacing is fused in place. Place the fabric back onto the book to get an idea of where to fold the book cover over the edges.
Make sure to close the book so you can get a good sense of whether the cover fits snuggly.
Iron the edges flat.
Using a thick cotton thread zig-zag all the way around the fabric cover.
If your interfacing sticks out a little you can trim it away with nail scissors after sewing.
Adding the metal tags
To add the tags, place the linen book covers back on the book and mark where the tags should go.
Use a thick embroidery needle and twine to sew the tags onto the book spine.
If your tags don’t have holes, you can glue them on with instant glue.
And that’s it.
In a few short minutes, you have stylish book covers that can be used to decorate your home.
Don’t you just love their rustic, stylish simplicity?
And as a décor item, they’re so versatile too. I can plonk them down on a wooden footstool…
…or balance them up against a this gorgeous repurposed antique oil basket or a potted succulent.
Either way, they’re gorgeous.
How do you turn your reading passion into a stylish décor accessory?
If you like the idea of making your own stylish linen book covers, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Sharing is caring
Want to see what my fellow IBCers did with their bodacious book challenge?
- Birdz of a Feather did something so crazy and cool and upcycled a book into a bookshelf.
- Marie from Interior Frugalista took decopage to whole new level with her project.
- Unique Creations By Anita made a Steampunk book lamp that doubles up as a clock.
- And then there’s yours truly, who took the easy way out and made linen book covers 😀
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
How cute! I love those tags! I picked up some books a while back that I was going to paint and decor but just haven’t gotten to it. But I like how these turned out and like that you left the fuzzy edges.
Thanks so much, Linda. The zig-zag fuzzy edges and tags definitely work to give those books that classy, rustic look I was after
You had me at both rustic AND industrial. These fabric book covers are DECADENT, Michelle! Those labels sure are the coolest!
Thanks so much, Donna. I have a few more of those metal tags in the craft cupboard just waiting for the next project.
Michele, i just love all your project and this one is right at the top of that list. These covers and labels are perfect and I will be trying this for sure.
Thank you, Brooke, so happy you like them.
I absolutely love them! I think I’ll be doing this soon as I can! But since I dont have metal tags I’ll find a way to do printed tags. Thanks for sharing.
Visiting from Funky Junk.
You’re welcome Zefi. So happy you liked the idea and thank you for the visit
Beautiful!
Thank you, Elsa
I have ton of book bundles in my shelving. This is a great idea. looks fabulous.
Thank you, Maria
I love these linen book covers. The tags make them look vintage. Love the idea!
Thank you, Denise
These are stunning Michelle, you did a great job. Those tags just finish them off perfectly. I will defiantly be getting some of those. I also love that the books are still functional and not just decorative.
Thank you, Anita. The linen covers are great for hiding boring technology books that still get used often when I need to do research and the tags help me figure out which ones which 😀
I will definitely be trying this one. I especially love your touch with the metal tags!
So glad you like it, Kate. Have fun making yours
That zig zag stitching is the best! I love that detailed touch…
I love those zig-zags too, but I suspect my sewing machine needs a service. On the last book, the stitches were getting very wonky
Love this idea. The tags are a great addition!
Thanks so much, Jennifer
I will have to look for these Tim Holtz tags. I took a class from him a long time ago at a Scrapbook event. One of the best I’ve ever done.
Oh, I’m sooooooo jealous, Rosemary. I wish I could do a course with him. His stuff is always so beautiful.
I love using thrift store hardcover books for bookcase and coffee table tray decor. What a great and oh so pretty idea for covering them. Love the metal tag embellishments too. I didn’t know my book collection needed these until seeing your pretty covers!
So happy to hear that Marie, even thrift store books need a stylish new dress, erhhmm I mean cover 😉
I love your book covers. Books of any color or condition can become stylish decor with these.
Thank you for sharing,
Kippi
You’re welcome and they’re so easy to put together too
Veramente bello e brmp descritti
Grazie mille 😀
Now that’s a stylish makeover Michelle! I want to get some of those tags and give this a try; especially now that I have something that zigzags – gotta have that fringe!
That fringe is a must 😉