Thursday, August 27, 2009

Book Cover with Magnetic Closure

**This tutorial is intended for personal use only.**

The addition of magnetic clasps provide a neat and clean way to put a closure on purses and accessories. After being unable to locate my magnetic clasps for a project that I was working on, I came up with the idea of using regular old craft magnets instead. They take a little bit of forethought to use in a project, but they work well. They're very economical too!

Two things to note: Take care to ensure that your magnets aren't opposing when placed into your project or your closure will not work. Another is to remember that thin fabrics work well around the closure areas. Too many thick layers of fabric will provide you with a very weak closure. Because there are layers of fabric between the magnets, you will not get as strong of a hold as direct magnet contact would give you.

To begin, I give each magnet a coat of clear acrylic spray to protect the fabric from the black coloring in the magnets. I have found that most magnets do not shed it's color, but some do. I say that it's better to be safe than sorry.


For this book cover, I am using a hexie flower as a closure. I placed the magnet into the center of the wrong side of the flower and placed another hexie over the magnet to secure it.


The hexie is then hand sewn in place before being covered by another hexie flower.


After determining where the second magnet should be placed in the book cover (determine this by where the hexie flower closure will be), place the magnet onto the wrong side of the lining. Cover the magnet with a small piece of fabric and sew it in place. I've used a zipper foot to get close to the magnet. Neatness isn't too much of an issue in this step as the magnet will be hidden in the lining and will not be visible on the outside of the book cover.


I have used my bone folder to point out where the magnet is. As you can see, it is barely visible as I have used matching thread in securing the magnet to the lining.


This photo shows the bone folder pointing to the location of the magnet on the book cover front. As you can see, it is barely visible. Also visible is the underside of the hexie flower with the magnet in it's center.


The completed note book cover with a magnetic hexie flower closure.


I hope you've enjoyed seeing my improvised version of a magnetic clasp closure.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful comments and emails. I continue to be overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity. More than I deserve, really.

Have a fabulous day!

Aloha!

23 comments:

ferne said...

You are always making the cutest things and so useful too. You know how bloggers are always trying to see everything in the pictures? Well I am very curious about the box with all the buttons in the last picture...show us more!

Missy Ann said...

Another great idea. And thanks for the tip about the magnets. I was thinking of using them for a project of my own and I had been wondering if sealing them would interfere, glad to know it won't.

Annieofbluegables said...

Very nice! Thanks for taking the time to make this tutorial. Great pictures too! I get so much more out of it if there are pictures. Thanks
~a

Pokey said...

I do not always comment, but you are so clever! you have great ideas and useful tutorials! Thank you for sharing with others, like me! I appreciate your blog, and smile when I see you have a new post. Thanks, again. : } pokey

Annette said...

That is a super idea! Your book cover is so sweet...just like your projects always are.

Barb said...

You are so clever.....I will have to remember this....

I am having an awesome giveaway at my blog tomorrow....www.bejeweledquilts.blogspot.co come on by.

Sandra :) said...

Your notebook cover is gorgeous, and I love the magnet idea - I've used magnetic snaps once or twice but I always wait to buy them on sale because they get expensive - it never occurred to me to use regular easy-to-find (and inexpensive!) magnets - tell Mouse his momma is BRILLIANT! And talented :D

(My word verification word is "perpo" - that sounds a bit ominous, heehee!)

arkie said...

Oh my, that is so very clever! Love the tip about spraying the magnet to protect the fabric. I wonder if that would work to spray magnets so they wouldn't leave marks on the fridge or would it make them stick? Maybe someone knows?

Thimbleanna said...

That is super cute -- I love how you're using that flower!

Teodo said...

Fantastic idea.
ciao ciao

Suze said...

Love the book cover! I also have trouble finding stuff here...good idea!

Unknown said...

I love using magnetic closures! I agree with you, they are definitely a great way to finish a project neatly. You improvisation is terrific! The book cover is fantastics!

sweetiepie said...

As usual, you have come up with another great idea, Lettie.

I have been using velcro as closures on most of my items because I have always thought the magnetic closures were too expensive. I will take this idea into consideration next time I am working with something that needs a closure.

Thanks for sharing your great ideas.

Take care.

Busym1 said...

Love this project! I really like the idea for the magnetic closures. I too, have been using velcro, but may switch! Thank you for this project! hugs,michelle

Chriss said...

Hello Lettie, you do such beautiful work and have such a great imagination. I am so pleased that you share this with us. Thank you.

SG said...

Another great idea! Thanks!

Threeundertwo said...

So smart! I love this.

Kristin said...

I love it. So pretty and such a good use of resources.

Janine said...

Thank you for sharing this great idea

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

I love this, Lettie. Someday, I;m going to make one.

ozgrkdn said...

this is a smart idea thanks I love it Iwill make now because I saw yet thanks

Mar said...

hello this is a fantastic idea with the magnetic buttons
only a question, I am mad looking for this magnetics but can not find it, could you tell me where did you buy them?
thank you very much for your help
kind regards
Mar

Unknown said...

This is one of those ideas that make total sense but only after seeing it done. While I have access to places to buy the closures, I have a hard time rationalizing the cost. This idea is brilliant! A big plus for me is that you don't have to make slits in the fabric! I can't wait to use this idea, thanks for posting!