Knitted book covers are fun to make and are nothing more than simple rectangles. Knitted book covers protect special volumes and provide privacy. This basic pattern is for a book cover that’s worked in stockinette stitch with a simple seed stitch edging. It’s sized to fit a standard three-ring binder with a 2-inch wide spine.
Here are this project's materials and vital statistics:
Yarn: Schaefer Yarns Miss Priss (100% merino wool); 280 yards (256 meters) per 115 grams; 1 skein; color: Jane Adams
Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) needles, or the size needed to match gauge
Other materials: Three-ring binder with a 2-inch spine; yarn needle for finishing
Size: Fits a standard 10-by-12-inch three-ring binder
Gauge: 18 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch
The book cover is worked from side to side, starting with a 4-inch flap that will be turned under to form the inside of the cover:
Cast on 57 sts.
Work the flap in seed stitch as follows:
All rows: K1, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end.
Repeat this row until the flap measures 4 inches.
Knit 1 WS row to form a turning ridge.
Begin working in stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) with a three-stitch seed stitch border for the front of the journal cover as follows:
Row 1 (RS): K1, p1, k1, knit to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Row 2 (WS): K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows for 21 inches.
Knit 1 WS row to create a turning ridge.
Switch back to seed stitch and work 4 more inches before binding off.
Block the piece so that it measures 12 by 29 inches and the edges are square.
When the piece is dry, fold the flaps toward the WS and sew the flap in place along the top and bottom edges.
Insert your binder by opening it and inserting the front and back covers into the pockets that you’ve created with the flaps.