Every notebook should have a pen loop. Notebooks and pens are like partners in crime, right? One without the other is useful, but they’re better together. My Moleskine notebooks included.

I get tired of digging in my purse for something to write with so it was time to make a pen loop for my notebook. It was surprisingly simple and takes 1 minute to create, literally.

Pen loop supplies

• pen
• scissors
• notebook
• hot melt glue and gun
• elastic ribbon

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Step 1: measure and cut your ribbon

Choose a thin pen to use as your foundation for measurement. Since the loop is elastic, it will expand for your larger/wider pens.

Wrap the elastic ribbon around the body of the pen. Pinch the ribbon where it meets and make sure there’s about half an inch of ribbon available before you cut it. Use the image above as a reference.

Step 2: hot glue the ribbon edges

While still holding the ribbon in place, remove the pen and glue the ends together. You want to leave space for the body of the pen. Glue from where you’re pinching the ribbon to the ends.

Step 3: choose the placement of the pen loop

Put the pen back into the loop. Then, open your notebook to the back and decide where on that back cover you want to place the loop.

You might want to use a pencil to mark the location.

Step 4: glue the loop to the inside of the back cover

Hot glue the ribbon in place and let it dry.

You’re done!

If you’re an artist and carry a sketchbook, or someone who carries a planner or bullet journal, this will be so helpful!

I wish I would’ve done this when I was a student. The elastic ribbon is so cheap and it doesn’t take long at all to make the pen loop. I could’ve glued one of these to every notebook I ever used for class.

Now they’re on every sketchbook and notebook I frequently use.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave your feedback in the comments.

Happy crafting!