How to Make a Book Cover

All you need is a sheet of paper, folding skills, and a little creativity.

Published on September 15, 2023

It's a big moment when a kid gets their first textbook—not one of those softcover workbooks—but a heavy, hardcover book, dense with whatever subject it covers. The book is toted to and from school, used for studying, and maybe even shared with friends. Because the tomes are so heavily used, schools typically ask kids to protect textbooks with covers. Instead of buying one, consider helping your child make a DIY book cover they can personalize.

A cover made from a cut-open brown-paper bag does the trick well, but heavy construction paper, road maps, wrapping paper, or even scraps of wallpaper also allow kids to design custom covers. For durability that will last for years, consider using vinyl-coated wallpaper or oilcloth. These materials are thick enough to resist wear and tear—plus, smears wipe clean with a damp cloth.

If your child is too young to cover their book themselves, let them choose a style and embellishments while you do most of the work. Once they're old enough to master the basic technique, encourage their creativity by letting them make their own covers.

What You'll Need

Instructions

Fold construction paper over the book:

Begin with a piece of paper big enough to wrap around the closed book, adding at least 2 inches on all sides. Place the book in the center of the paper, and fold the paper against the top and bottom edges of the book to make creases. Remove the book and fold the paper down neatly along these creased lines, keeping folds smooth and even.
Make front cover:

Place the closed book on the folded paper, 2 inches away from the right side. Wrap the long side of the paper around the front cover of the book. Make a crease along the edge of the front cover. (It's important to do this with the book closed, or the cover will be too tight.) Remove the book and fold the paper down neatly along the creased line. Open the front cover slide it into the created sleeve.
Make back cover:

Close the book. Wrap the back side of the paper around the back cover of the book. Make a crease along the edge of the front cover. Remove the book and fold the paper down neatly along the creased line. Open the back cover and slide it into the created sleeve.

How to Decorate a Book Cover

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your child's book cover. Spots and stripes are easy to make with bright stickers, which will help hold a cover in place at the edges. Embellish construction paper with large polka-dot labels from an office-supply store. Washi tape can weave a pleasing plaid around books covered in brown craft paper (plus, tape keeps sleeves from unfolding).

If your child prefers a book cover without any adornments, consider making them an extra pocket instead. Stuck to the front of a book, they can keep a class schedule or important reminders in plain view. Purchase self-adhesive plastic business-card holders and affix them wherever you like on the cover. You can also cover a book with two pieces of heavy construction paper, which gives you a pocket large enough to place tests or homework reminders in.

How to Make a Book Cover

What You'll Need

Instructions

Fold construction paper over the book:

Make front cover:

Make back cover:

How to Decorate a Book Cover