DIY Elastic Book Band Closures

I know, you've all seen the many accessories that you can purchase with different planners. I just personally think that if I'm spending $50 on a planner, that it's hard to spend extra on more accessories.

However, I do see the need in certain things, such as the elastic book closures. If I have a large tote or purse and am carrying my planner, I do worry about it opening and pages getting creased, damaged, or even torn off completely. BUT, I didn't want to spend the extra $7-$10 for the closures when it looked pretty simple to replicate. Actually, I thought a simple stretchy headband would work fine. It didn't. Which lead me to purchasing more of my favorite elastic. One of my very first couple of blog posts was using this elastic to make pony tail holders. (See it here)

So, let me tell you what I did...

This is what I buy from Joann Store. It was $2.79, I believe, and they have lots of different colors.

This is what I wanted to close, my bible and my planner. Different sizes, which is why the head band idea didn't work.

To measure it, I pulled it as snuggly as it needed to be to keep the book closed. I didn't want to pull it as tight as it could go because I didn't want big dents in my book edges.  Once you're sure it's a good length, cut it straight across. But you know how the old saying goes, "Measure twice, cut once."

Now, I used my machine for this. Just set on a regular stitch. You can certainly hand stitch this if you don't have a machine. Just make sure your stitches are tight and go over it three times to be certain it's a good binding.

Trim the threads and you're all done! IF you don't care for the rough edges, you could always wrap a bit of ribbon around that seam and stitch it down. I just put the seam to the back of the books and it works for me.

AND, I had just enough elastic left over to tie into another hair tie! I'd say it's well worth the $3 I spent on the elastic! 

I've used mine for the last 3 days, and it's working very well! AND I saved moolah, which is always really nice!

What do y'all use to keep books from flying open in your bags?