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DIY Mini Notebook (with Printable!)

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This DIY jotter notebook is so easy to make and super cute with a free printable cover!

I’ll admit that this isn’t the most sophisticated way to create a little notebook (or the most sewing machine friendly…), but it’s a lot of fun and a great way to make custom little notebooks for doodling, notes, and reminders.

I don’t know about y’all, but I love carrying a little notebook around in my purse to jot down ideas and lists!

This tutorial for a DIY jotter notebook shows you how to quickly and easily make your own custom notebook.

DIY Pocket Notebooks (with Printable!)

This post may include affiliate links, which means I may make a commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 

For simplicity’s sake, these notebooks have a finished size of 1/4 of a sheet of 8.5″x11″ printer paper.

You can make them smaller if you’d like to do more cutting! I used regular, plain printer paper, but nicer paper would make the notebooks, well, nicer. With some resume paper, for example, these little guys could make a great homemade gift idea!

Supplies for DIY mini notebooks

  • A piece of cardstock
  • Regular printer paper (I recommend using 8 sheets)
  • Paper trimmer. This is my favorite because the wire guide shows you where you’re cutting!
  • Sewing machine with thread and a needle you’re willing to dull
  • A couple binder clips
  • Sea Friends Notebook Covers free printable
sea turtle notebook

How to make your own simple notebooks

1. If you’re using the printable, go ahead and print it out on a sheet of cardstock. The images are already lined up so they’ll be placed correctly! If you’re drawing your own pictures, I advise cutting the cardstock in half and drawing before assembling the notebooks. It makes drawing so much easier and you don’t have to start the project over if you make a mistake!

supplies for diy doodle book

2. Cut you paper and cover in half to make pages that are 8.5″x5.5″. I’ve tried notebooks with 8 and with 10 sheets, and I think 8 is easier to work with.

cut the papers and covers

3. Fold one sheet of paper in half for each notebook. If you’re making two notebooks, for example, fold two sheets in half.

fold one sheet of paper in half

4. Clip the cover, image facing out, to eight of the half-sheets you prepared in step #2, making sure a folded sheet is the top one on the stack.

cute sea turtle notebook cover
clip pages and cover together

5. Using a needle (that you will probably never be able to sew fabric with again…) and a sewing machine, carefully stitch down the folded center

line. I recommend using a stitch length of 3 or 4 – smaller stitches can basically perforate the pages and make them rip out easily.

sew down the middle
book sewn down the middle

6. Carefully fold your notebook in half along the stitched line. Some of the pages will probably stick out a little – this is normal! You can trim the edges if you’d like.

uneven edges

7. Enjoy your awesome new notebooks!

DIY cute seahorse notebook

I have to admit that I feel a little cool for drawing these two sea critters. I’ve never thought of myself as someone who can draw, but I’ve had lots of fun doodling recently. I’ve realized that not being able to draw realistically doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy drawing! Plus, it’s really nice that Papi Chulo encourages me and always acts impressed by whatever I’ve managed to get on paper. =)

Do you enjoy carrying a little notebook around? What do you use it for?

Remember to save this mini notebook tutorial to your favorite Pinterest board!

DIY easy mini notebooks with free printable!
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Comments

  1. Margaret

    August 25, 2020 at 14:48

    I carry a mini notebook in my purse to take notes on the homilies at church, make notes formyself and keep record of my families favorite snacks. Yes, I have an iphone but I prefer the old fashion way. Thank you for your great ideas and this mini pad. I am going to make one for my granddaughter who is 2 12 years old. She is like me, she loves to carry a little notepad and pencil. She is so cute.

    Reply
    • Natasha

      August 25, 2020 at 17:44

      I love carrying a notebook, too, and I always use a paper planner instead of a digital planner or calendar. I’m glad you enjoy the tutorial!

      Reply
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natashalh - the artisan life

Hi, I’m Natasha! I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m a former classroom teacher with a Masters of the Arts in Teaching turned homeschooler & gardener. I share educational & planner printables and tips for making gardening with kids successful and affordable.

I also publish printed coloring & activity books. You can also find me on YouTube.

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