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Libraries protect their books with plastic slip covers, but how can you get a few covers when they are available only in bulk? You make one! A good durable book cover is easy enough to make, and with a sheet or two of plastic, you’ll have a protector on your book in no time. We’ll walk you through the steps you to need to make a solid and durable plastic book cover.
Steps
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1Obtain a heavy duty plastic sheet protector or an 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic. [1] X Research source
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2Trim two edges of the sheet protector so that it opens up into a single layer.Advertisement -
3Lay your book on the plastic and trace its covers and spine. It should make a large rectangle. [2] X Research source
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4Measure the top, bottom, and both side edges of the book. [3] X Research source
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5Add two inches to the top and bottom measurement, and three to each side. [4] X Research source
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6Crease the top and bottom one inch wide flaps toward the center of the book. Press firmly to create a sharp crease. [5] X Research source -
7Fold and crease the 3 inch sections on each side of the book cover in toward the spine. Press firmly to create a sharp crease. [6] X Research source -
8Slide your book cover(s) into the pockets formed by the creases. [7] X Research source -
9Close the book to check for fit. [8] X Research source -
10Tape the inside and outside layers of plastic together along the book's top and bottom edges, taking care not to stick tape to the book. -
11Repeat the process for the other cover with the other end of the plastic. -
12Read your newly protected book!
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Tips
- You can use almost any type of clear tape to secure the edges of the flaps to your book.Thanks
- An inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.Thanks
- 3 mil plastic is too thin and will tear easily. 5 mil is the minimum necessary, and 8 or 10 mil is better. The thicker plastic drop cloths will not be perfectly clear; they will be somewhat cloudy, but you can still read a book's title through them.Thanks
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Warnings
- Saran Wrap (plastic wrap) and garbage bags will work temporarily, but are not suitable for long-term or heavy use.Thanks
- Take care with any cutting tools to avoid injury.Thanks
- Watch out for painful paper cuts!Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy duty sheet protectors (available in 10 and 25 count packages at most office supply stores or ask at school supplies)
- Tape, preferably clear
- Sharp scissors for cutting plastic
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCvD4zDzkJc
- ↑ https://www.designmom.com/living-well-4-secrets-to-a-carefully-covered-book/
- ↑ https://www.designmom.com/living-well-4-secrets-to-a-carefully-covered-book/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcXf3uyfh0
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcXf3uyfh0
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcXf3uyfh0
- ↑ https://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/plastic-canvas-stitched-book-cover.html
- ↑ https://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/plastic-canvas-stitched-book-cover.html
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