Download free tri-fold traveler journal patterns in printable PDF format. This page includes DIY templates for making travel-style, elastic leather notebook covers in a tri-fold design—ideal for refillable journals and notebook inserts.
The pattern set includes layouts sized for traditional traveler notebook formats, including Standard, Pocket, and Passport. You’ll also get both square-corner and rounded-corner versions, so you can print the look you prefer. Files are designed for traditional hand cutting and are provided in Letter and A4 print formats. You can print the patterns as many times as you like, but the files aren’t editable.
If you’d prefer the editable source files, check out the Laser Ready / Source Files link below.
Note: Be sure to print at 100% scale for accurate sizing.
Finished Leather Journal Cover Images
Template Options
⬇️ DOWNLOAD FREE PDF PATTERNFree Tri-Fold Travel Journal Cover PDF Patterns - 10.53 MB
- Laser Ready / Source Files – Tri-Fold Travel Journal Cover Pattern Set (.ai, .svg, .eps)
- Acrylic Template Set – Tri-Fold Travel Journal Cover Pattern Set (Acrylic)
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!
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Video Instructions
Check out these quick build-along video instructions for assembling your tri-fold travel journal. In the video, we make the Passport size, but the instructions are the same for all three.
Template Assembly Instructions
These travel journal patterns are a bit too big for a single sheet of paper, so you’ll print each size on 2 pages and tape them together. Super easy—here’s how:
Step 1 – Print Them Out
Choose the travel journal size you want to make and print the PDF. Make sure its printed to 100% scale!
Step 2 – Trim One Side
Choose one side of the pattern and trim along the dashed line. I highly recommend using a ruler and a utility knife.
Step 3 – Match A to A
After trimming, line up your cut sheet to the dashed line on the other page to complete the circle. Connecting A to A.
Step 4 – Attach with Tape or Glue
Once you line it up, use some tape or a glue stick to lock it in place
Step 5 – Cut Out Full Pattern
Now you will want to cut out the pattern as its full size. I highly recommend gluing it down to a firmer backing like paperboard or a manila folder. The rigidity helps when tracing.
Project Inventory
Product | Description | Link |
Fits (3) standard “Traveler” size notebooks by default, but more can be added. | ; | |
Fits (3) standard “Pocket” size notebooks by default, but more can be added. | ; | |
Fits (3) standard “Passport” size notebooks by default, but more can be added. | ; | |
Protect your tools and work table | ; | |
Non-slip hammer head for punching holes and setting rivets | ; | |
Solid surface for setting eyelets (optional) | ; | |
Protects hole punches from damage | ; | |
For melting the ends of the frayed elastic cord | ; | |
Fast and reliable source, but limited color options | ; | |
2mm Elastic Cord (Option #2) | High quality cord with nice color options | ; |
High quality cord, great colors, thinner profile. | ; | |
Recommend having 1.5 – 4mm sizes to use. | ; | |
Leather thickness gauge to…. gauge the thickness of the leather 🙂 | ; | |
For tracing the pattern shape on the leather surface | ; | |
Excellent cutting knife for light to medium weight leather | ; | |
Edge Beveler | To bevel the edges of the journal (optional) | ; |
Used to burnish the beveled edges (optional) | ; | |
Used to burnish the beveled edges (optional) | ; |
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 2-2.2mm (about 4–5 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 about 2.4mm, since it starts to feel bulky.
Next is temper. Aim for at least a medium to medium-firm leather. Firmer leathers hold their shape better and stand up to the elastic over time, so it’s best to avoid very soft leathers like goatskin, sheepskin, or upholstery-style hides.
If you’re going for a 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 my photos, I use Minerva Smooth (Badalassi Carlo). If you search for those leathers, you’ll usually find suppliers near you—or you can order directly from Italy through Buy Leather Online.
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 either 1.5mm or 2mm elastic cord. If you want a “daintier” look, go with the 1.5mm elastic. The only issue I’ve found is that the diameter is a bit more challenging to source. 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.
In the build-along instructions video, I use a 2mm elastic cord from Fujiyama Ribbon. In the example photos (yellow elastic) I use 1.5mm diameter cord from Etsy.
Choose a hole punch size that matches the diameter of the elastic cord you’re using:
- 1.5mm cord = 1.5mm / 2mm / 2.5mm hole punch
- 2mm cord = 2mm / 2.5mm / or 3mm hole punch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What style of notebook is this pattern designed for?
This pattern set is made for travel-style leather notebook covers that use elastic bands—popular for refillable journals with removable inserts. The layout follows the classic traveler notebook system, where elastic cords secure multiple inserts inside a single cover.
What notebook sizes are included?
The patterns include layouts sized for traditional traveler notebook formats, including:
- 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 sized for common traveler-style notebook inserts, like the ones used in Traveler’s Notebook–type journals. Inserts that are slightly smaller than the listed sizes will usually work, but inserts larger than the listed sizes won’t fit. 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.
What experience level is this project suited for?
This is a very beginner-friendly build. There’s no sewing—just cutting the leather and punching a few holes. If you follow the build-along video, you should be able to knock this one out without any trouble.
What leather is best for this design?
Vegetable-tanned leather is the best choice for this style, especially leathers with a medium to firm temper that hold their shape when folded. Try to avoid very soft or “floppy” leathers like sheepskin, goatskin, deer, and most upholstery leathers. You’ll find specific recommendations in the leather selection section above.
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.
