Grab a few books on your next Dollar Store or Thrift Store trip and make fabric covered books. This book stack will give your bookshelf, living room table, or side table a cute farmhouse-themed update.
Skip the expensive store-bought versions and get the same look by learning how to easily cover your own books with fabric!
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FILL EMPTY BOOKSHELF SPACE WITH FABRIC COVERED BOOKS
It’s super tempting to fill bookshelves and tables with clutter. Skip the clutter and fill the space with books covered with fabric (or drop cloth).
This look also has a farmhouse theme. So if you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive way to add to your decor, this is a must-try! When it comes to capturing the farmhouse theme, using fabric, reclaimed wood, and wood beads are a few inexpensive DIY ways to do it.
WHY I LOVE THIS PROJECT
I really like buying books at Dollar Tree because you never know what you’re going to get. Not to mention, it’s only $1. If you buy something and you don’t like it, you’re only out $1 and you can use it for a craft project (like this one).
There are also a few other places you can grab a few cheap books. Check with your local thrift stores, garage sales, or the library. My library has a huge book sale twice a year and I can typically get books for just $1 from there as well. I’m also a BIG fan of my local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. Most communities have one, and it’s a great way unload unwanted items or ask community members before going shopping for something new.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
- Hardback Books
- Linen-type fabric – available from Hobby Lobby or Amazon
- Fabric Scissors
- Hot Glue
** TIP: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly fabric option, you can use drop cloth. It will be just as cute and nothing has to change with the process.
**NOTE: Iron your fabric before hot gluing it to your book for a wrinkle-free look.
TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE FABRIC COVERED BOOKS
Follow this quick video, or read the step-by-step directions below.
- Remove and discard the dust jacket from the hardback books.
- Lay out your fabric and cut a piece that is 1″ wider than your book in all directions.
- Open your book and apply hot glue to one short edge of the fabric (not along the whole side). Fold it over into the inside of the book.
- Repeat this process for the other end of the book. Make sure the fabric is tight when the book is closed.
- At the binding part, cut 2 little slits the width of the spine.
- As you begin the remaining steps, this is when you’ll apply additional glue along the ends to secure all of the fabric to the book.
- Then, open the book and cut a little triangle out of the corner of the fabric.
- Begin folding (like a gift) the bottoms (and tops), applying hot glue to seal it tightly.
- For the binding, trim the piece down just enough to where you can place glue and fold it over onto the lip of the spine. This will be about a quarter inch or less.
- Repeat this for the other end of the book.
These fabric covered books are a clutter-free option for any bookshelf or table. The neutral-colored fabric goes great with any farmhouse theme and you can also get creative with your color choices.
MORE FABRIC CRAFT PROJECTS:
- There is a lot you can do with fabric, including using it to create fabric wall art. Grab your favorite fabric design, a canvas, and some hot glue and you’re all set!
- These no sew fabric bookmarks are a super cute way to keep your book’s place or to give as gifts to friends or loved ones.
- Even if sewing is not part of your expertise, you can totally pull off making these DIY fabric napkins. If I can do it, so can you!
Fabric Covered Books
Grab a few books on your next Dollar Store trip and have a go at making fabric colored books.
Materials
- Hardback Books
- Bolts of Fabric from Hobby Lobby
- Fabric Scissors
- Hot Glue
Instructions
- Remove and discard the dust jacket from the hardback books.
- Lay out your fabric and cut a piece that is 1" wider than your book in all directions.
- Open your book and apply hot glue to one short edge of the fabric (not along the whole side). Fold it over into the inside of the book.
- Repeat this process for the other end of the book. Make sure the fabric is tight when the book is closed.
- At the binding part, cut 2 little slits the width of the spine.
- As you begin the remaining steps, this is when you'll apply additional glue along the ends to secure all of the fabric to the book.
- Then, open the book and cut a little triangle out of the corner of the fabric.
- Begin folding (like a gift) the bottoms (and tops), applying hot glue to seal it tightly.
- For the binding, trim the piece down just enough to where you can place glue and fold it over onto the lip of the spine. This will be about a quarter inch or less.
- Repeat this for the other end of the book.
Notes
** TIP: If you're looking for a more budget-friendly fabric option, you can use drop cloth. It will be just as cute and nothing has to change with the process.
**NOTE: Iron your fabric before hot gluing it to your book for a wrinkle-free look.