DIY Fabric Covered Books: Transform Your Shelves

Learn how to transform your books into stylish decor with this easy DIY guide on fabric-covered books. Get step-by-step instructions using Mod Podge to create beautiful, customized books perfect for any shelf.

Have you ever looked at your bookshelves and thought they needed a little extra flair? Well, you’re in the right place!

Covering books with fabric is an easy and creative way to transform your space without breaking the bank. This project is simple enough for everyone and perfect for adding a personalized touch to your home decor.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use fabric and Mod Podge to give your old books a brand-new look.

From selecting the right materials to achieving a smooth, professional finish, you’ll have all the tips and tricks you need to create stylish, fabric-covered books that will elevate any shelf.

Note: You can do this with books you already own and they’ll still be readable. This doesn’t change your ability to open the book and read it! However, you can also go ahead and purchase some for this specific purpose.

Not only is this craft fun and relaxing, but it’s also a great way to give new life to books you love (or the ones you never plan on reading again!).

What kind of fabric can I use for this project?

I used fat quarters, 100% cotton. You can use cotton or cotton poly blends. I don’t recommend anything with lycra in it, and most home decor fabrics are too thick. Just use regular weight fabric.

Let’s get started on turning those plain covers into eye-catching decor pieces.

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How to Cover a Book with Fabric

Gather These Supplies

• Books
• Fabric
• Craft paint – white
• Mod Podge – I used Satin but you can use any formula
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Wax paper
• Brayer (optional)

Keep in mind this craft is permanent. Once you apply the fabric, it’s not easily removed.

Paint the Books

If the fabric is thin and lighter in color, and/or the books are darker, you’ll need to paint the books. by painting a coat of white acrylic paint on the cover, spine, and back cover. Let dry.

It doesn’t have to be a very thick coat of paint; you just don’t want the color of the book showing through the fabric.

Cut the Fabric to Size

Cut the fabric to be slightly larger than the book using the scissors. Make sure to have several inches of excess around the edge.

Prepare the Fabric

In order to make the fabric easier to apply to the book (more like paper), you’re going to prepare it with Mod Podge.

Lay the fabric down on the wax paper and apply the Mod Podge. Apply an even coat over the entire piece of fabric (and repeat with all the patterns you want to use). Let dry completely.

Test Fit the Fabric

If you have patterns that you want to be straight, I have a tip for you – you can test fit the fabric and smooth creases in it using the edges of the book. This helps you keep the fabric even when applied in the next step.

Attach Fabric with Mod Podge

You’re going to do this part one side at a time: first the cover – then the spine – then the back. Apply Mod Podge to the front cover of the book. Make sure to get the edges.

Smooth the fabric onto the cover. Let dry for several minutes, then repeat with the spine and the back cover. Let dry completely.

Trim the Fabric Around the Edges

Using the scissors, trim the excess fabric all the way around the book. You should also cut tabs at the spine to fold in, and cut out the corners so you can fold over the flaps.

Glue Down the Edges

Apply Mod Podge to the fabric flaps on the edges. It helped me to work one flap at a time.

Fold in and smooth down thoroughly until the fabric sticks down. Repeat this all the way around the front and back cover and let dry open.

Glue Down the Spine Fabric

After the edges are adhered, apply some Mod Podge to the spine piece and tuck it down in the spine. You may have to use tweezers or a tool to get the fabric down there if it’s tight. Let dry.

I’m so happy with how my books turned out! I encourage you to choose some cute coordinating fabrics and get decorating.

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I promise you’ll be addicted. What did you think of this project? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love it if you’d visit the following home decor projects I think you’ll like:

• How to Build a Lamp from Scratch (So Easy!)
• DIY Notebook Cover: A Quick and Creative Makeover
• How to Decoupage Fabric Onto Shelves
• DIY Pressed Flowers with Mod Podge
• Mod Podge Cardboard Letters for Decor