Journal and book covers are quick and easy sewing projects and are perfect for jazzing up a basic composition book, notebook or other book. And for us as embroiders, they provide a great little canvas to show off some favorite designs.

In a previous post, Crazy about Motifs, we learned how to create our own motifs, how to install a downloaded library, and how to use motifs as lines and stamps. Now we’ll use that design to create a journal cover.

The Victorian Crazy Patch Heart requires a bit more interaction at the machine than does a standard appliqué. The first piece is placed face up but all the following pieces are placed face down, a seam is stitched, and then the piece is flipped over and secured before applying the next piece.

This is a relatively simple process, but can be hard to visualize if you’ve never done paper piecing or foundation piecing before. This video will cover the process of stitching the design.

Before you stitch your design, you’ll want to measure for your journal cover and determine the placement. You may find you need to cut your fabric larger than the finished size to accommodate proper hooping. I prefer not to float items unless it really is the best option.