Free Leather Traveler’s Notebook Cover Patterns (Midori / TN Sizes)

Download free leather Traveler’s Notebook cover patterns in printable PDF format. This set includes DIY templates for making elastic, refillable leather journal covers in three standard sizes — pocket, passport, and standard traveler — designed to fit Midori and Traveler’s Notebook (TN) inserts. Files are provided in Letter and A4 formats with square and rounded corner options.

If you’d prefer the editable source files or acrylic templates, check out the Template Options below!
Note: Be sure to print at 100% scale for accurate sizing.

These patterns come pre-sized for standard traveler formats. If you want to build a cover sized around a specific notebook you already own, use our leather journal cover size calculator to work out your own custom dimensions.

Unfamiliar with this style cover? Learn what a Travelers Notebook is before you get started!

Choose how you want to build it

🖨️ Print-Ready PDF Files (FREE!)

⬇️ DOWNLOAD FREE PDF PATTERN
Free DIY Notebook Covers Template Set - 3.40 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.

If you need any general assistance with how our patterns work, check out our How To Use MAKESUPPLY Leather Templates Guide!

Want to try out the tri-fold version of this pattern set? Check it out here!

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Video Instructions

▶️ Watch video instructions on YouTube

Add a Stash Pocket With Our Free Pattern

Want to add a little extra storage to your notebook cover? Download our free Stash Pocket Panel pattern to add a stitched interior pocket to the left side, right side, or both sides of your cover. The download comes with 3 sizes: Standard, Passport, and Pocket designed to fit the 3 sizes of this notebook pattern set.

⬇️ DOWNLOAD FREE PDF PATTERN
Free Stash Pocket Panel Patterns (3 Sizes) - 2.65 MB

Traveler-Style Stash Pocket SVGs and Acrylic Templates

Adding the Stash Pocket Panel

Step 1 – Trace Your Pattern & Cut

Whether you’re using the free print PDF pattern or the acrylic pattern – trace around the stash pocket pattern on your leather with your scratch awl. If you are doing a pocket on both sides, flip your template over and trace to create the piece for the back side. Use your knife of choice to cut out the stash pocket(s).

Step 2 – Glue Your Pockets

Glue your stash pocket in place. I am using water based leathercraft glue so I had to place glue on both sides to be connected. Once ready, carefully line up your pocket on top of your notebook cover.

Step 3 – Stitch!

After the glue has dried its time to stitch up your stash pocket. You can do this a myriad of different ways. I decided on a standard hand-stitch (saddle-stitch) using 5mm diamond stitching chisels and some .8mm flat braided poly cord thread. You can use whatever works for your preference! Even run it through a leather sewing machine if it can handle the weight leather you are using.

You can stitch all the way around the notebook cover if you prefer that look more than the short section of stitching. Obviously more time consuming, especially if you do it by hand.

Step 4 – Repeat on the back (optional)

If you’re also adding a pocket to the back side of the notebook cover, repeat the process on the other side.

You’re Done!

Enjoy your new stash pocket(s). Good for storing loose notes, knick-knacks, pens, tickets, stamps and more!.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What style of notebook is this pattern designed for?

This pattern set is designed for “travel-style”, elastic band leather notebook covers, commonly used for refillable journals with removable inserts. The layout follows the traditional traveler (Midori) notebook system that uses elastic cords to hold multiple inserts.

What notebook sizes are included?

The patterns include layouts sized for traditional traveler notebook formats, including:

• Pocket
• Passport
• Standard traveler size

Each size is provided as a printable PDF pattern. You can find some suggested notebook insert options in the Inventory of Tools section below.

Is this compatible with Traveler’s Notebook or Midori inserts?

Yes. These patterns are designed to work with traveler-style notebook inserts, including those commonly used with Traveler’s Notebook and Midori-style journals. You may use inserts that are slightly smaller than those official sizes, but you cannot use sizes larger. This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand.

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 personal 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 below the free PDF download button. Those files are freely editable and perfect for sending to a die maker or laser cutting.

Project Inventory

Leather Selection

In this video we used Newbury Leathers South Street leather (wheat) – 5.5-6.5oz (~2.2-2.6mm) thick. This pattern works best for a leather that is in the 4oz – 6.5oz range and has at least a “medium” hand. If you are using a thinner leather make sure it is relatively firm to stand up to the pressure of the elastic. AVOID sheepskin, deerskin, goatskin, or upholstery leather as it will be too soft for this style of cover. Cowhide will be your best bet.

Here are a couple options available from Amazon that we would consider suitable for this project:

• 1.8/2.0mm Oil Tan Leather
• 1.9/2.3mm Veg Tan Leather
• 2mm Genuine Leather

For projects inspired by brands like Louise Carmen or Paper Republic, vegetable-tanned leather is recommended. Italian vachetta leathers are commonly used for this style, with popular options coming from tanneries such as Badalassi Carlo and Conceria Walpier. These leathers are widely available through local suppliers or international retailers that ship directly from Italy. You can check Rocky Mountain Leather Supply or order direct from Italy. We order from both of these companies regularly when we want the good stuff!

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 temp