DIY Simple Sketchbook Tutorial - The Wild Cherry Farm

In this post I’m going to show you how to make a quick and easy DIY Sketchbook, which is very customizable.

When my kids were younger, we used to make our own little books to draw and write in.

There are lots of ways to do it, but the simplest method is to take a few sheets of paper, fold them in half, staple along the edge – and voilà. A quick and easy book ready for all kinds of creative fun.

But if you want something a bit more polished – perfect for gifts or just a treat for yourself – there’s another way to make sketchbooks and it’s only slightly more challenging.

These are sewn together in the middle, so they lie perfectly flat when you open them. Once you get the hang of it, they’re fast and easy to make in batches, so you’ll always have something ready to draw or write in.

The beauty of this method is how flexible it is. Use any kind of paper you want. Cheap copy paper is great for quick sketches or illustrated stories, or go for thicker watercolour paper if you prefer.

You could also try handmade paper. I have never tried this but let me know if you do!

For the covers, I like using coloured card stock, but you can get creative with patterns, textures, or recycled materials. You’ll end up with a custom sketchbook that’s exactly how you want it.

So let’s dive in and make one together.

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Materials Needed

Before we get started, gather these simple materials:

Coloured thin cardboard (UK) or (US) for the cover — Pick a color or design you love.
Paper for the pages — Use copy paper (UK or US) for general sketching or watercolour paper (UK or US) for painting.
Needle and thread — Embroidery or just regular thread works fine.
Ruler — For measuring the poke holes.
Scissors or a craft knife — To cut your paper and cover to size.
Bone folder (optional) — This helps make crisp, clean folds. The back of a spoon or your nail will also work (that’s what I use).
Push pin — For making small holes in the paper.
Clips or binder clips — To hold everything in place while you sew.

folding the pages of your DIY Sketchbook

Step 1: Prepare the Pages

Decide how many pages you want in your sketchbook. Remember, one sheet folded in half creates four pages (front and back). Stack your paper neatly into a pile, keeping it aligned.

Now fold the entire stack in half. This fold will become your book’s spine.

Press firmly along the crease using a bone folder, the back of a spoon, or your fingernail to make a sharp edge. If you’re using thick paper like watercolour sheets, limit the number to avoid a bulky spine.

Tip: If you want a mix of different paper types, layer them creatively for a fun effect.

Step 2: Prepare the Cover

Lay your folded stack of pages on the coloured cardboard to measure the cover. If you want, cut the cardboard slightly larger than the paper—about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) wider on each side. This extra space will protect the pages and give the book a neat, finished look.

Fold the cardboard in half to match the crease of your pages. Check that everything lines up well.

Now your cover is ready to be stitched into place.

Step 3: Mark the Stitching Holes

Now that your cover and pages are folded and aligned, it’s time to prepare for stitching.

Use your ruler to mark five evenly spaced points along the spine crease:
- One in the center,
- Two on either side about 2 inches (5 cm) from the center,
- The last two near the top and bottom edges, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from each end.
Hold the pages and cover together securely with clips or binder clips to keep them from shifting.
Use an awl or push pin to carefully punch through all the layers at each marked point. These small holes will make stitching easier.

Step 4: Stitching the Sketchbook

Now let’s bind it all together with a simple stitch.

Cut a piece of thread about three times the height of your sketchbook and thread your needle.
Starting from the center hole on the inside of the book, push the needle through to the outside, leaving a small tail inside.
Move to the hole above or below (it doesn’t matter which) and pull the thread through. Continue sewing up and down through each hole, working toward one end.
When you reach the last hole at the top or bottom, reverse the direction and stitch back toward the center, filling any gaps.
Finish by bringing the thread back through the center hole where you started.
Tie a firm knot inside the book, trim the excess thread, and smooth the knot against the spine.

Tip: Keep your thread snug but not too tight to avoid warping the spine.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Your sketchbook is almost done.

Press the folded spine firmly with your hands or a bone folder to ensure everything lies flat.
If you want to get creative, decorate the cover with stickers, doodles, or even hand-drawn art. You can also use washi tape or ribbon along the spine for extra flair.

Now you have a custom, handmade sketchbook ready f or your next creative project.