DIY Diary Cover: Easy Sewing Project For My Midori MD Diary

If you’re looking to sew your own planner cover or create a custom planner cover for your Midori MD Diary, this project is for you. Recently, I picked up the Midori MD Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2025 (A6) and wanted to protect its minimalist design while adding a personal touch. Instead of buying a pre-made cover, I decided to sew my own DIY adjustable Midori MD Diary cover. This simple project turned out great and gave me a cover that expands as I add more to my diary throughout the year.

I followed a great adjustable notebook cover tutorial by Serenemel. One of the best features of this design is the adjustable width, which means the cover can grow along with my planner as it fills up. If you’re looking for a custom planner cover that gives you control over the style and functionality, this is a practical and flexible solution.

Why Make an Adjustable Cover?

I initially considered buying a cover, but I realized that as I add things like photos, receipts, and other keepsakes to my diary, the planner would get bulkier over time. A regular cover wouldn’t be able to accommodate that, so an adjustable cover was the best solution. The extra flap allows for flexibility, so I won’t need to make or buy a new cover as the year goes on. Plus, making it myself means I could pick out the fabric and design elements to reflect my own style.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what I used to make my DIY adjustable Midori MD Diary cover for the A6 size:

• Outer fabric: I chose a thick canvas fabric that I bought during a trip to Japan earlier this year. The fabric holds a lot of sentimental value for me, and it makes this cover extra special.
• Inner fabric: I used a different fabric for the inner lining that matched the color of the outer fabric, giving the cover a cohesive and polished look.
• Interlining: The tutorial recommends using thicker interlining to provide both structure and a cushiony feel. However, since my canvas fabric was already thick, I decided to go with a thinner interlining. This worked well for my cover, adding just enough structure without making it too bulky.
• Thread: You can match your thread to your fabric, or use a contrasting color to add a bit of visual interest. I went with a matching thread for a cleaner look.
• Sewing machine: While hand sewing is possible, a sewing machine makes the process quicker and results in more even stitching.
• Measuring tape and scissors: Essential tools for ensuring your measurements are accurate.
• Pins or clips: These are used to hold the fabric pieces in place as you sew.

Diary Dimensions and Cover Calculations

For those interested in making their own cover, here are the measurements and calculations I used based on my Midori MD Diary 2025:

• Diary Dimensions:
  • Width (W): 11 cm
  • Height (H): 15.5 cm
  • Thickness (T): 2.5 cm
• Cover Dimensions:
  • Flap (F): 9 cm (This allows for easy adjustment as the diary expands.)
  • Width of the Cover: W × 2 + T + F × 2 + 3 = 45.5 cm
  • Height of the Cover: H + 2.5 = 18 cm
• Band to Hold the Flap: 12 cm × Height of the Cover = 12 cm × 18 cm
• Interlining for Structure: (Width of the Cover – 2) × (Height of the Cover – 2) = 43.5 cm × 16 cm

These calculations are designed to create a snug fit for the diary, while the flap allows for future adjustments as the diary grows thicker over time. The adjustable design is particularly helpful for those who, like me, tend to add keepsakes or other items to their planners.

Customizing My Cover

One of the things I loved most about this project was the flexibility to customize it. The canvas fabric I used is durable and pairs beautifully with the minimalist aesthetic of the Midori MD Diary. Using fabric that I bought in Japan adds a personal touch, and I also chose an inner fabric that matched the outer fabric in color, keeping the overall look cohesive and polished.

The thinner interlining was another good decision for this particular project. Since the canvas fabric was already quite thick, the thinner interlining gave the cover structure without making it too stiff or bulky, maintaining the overall look and feel I wanted.

Looking back, I think I could have made the flap a bit shorter. As it stands, the flap goes almost all the way across the back cover, covering the inside of the back cover of the notebook. In most photos I’ve seen of adjustable covers, the flap is about one-third of the width of the back cover, which gives the cover a sleeker and more compact look. While it’s not uncomfortable, I might adjust the flap length if I make another cover in the future.

Final Thoughts

This project turned out to be both fun and practical. By making my own DIY adjustable Midori MD Diary cover, I was able to create something that perfectly suits my needs. The tutorial was clear and easy to follow, and I’m really pleased with the end result. Not only is the cover functional, but it also holds personal significance due to the fabric I used.