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Learn how to make a notebook cover with xTool! This laser cut tutorial includes a free download—perfect for crafting unique, personalized gifts.
![DIY notebook made with xTool M1 Ultra.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/xtool-notebook-header.jpg)
Looking to create something truly unique and personalized?
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through how to make a beautiful laser-cut notebook cover using the xTool.
With step-by-step instructions and a free download to help you get started, you’ll have a stunning custom notebook cover in no time.
Let’s get creative and make something amazing together!
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Supply List:
- xTool M1 Ultra
- Fine Point Blade
- Laser Module
- Floral Notebook Cover File
- 1/16 Basswood painted white
- Gold Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Weeding Tool
- Heat Press with Pedestal
- A5 Lined Paper with 6 Holes
- 3 Ring Clips
- Alcohol Wipes
![1/16 white painted basswood, gold heat transfer vinyl, A5 lined notebook paper, and two 3-ring hinged clips.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/xtool-notebook-supplies.jpg)
The notebook covers can be cut on any laser-cutting machine.
The heat transfer vinyl should be cut with a fine point blade, not a laser.
The xTool M1 Ultra is perfect because you can cut with a fine-point blade and use a laser within the same machine.
Grab the Free Laser File:
Download the free SVG laser file to your computer or device.
![notebook made with xTool M1 Ultra - laser cut file.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2024/08/notebook-laser-file-header.jpg)
xTool Creative Space:
To begin, I need to upload the file into xTool Creative Space.
In xTool Creative Space select Add Project and then Files.
![Uploading an SVG into xTool Creative Space.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/xtool-upload-svg.jpg)
This will open my Downloads File where I find the file Floral Notebook Cover.
![SVG file uploaded into xTool Creative Space.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/floral-notebook-file-xcs.jpg)
The file uploads in the correct size and the entire design does not fit on the 12x12 canvas shown.
That is why I am cutting the file in 3 different layers.
The floral design will be cut with heat transfer vinyl, and the two notebook cover pieces cut with 1/16-inch basswood that has already been painted white.
Highlight the design and hit the ungroup button on the right panel. Now each part of the design can move around independently.
Turn the machine on and connect it to xTool Creative Space. The two need to be connected to define the settings.
Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl
Highlight the floral piece. Under object select Fine-Point Blade as the module, and then select the material under User-Defined.
I had to search for my material, gold heat transfer vinyl. Once selected the correct cutting parameters will be applied.
![Changing the cutting parameters for the material used in xTool Creative Space.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/change-cutting-parameters.jpg)
I am using heat transfer vinyl, I can't forget to mirror design.
Tap on the two up-pointing triangles. To mirror horizontally, tap the two up-pointing triangles. The two side-pointing triangles reflect the image vertically.
![Mirroring the design because it is going to be cut with heat transfer vinyl.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mirror-design.jpg)
Apply vinyl onto the cutting mat, shiny side down.
![Gold heat transfer vinyl applied to mat, shiny side down.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/heat-transfer-vinyl-on-mat.jpg)
Clean the floor of the machine with an alcohol-based wipe.
When the floor is dry, remove the cover sheet from the back of the mat and stick it to the floor.
![Sticking the cutting mat to the floor of the M1 Ultra.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sticking-mat-to-floor.jpg)
Insert the fine point blade into the main carriage.
![Securing the fine point blade into the main carriage.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/fine-point-blade-inserted.jpg)
Out of the bottom of the carriage is a large red plus sign, line the light up with the corner of the material on the mat.
![Lining up the light from the carriage with the corner of the material.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/line-up-carriagejpg.jpg)
Shut the lid, and back in XCS tap on framing. The light will then trace the area that the design will cut.
This helps me double-check that I have my material in the right place.
![Framing completed.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/xcs-framing-complete.jpg)
Start the cut with the button in XCS, and then hit the button on the front to begin the cut.
![Hit start in xTool Creative Space.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/star-the-cut.jpg)
It is fun to watch it work!
![cutting heat transfer vinyl with the fine-point blade.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/fine-point-blade-cut.jpg)
The machine beeps when the cut is done. Hit confirm, and return to the project.
Remove the mat from the machine, and the vinyl from the mat. Then recover the mat with its protective sheets.
Cut Basswood
Install the laser module onto the main carriage.
Each of the sheets of basswood are cut the same way. My sheets are 6x12 so each cover is cut from a different sheet.
In XCS, move one of the covers to the canvas area and change the cutting settings.
Under object, select the Laser Module, Cut, and then choose the material for the setting. For me, it is 1/16-inch basswood.
![Changing the settings to cut with a laser.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/change-to-laser-mudule-1.jpg)
Place the triangular prisms on the floor of the machine.
![Placing triangular prisms in the bottom of the machine.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/placing-triangular-prisms.jpg)
Place the piece of basswood on top.
![Placing basswood on top of the triangular prisms.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/placing-basswood.jpg)
Line up the lit plus sign in the top left corner of the square printed on the baseplate.
Select Framing and watch as the light outlines the area to be cut. I needed to move mine over a bit.
Select Process, and start the cut.
![Laser cutting basswood.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/laser-cutting-basswood.jpg)
The machine beeps when the cut is finished, and you can open the lid and remove the cut material.
![Removing cut piece from the machine.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/removing-cut-material.jpg)
Go around the edges of the cover with a wet wipe to remove any soot from those cut areas.
![Wiping the notebook cover with a wet wipe to remove any soot form cut edges.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/wiping-down-cut-cover.jpg)
Tap on completed in XCS, and return to the project.
Move the other cover into the canvas area and repeat.
![Two notebook covers cut from basswood with the M1 Ultra.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/two-notebook-covers-cut.jpg)
I like cleaning up when done cutting because the residue from cutting wood can become sticky and gross over time. So it is easier to do it every time I am done cutting.
![Cleaning off the residue with a bleach wipe.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cleaning-with-a-wet-wipe.jpg)
Weed the Heat Transfer Vinyl
Grab a weeding tool, and weed the heat transfer vinyl.
Don't forget the inside pieces!
![Weeding the gold heat transfer vinyl.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/weed-heat-transfer-vinyl.jpg)
This is what it looks like when finished. So pretty!
![Heat transfer vinyl completely weeded.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vinyl-weeded.jpg)
Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl
I am using my xTool Heat Press with the Pedestal.
Set the time to 300º for 40 seconds.
![Setting the temperature and time for the heat press.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/setting-time-and-heat.jpg)
Line up the bottom of the vinyl with the bottom of the cover and place it on the heat press mat.
![Placing the cover with heat transfer vinyl on the heat press mat.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-to-press.jpg)
When the heat press is at temperature, swing it around so it is over the heat press mat, clamp down, and start the timer.
![Starting the timer on the heat press.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/beginning-timer.jpg)
Lift the heat press and let the material cool completely before removing the backing sheet.
Then slowly remove the backing sheet to the heat transfer vinyl, making all areas adhere to the basswood and not to the backing sheet.
![Removing backing sheet from heat transfer vinyl.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/remove-backing-sheet.jpg)
Assemble:
Last, is assembling the notebook!
Open the three rings on each clip and place the back cover on the rings first.
![Placing the back cover on the three ring clips.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/back-cover-first.jpg)
Then the paper, followed by the front cover.
![Placing the cover on the ring clips.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Placing-the-front-cover.jpg)
That's it, the notebook is finished. The assembly was super easy!
![Assembled notebook.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/finished-notebook.jpg)
Look at all of these pages too!
![Opened notebook to show the lines pages.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/notebook-pages.jpg)
I love cute notebooks and use them up pretty quickly and I love that this one is refillable!
Our Laser Essentials:
- New to laser machines? I would highly suggest the xTool M1 Ultra! This machine is super easy to learn and helps you create beautiful projects!
- More experienced with lasers and want more power? I love my OmTech 50W, but they have all types of machines up to 150W!
- Craft Closet is my favorite shop for all of my laser materials. Their materials are high quality and have the lowest price, I can find anywhere!
- If you really want to get into lasers, I highly suggest you learn how to create your own files. Pen & Posh has a great course for this.
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