As a lover of all things handmade and artistic, I have always been drawn to Ankara fabric.

There's something truly special about this fabric that I find so inspiring, and it's not just its vibrant colors and beautiful patterns. Ankara fabric is deeply rooted in African culture and history, and each piece tells a unique story. It's a material that truly embodies the spirit of creativity, and I knew I had to incorporate it into my handmade journals.

When I first started making journals, I used a lot of traditional bookbinding materials like leather, linen, and paper. While these materials were beautiful in their own right, I felt like I was missing something. I wanted to add a touch of culture to my work, and Ankara fabric was the perfect solution. I started experimenting with different ways to use it as decorative book cloth, and the results were amazing.

If you're interested in incorporating Ankara fabric into your own handmade journals, here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to back fabric for use as decorative book cloth:

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric

The first step is to choose the Ankara fabric that you want to use. There are so many different colors and patterns to choose from, so take your time and pick something that speaks to you.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric

Once you have your fabric, you'll need to cut it down to the size you need. Measure the dimensions of the book cover you're working with, and add a few extra inches on each side to ensure that you have enough fabric to work with.

Step 3: Prepare Your Backing

Next, you'll need to prepare your fabric for use as book cloth. I like to use HEAT N’ BOND Lite, which is a popular adhesive used in sewing. Iron one side of the Heat n’ Bond Lite to the fabric and use white tissue paper for the backing. This is the side that you apply PVA adhesive to.

Step 4: Apply Your Adhesive

Using a brush, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of your new Ankara decorative book cloth. Make sure to cover the entire surface, paying extra attention to the edges.

Step 5: Attach Your Fabric to the Cover

Carefully lay your fabric onto the book cover, making sure that it's centered and straight. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles using a bone folder or your hands.

Step 6: Trim the Excess Fabric

Once your fabric is attached, trim the excess fabric from around the edges of the cover using a sharp knife or scissors.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Finally, you can add any finishing touches that you like, such as decorative stitching or embellishments. You now have a beautiful handmade journal with a touch of culture and history.

Incorporating Ankara fabric into my handmade journals has been a truly inspiring experience. Not only does it add a unique and personal touch to each piece, but it also honors the rich cultural history of this beautiful material. I hope this tutorial has inspired you to try something new in your own creative endeavors!