Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Lois Wade. Lois Wade was a high school librarian for four years. She is experienced in repairing books, resewing bindings, and protecting books, along with general book care and organization.
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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
Download Article- 1Obtain a heavy duty plastic sheet protector or an 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic.[1]
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]
- 4Measure the top, bottom, and both side edges of the book.[3]
- 5Add two inches to the top and bottom measurement, and three to each side.[4]
6Crease the top and bottom one inch wide flaps toward the center of the book. Press firmly to create a sharp crease.[5]
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]
8Slide your book cover(s) into the pockets formed by the creases.[7]
9Close the book to check for fit.[8]
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!
Expert Q&A
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
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
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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