UDATED Feb 2023
Some things improve with age, other things have a way of changing. Through the years my website, blog, and tutorials have been rearranged, changed, updated, moved…you name it. To make navigation better please use the buttons below to access the YouTube Tutorial and free PDF file for making The Quilt Rambler’s Quilted Notebook Cover.
Please be kind and recognize this was our first attempt at filming a tutorial – we’d like to think that with time we are improving in our skills. Hope you enjoy making these covers!
Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler 2023

As part of the Island Batik Ambassador program, I was challenged in March to make a mini quilt using paper piecing or foundation piecing. I got a little carried away and turned my paper pieced block into a quilted cover for a composition notebook and haven’t looked back since! They are multiplying like rabbits over here in The Quilt Rambler studio so I decided to share the fun by offering a tutorial/workshop on how you can make your own!

Step One: View the YouTube Video
The project requires basic sewing knowledge including knowledge of quilting tools such as a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat and the use of a sewing machine. A confident beginner/intermediate sewer should find the instructions in the workshop clear to follow.
Click here to watch on YouTube.

Step Two: Download the PDF Instructions

Because I believe that “paper never forgets” I’ve created a guide to go along with the YouTube. To better assist you a time stamp is referenced for each section. This is in the event you want to fast forward to review certain areas of instructions.
Supplies are reviewed on the YouTube as well as listed in the PDF.
Click here for the PDF.
Step Three: Enjoy and Share

It’s my hope that you will enjoy the video and printed instructions to make several of these covers – I think they make great gifts! For yourself or others! Personally, I have three that I am actively using. One has my “to do list” and calendar, one has a graph paper composition notebook that I use to draw out quilt designs before I head over to EQ7, and one is being filled with tutorial ideas!
Please do share this blog post, PDF pattern, and YouTube reference with your friends. It’s all free – just remember to give credit where credit is due.

All the quilted samples were designed and pieced by myself, Karen Overton, using Island Batik fabrics, Superior Threads, and Aurifl Threads, with zippers By Annie. The Island Batik fabrics were purchased or gleaned from my personal stash with the exception of one precut package of Sweet Nectar from my Island Batik Ambassador project kit.
Truly clever and fun!
Thanks Barbara, I have had fun making these and plan on making more. I hope you will make one (or two) and post photos of yours!
I absolutely love your tutorial on the composition notebook cover, very thorough. I wanted to make the same cover but for my calendar planner, but it is a different size than the notebook. How Can I apply this pattern for a different size?
Thank You
Nadine – simply measure your planner and add enough inches for the wrap around, zippered pocket and seam allowances. Made a pattern from foundation fabric such as muslin and test it. I always make it “too big” and then trim down ????. Enjoy the process and be sure to send me a photo !
I can’t wait to do this in the new year. Thank you.
Please send me your photos! I love seeing projects inspired by my pattern!
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The pdf doesn’t seem to be available anymore. 🙁
Websites get updated and things change. Please go to my home page and click on the Digital PDF tab to be directed to the download for this design and others. Sorry for the inconvenience- hope you enjoy making this! Karen