Free A5 Hardcover Leather Journal Cover Pattern
Download a free A5 leather notebook cover pattern in printable PDF format. This template shows how to make a simple stitched cover designed to fit the LEUCHTTURM1917 Medium (A5) hardcover notebook. The two-panel construction creates a clean, minimal cover with an optional elastic closure that keeps everything secure without adding bulk.
The pattern set includes layouts sized specifically for the LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 (145 × 210 mm) and other hardcover notebooks of the same dimensions. Both Letter and A4 print formats are included so you can work with whatever paper you have on hand. Files are provided for traditional hand cutting and can be printed as many times as you like, but the files themselves are not editable.
What You’re Making
Choose how you want to build it
This pattern is available in a few different formats depending on how you want to work. Grab the free PDF to print and cut at home, download the source files if you’re setting up a laser cutter, or pick up the acrylic template set if you want to skip the setup entirely.
This pattern is sized for a standard A5 hardcover. If you’re working with a different book and want to draft your own dimensions, our leather journal cover guide walks through the math and has a free calculator for any notebook size.
Start with the free project pattern, or choose a ready-to-use format that saves setup time.
Free pattern downloadUse the free files provided with this project.Go to downloadWant to skip a few steps?
Optional upgrades from the MAKESUPPLY shop
Digital filesLaser-Ready / Source Files
$5Ready-to-use files for cutting software, customization, and skipping manual tracing.
- Editable
- No tracing
- Ready to cut
Reusable toolAcrylic Template Set
$34A reusable, precision-cut template for faster layouts and consistent repeat builds.
- Precision cut
- Reusable
- Repeat builds
The free download is still available on this page.
FREE Print-Ready PDF Download!
⬇️ DOWNLOAD FREE PDF PATTERNA5 Hardcover Notebook Cover PDF Pattern - 1.35 MB
Usage Note: You are free to use this design to create and even sell the end product. However, you cannot redistribute this template in any form.
Need help prepping your paper PDF pattern? Check out our Pattern Assembly Instructions below!
If you need any general assistance with how our patterns work, check out our How To Use MAKESUPPLY Leather Templates Guide!
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Video Instructions
Check out the build along video instructions below if you need any assistance with the project, or, if you just want to see what the process looks like!
▶️ Watch the instructions on YouTube
Project Inventory
- LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Hard CoverDesigned for the Medium A5 (251 pages) hardcover notebook
- 36″ x 24″ Self Healing Cutting MatProtect your tools and work table
- Leather MaulNon-slip hammer head for punching holes and setting rivets
- Granite SlabSolid surface for setting eyelets (optional)
- Leather Punching PadProtects hole punches from damage
- Thread ZapperFor melting the ends of the frayed elastic cord
- Glue MarkerWater based glue marker. My favorite!
- 2mm Elastic CordFast and reliable source, but limited color options
- 2mm Elastic Cord (Option #2)High quality cord with nice color options
- 1.5mm Elastic CordHigh quality cord, great colors, thinner profile.
- Round Hole PunchesRecommend having 1.5 – 4mm sizes to use.
- Sinabrok Stitching PunchRound hole – 6mm spaced / 1.2mm hole size.
- Thickness GaugeLeather thickness gauge to…. gauge the thickness of the leather 🙂
- C.S. Osborne Scratch AwlFor tracing the pattern shape on the leather surface
- No.2 X-ACTO KnifeExcellent cutting knife for light to medium weight leather
- Edge BevelerTo bevel the edges of the journal
- TokonoleUsed to burnish the beveled edges
- Wood SlickerUsed to burnish the beveled edges
Leather Selection
When making this notebook cover, you can use a wide range of leathers—but the two things that matter most are thickness and temper.
For thickness, I recommend around 1.4-2mm (about 3-4 oz). It’s a great all-around weight for covers like this. You can go a bit thinner or thicker, but I wouldn’t push much past the 2mm thickness unless you plan on skiving down your edges. The hardcover A5 notebooks have much thicker covers than the softcover or kraft paper versions so using leather that’s too thick might cause fit issues.
Next is temper. Aim for at least a medium to medium-firm leather. Firmer leathers hold their shape better and stand up better to the abuses of daily usage. This is especially important if you plan on using the elastic cord closures. It’s best to avoid very soft leathers like goatskin, sheepskin, or upholstery-style hides.
If you’re going for a Midori, Louise Carmen, or Paper Republic–type look, stick with vegetable-tanned leather—especially Italian “vachetta” from tanneries like La Bretagna, Conceria Walpier, or Badalassi Carlo. In the video, I use Minerva Smooth (Badalassi Carlo) with a thickness of 1.8mm
It’s not particularly common for every day leather shops to stock this leather but you can order direct from Italy through Buy Leather Online. Highly recommend!
Here are a couple of options available from Amazon that we would consider suitable for this project:
Hardware and Elastic Selection
This design is best made with 2mm diameter elastic cord. 1.5mm diameter will work but I would NOT go any thinner than that. There is a link in the inventory section to an Etsy shop that offers great color options in 1.5mm. 2mm elastic is slightly heavier but much easier to find on Amazon, craft stores, and other retailers.
Choose a hole punch size that matches the diameter of the elastic cord you’re using:
- 1.5mm cord = Spine hole (2.5 or 3mm). Edge Cover hole (2.5mm).
- 2mm cord = Spine hole (3 or 4mm). Edge Cover hole (3mm)
PDF Pattern Assembly Instructions
The main pattern piece for this pattern a bit too big for a single sheet of paper, so it needs to print on 2 pages and be assembled. Super easy—here’s how:
Step 1 – Print The PDF
The PDF will be four pages. Print out the file, and before you do anything, complete the Scale Test to verify the correct size. If your Scale Test is wrong, double check your printer settings and make sure scale is set to 100% and auto-scaling is turned off.
Step 2 – Connect The Main Cover Pieces
The large outer cover piece for this design is too large to print on one standard sheet of paper, so we must assemble it. Locate Page (1) and Page (2). On Page (1), locate the dashed line going down the center of the pattern piece. Cut along that line with scissors or a utility knife. I suggest an Xacto Knife with a straight-edge ruler.
Step 3 – Connect The Cover Pieces
On Page (2) locate the area marked “overlap space”. I suggest using a simple glue stick to fill the area with glue to hold the pattern pieces together. Line up the circles with large A. Take your time with this step you want your pattern to be as precise as possible before starting the project. Once satisfied, add a piece of clear tape on the seam to finalize.
Step 4 – Reinforce The Pattern
Unless you are printing your pattern out on thick cardstock, it is best to reinforce the paper with a more solid backing. I suggest something thin yet rigid, like manila folders. Posterboard or thin cardboard also works great. Rough trim around the perimeter of your pattern (leave about a half inch) and glue it down to your backing of choice.
Once the glue has dried, take some clear packing tape and tape down across the entire pattern piece.
Step 5 – Cut Out The Cover Pattern
Step 5 – Repeat For The Remaining Pieces
Last step, repeat the process for the side panels and elastic closure piece (optional). At this point, you are ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What leather weight should I use for this cover?
3-4oz (1.2 – 1.8mm) vegetable-tanned leather is the sweet spot for this project. It’s substantial enough to hold its shape and protect the notebook, but flexible enough to open and close comfortably without bulk. However, is designed to use both thinner and slightly thicker leather. I would not go much past 4-5oz (~2mm).
Will this pattern also fit the LEUCHTTURM1917 softcover?
Yes — the hardcover and softcover share the same 145 × 210 mm dimensions, so the pattern works for both. It’s optimized for the hardcover, so expect a slightly looser fit on the softcover.
Is this a free download?
Yes. The printable PDF patterns on this page are free to download and can be printed as many times as needed for projects.
Are the PDF files editable?
No. The free PDF files are intended for printing only and are not editable. If you need files that can be modified or resized, please see the Laser-Ready / Source files link above the free PDF download button. Those files are freely editable and perfect for sending to a die maker or laser cutting.
What experience level is this project suited for?
This is a beginner-friendly project. If you have basic leatherworking tools — a cutting mat, stitching chisel, needles, and thread — you have everything you need to complete it.
Will this pattern fit other A5 notebooks?
Yes. Any hardcover notebook measuring 145 × 210 mm should fit this cover, including the Moleskine Classic L. Check your notebook dimensions before cutting.
Is the elastic closure included in the pattern?
The elastic closure is optional. The pattern includes the hole placement, but the cover works perfectly without it.
Can I sell what I make using this pattern?
Yes — anything you make using this pattern is yours to sell under your own brand. The only restriction is on the pattern itself, which cannot be resold or redistributed in any form.
Guidelines of Template Usage
We put a lot of time and effort into producing these templates, videos, and blog posts. Please do not distribute the template you have purchased from Makesupply. It’s not cool and hurts our feelings (CRY EMOJI). However, you are free to do whatever you want with the end product you create using the template.
