How to Make a Leather Journal

June 17, 2017 • Joy P

Over the past few months, I've been trying to make a leather journal for myself - a unique, vintage and practical leather journal.

Before starting, I searched a lot of tutorials and videos on the internet, either the leather journals are too simple, or the tutorials are too complicated, I didn't find one that would satisfy me. So, I decided to try my own way.

Prepare the materials and tools:

-leather
-journal inserts
-needle
-thread
-hammer
-punch
-cutter
-ruler
-scissor

First, cut the height of the leather cover according to the size of the journal insert. I am using passport size notebooks as the inserts, the height is 12.5cm, and the cover should little larger, so I make it with 13cm.

Punch holes in the leather according to the Hole Punching Diagram. I want the leather journal to be neither too thin nor too thick, 5 layers of inserts with around 150 sheets are just great.

Use the same way to punch holes in the journal inserts.

Now we are ready to sew the inserts into the leather cover.

Put the rough side of the leather up, pass the needle through the 1st insert and hole A1.

Stitch back through the hole A1 and leave a loop-1 on the smooth side.

Stitch through hole A2 from the inside.

Then hole A3 from the outside.

And hole A4 from the inside.

Stitch back through the hole A4 and leave a loop-2 on the smooth side.

And then stitch through hole B4 from the inside.

Pass the needle through the loop-2 and stitch through the hole B4 and the 2nd insert.

Sewing the 2nd insert. When this step was done, the needle is on the outside of hole B1.

Pass the needle through the loop-1 and stitch back through the hole B1.

Now we need to tighten the loose loops.

Make a knot to keep the inserts falling apart. Up to now, 2 inserts were fixed.

Keep sewing the 3rd insert. Pass the needle through hole C1.

Then pass the needle under the thread between hole A1 and hole B1. 

Stitch back hole C1 and get a nice sewing pattern.

Get the 3rd insert sewn.

Use the same way to sew the 4th and 5th inserts.

Make a knot in the 5th insert. To now, the body part is ready.

Cut off the spare leathers, and cut a curve side to make the cover more elegant.

Cut a long leather strap to use to close the leather journal.

Finally, a unique, beautiful and vintage look handmade leather journal.

Personally, I am very happy with this try, although the binding system is a bit complicated, it's worth it.

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