How to Make a Bible Cover

My bible is getting old and a bit tattered so it is time to make a cover for it.  I really wanted to make a cover with handles so I created this simple two handled bible cover.  I was amazed at the ease in which this project came together.  It took no time at all to create this bible cover.  I wanted to make sure that I used a fairly sturdy fabric for this project so I decided to use canvas for the outer fabric and quilting cotton for the lining.  Other than the fabrics all you need is standard sewing supplies and basic sewing skills to complete this project.  

I had these fabrics on hand as I am still trying to get through my massive stash of remnants and other fabrics but if you don’t have fabrics on hand I recommend that you head over to Fabric.com or Hobby Lobby to get exactly what you need for your bible cover.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at not extra cost to you.  

If you would like a video tutorial of this project head over to YouTube and check out my video.  While you are there subscribe to my channel.  

What you will Need:

• 1/2 yard of canvas
• 1/2 yard quilting cotton
• Standard Sewing Supplies

Step 1: Measure your Fabrics

Measure your fabrics.  To do this lay your bible open and flat on your cutting surface and measure your bible.  My bible measured 14 3/4 x 9 1/4″.  Add 2″ to each of these measurements so that you have a piece of canvas fabric and a piece of lining that is 16 3/4″ x 11 1/4″.  Next you will want to measure for the sleeves that the flaps will fit into.  Measure from the end of the flap about 3/4 of the way to the spine.  This measurement comes out to be about 5 1/2″.  Add 1/2″ to this measurement.  So you will want to cut two canvas pieces and 2 lining pieces that are 6″ x 11 1/4″.  Cut 2 pieces of canvas 4″ x 12″ to serve as the handles.  I also cut 2 pieces of lining fabric 3 1/2″ x 12″ to serve as an accent on the handles.  Cut a 3″ x 18″ strip of the lining fabric to use as the tie.  

Step 2: Create the Ties

Create the the ties by taking the 3″ x 18″ strip and fold the raw edges into the center and press.  Then fold the piece in half lengthwise and press again.  Top stitch on both long edges. tie the ends in a know.  Cut the strip in half and set aside.  

Step 3: Create the Handles   

Create the handles.  Take the 4″ x 12″ pieces of canvas and fold the raw edges to the center and press.  Fold the pieces in half lengthwise and press again.  Top stitch on both long edges.  Create the accent pieces in the same way but instead of top stitching the long edges center the accent pieces onto the handles and sew the long edges of the accent pieces to the handles.  Set aside.  

Step 4: Create the Sleeves

Create the sleeves.  With right sides together sew the lining piece to the canvas piece along one of the long edges using a 1/2″ seam allowance.  Turn right sides out and press.  Repeat for the other sleeve piece.  Three of the sides should be unsewn at this point.  Top stitch along the seam for a more professional look.  

Step 5: Add the Sleeves

Pin the sleeves to the short ends of the main lining piece.  Center the handles and the ties on the short ends of the lining piece and the sleeve.  Baste.  

Step 6: Add the Back

Place the outer canvas piece right sides together with the main lining piece and sew all the way around the rectangle using a 1/2″ seam allowance leaving a 3″ opening for turning. 

Step 7: Turn Right Sides Out and Finish the Bible Cover

Turn the cover right side out through the opening and press.  Sew the opening closed using ladder stitch.  If you are unfamiliar with ladder stitch. Take a look at this video.

 

Step 7: How to Make a Bible Cover

Embellish your cover anyway you like.  I happened to have a flower iron on applique on hand that I added to mine but you could use anything you like.  You have now completed your dual handle bible cover.  

I hope you enjoyed this project. If you did feel free to sign up for our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials.