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Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the cover of a soft leather journal.

You will cut off the old cover, reinforce the spine, and glue new leather on. This material can be thrifted for cost efficiency.

Journals hold sentimental value. However, when they fall apart—especially if the leather crumbles and causes a mess—users tend to abandon them only half-filled. This is especially wasteful when the journal or pages are of good quality. Quick fixes like electrical tape can be unsightly and unsustainable (due to peeling and frequent replacing).

When attaching the new cover, you will glue it directly to the front and back sheets of the journal. Take a picture if you want to preserve its contents.

What you need

  1. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement, Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement, Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Gather your old journal, required tools and parts, and a large item that can be used as a weight.

    • Your stiff fabric will reinforce the spine, and your scrap leather will become your new cover. They can be different materials as long as they serve a similar function.

    Edit

  2. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Cut the cover and spine off from the main journal body with an X-ACTO knife.

    • Keep the main block of pages intact.

    • Save the cover for Step 5.

    Edit

  3. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Create the spine reinforcement:

    • Measure the height and width of the journal's spine onto your stiff fabric.

    • Subtract one inch from your height, and add two inches to your width.

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  4. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Cut the stiff fabric into a small rectangle with your modified measurements.

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  5. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the spine of the journal with a paintbrush.

    • Press the spine firmly into the center of the stiff fabric for one minute.

    • PVA glue dries fast, so work quickly.

    Edit

  7. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Create the new cover:

    • Press the original cover flat onto the interior of your scrap leather.

    • Trace around the original cover with chalk.

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  8. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Cut on the chalk outline with scissors, extending the length beyond the right side by four inches.

    • This extra length will become the cover flap.

    Edit

  9. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Roll the journal onto the new cover to ensure a correct fit.

    Edit

  10. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Spread a thin, even layer of PVA glue onto the front and back of the journal.

    • Make sure to coat the overhang of the stiff fabric, but DO NOT glue the spine.

    Edit

  11. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Left align the journal (front-side down) onto the interior of your new cover, spine facing towards the center.

    • Gently roll the journal onto its back sheet until it meets the chalk line.

    • Place a weight on top of the journal for at least 30 minutes.

    Edit

  12. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Create the string closure:

    • Trace an 18-inch long by half-inch tall rectangle onto the interior of your excess scrap leather.

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  13. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Cut on the chalk outline.

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  14. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Cut two, half-inch tall vertical slits into the front flap of the new cover. Center them with one inch between each slit.

    Edit

  15. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Thread the string closure through the slits so that the ends sit on top of the cover flap.

    • Pull until two inches remain on the left side.

    • Gently tie the journal closed.

    Edit

  16. Soft Leather Journal Cover Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations! Your new journal is ready to use.

    Edit
Finish Line

Author

with 3 other contributors

Willow Tinsman

Member since: 02/19/25

241 Reputation

1 Guide authored

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Team

UC Davis, Team 2-1, Andersen Winter 2025 Member of UC Davis, Team 2-1, Andersen Winter 2025

UCD-ANDERSEN-W25S2G1

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