Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by Team Ideas24
5. Attach the zipper to the book’s rear cover
Go ahead and zip the zipper back up for the next part- attaching the other side of the zipper to the book.
This next part can also be tricky. You want to glue the other side of the zipper with the zipper closed. I tried to open the zipper and measure out/label points to match up, but it just didn’t seem to work for me. If you glue it down with the zipper open and don’t get the zipper sides matched up just right, then you won’t be able to get the zipper to work.
So I close the zipper and then position the zipper and practice closing the book on the zipper to get it lined up. Then I simply put glue on the material and close the book to get an initial stick. I examine the edges and see which spots need fixed or reglued and work from there. Usually, if you are careful enough, only minor gluing on the outside while zipped will fix most imperfections. It is also easy to pull up a section of hot glue and reglue.
Once it is glued where you want it from the outside, unzip and glue down all the material from the inside like on the other half; folding down corners to lay flat.
6. Make an inside liner
Next, I make an inside liner to cover all the gluing and make your DIY book clutch look nice. I had enough material left to make one solid piece. I cut it a little bigger than the size of the inside and then hemmed it. You can also just fold down the edges. If you don’t have a big enough piece, you can have two pieces on each side and center them covering the book cover and edges of the material from the zipper.
I then glued it down and pulled tight as I went, trying to go to the very edges.
To make it look nicer, you can put heat n bond on the back to make it smoother! Just iron the material to the heat n bond and then leave the paper backing on it for the glue to stick to.
7. Clean it up
Clean it up, cut loose threads, pull away hot glue cobwebs, and test the zipper out…you are good to go!
8. Add a different cover (Optional)
If you have a book that you don’t care for the cover, you can also cover it with material!
You will do this after cutting the pages out of the book and before gluing in the zipper. Cut two pieces slightly larger than the covers so that the excess can be glued over the edge of the inside covers. I used heat n bond on the material to make it smooth, but you don’t have to. I used the red package of heat n bond, ironed the material onto the glue side, and then used the paper backing to make the glue stick better to the book cover.
After that, you just continue the rest of the instructions- adding the zipper and the inner liner.
9. Add some pockets (Optional)
Enjoy! Add pockets and pen slots to make it even better. Use it for a wallet, clutch, secret storage on your bookshelf, sketching kit, tool kit, iPad holder, or just about anything you can think of!!
Thanks to
Personalizing Your DIY Book Clutch
A DIY book clutch is already a unique accessory, but adding a personal touch makes it truly one of a kind. Once you’ve finished the basic steps of turning an old hardbound book into a clutch, there’s plenty of room to get creative. Whether you want something bold or prefer a subtle design, you can customize every detail to fit your style.
Decorate the Cover for a Unique Look
One of the easiest ways to personalize your book clutch is by changing the cover’s appearance. If you love the existing cover, give it a fresh coat of clear sealant to protect it from wear and tear. But if the original cover isn’t appealing, you can completely transform it.
Try covering the book with fabric. Faux leather, canvas, or patterned cotton are all great options. Use a neutral color for a minimalist look or go for vibrant prints if you want to make a statement. Fabric adhesive or heat n bond works well for attaching fabric to the book. For a smoother finish, make sure to iron the material before applying it.
Paint is another easy option. Acrylic paint adheres well to book covers, and you can seal it afterward with a clear varnish. Solid colors, ombré effects, or hand-painted illustrations give your DIY book clutch a personalized feel. You can also stencil on patterns or words for added detail.
Add Embellishments for Extra Flair
Once the cover is ready, think about adding embellishments. Metal corners not only protect the edges of the clutch but also add a polished, vintage vibe. You can buy them online or at craft stores, and they’re easy to attach with glue or small brads.
Rhinestones, pearls, or studs give the clutch a little sparkle. Arrange them in a simple border or create shapes like stars or hearts. Embroidery patches or iron-on decals work well if you prefer fabric details. Vintage buttons or brooches can also make a great focal point.
Include a Monogram or Nameplate
Personalizing your clutch with your initials or nameplate adds a custom touch. You can stencil your initials with paint, use vinyl stickers, or order a custom metal nameplate. Some people even add bookplates to the inside cover for an old-school library feel.
Line the Interior with Special Fabric
The inside of your book clutch is just as important as the outside. Choose a lining that complements the outer design. Velvet or satin gives a luxurious feel, while patterned cotton or canvas adds a casual touch. If you have a favorite color or print, use it for the liner. You can even sew small pockets inside for added function, perfect for holding cards, pens, or a phone.
Add a Strap or Handle
If you want to make your book clutch even more functional, add a wristlet strap or a crossbody chain. Small D-rings can be attached inside the spine or onto the covers. Choose a chain or strap that matches the style—metal for an edgy look, leather for something classic, or ribbon for a playful finish.
Final Touches Make It Yours
Personalizing your DIY book clutch turns a simple project into something meaningful. With a little creativity, you can design a clutch that fits your personality, wardrobe, and lifestyle. Whether you keep it minimal or go all out with decorations, your finished piece will be a stylish and personal accessory that stands out.
Creating a Themed Collection of Book Clutches
Once you’ve mastered making a DIY book clutch, it’s hard to stop at just one. A great way to keep the creativity flowing is by designing a themed collection. Whether you’re an avid reader, a movie buff, or just someone who loves matching accessories, themed clutches add fun and personality to your projects. They also make fantastic gifts or unique pieces to sell at craft fairs.
Literary Classics for a Timeless Look
A collection based on literary classics brings elegance and nostalgia. Look for hardbound copies of books like Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick, The Great Gatsby, or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. These iconic titles often have beautifully designed covers that you can showcase as-is, or you can repaint them to give a modern twist.
Choose rich fabrics for the interior, like velvet or damask, to complement the timeless feel. Add gold-toned metal corners or antique-style buttons to enhance the vintage aesthetic. This collection works great for book lovers who appreciate classic stories and timeless style.
Comic Books and Pop Culture for a Playful Vibe
If you’re a fan of superheroes or pop culture, try creating a clutch series inspired by comic books, graphic novels, or iconic movies. Search for hardbound editions featuring superheroes like Batman, Spider-Man, or Wonder Woman. You can even re-cover plain books with comic strip prints or posters. Add bold color linings, like red, yellow, or blue, and use zipper pulls shaped like lightning bolts or stars. These clutches are perfect for comic conventions, casual outings, or as gifts for fellow fans.
Travel Journals for Wanderlust Inspiration
For travelers and adventure lovers, a travel-themed collection can be a big hit. Look for old atlases, world history books, or travel guides with vintage covers. If you can’t find any, re-cover your books with old maps or passport stamp designs. Use fabric linings that remind you of exotic destinations—tropical prints, nautical stripes, or rustic burlap. You can even add little charms, like airplane pendants or compass zipper pulls. These clutches make perfect companions for travel documents, passports, and souvenirs.
Children’s Books for Whimsical Charm
Children’s books make delightful clutches, especially for playful events or as gifts for kids and parents. Choose bright, cheerful covers from classic children’s literature like Peter Pan, The Velveteen Rabbit, or Where the Wild Things Are. Add soft fabric linings in fun prints—think polka dots, stars, or animal patterns. You can also sew in extra pockets for crayons or small toys. These clutches can double as creative gift bags or keepsake holders for children’s mementos.
Seasonal and Holiday Themes for Special Occasions
Themed book clutches for holidays or seasons make great limited-edition pieces. Use festive books or decorate the covers with seasonal motifs. For winter, go with classic Christmas stories or books with snowy scenes. Decorate with glitter, faux fur trim, or tiny bells. Spring-themed clutches can feature floral patterns or pastel colors. Fall can bring in warm tones, leaves, and cozy textures like corduroy. These themed clutches are perfect for holiday markets or seasonal gifts.
Building a themed collection of DIY book clutches lets you explore different styles and ideas. It’s a creative way to tell a story through design. Whether you’re inspired by literature, travel, pop culture, or holidays, a thoughtful theme pulls the collection together. It also makes your clutches more meaningful—and a lot more fun to create.
Conclusion
Making a DIY book clutch is a creative way to upcycle old hardbound books into stylish accessories. With a little time and personal flair, each clutch becomes a one-of-a-kind piece. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, a handmade book clutch is both functional and full of character.
If you liked this project, you might also like to view Make an art decor from old book pages…
