DIY Double Refillable Notepad: Two-Section Notepad with Fastener Binding

How to Make a DIY Double Refillable Notepad

This DIY double refillable notepad tutorial shows you how to build a two-section notepad with fastener binding and a folding chipboard cover that connects both sections with a hinge. Each side holds a separate refillable notepad stack, so you can dedicate one section to work tasks and the other to personal notes — or any combination that fits your routine.

The double design solves a common problem: needing two different notepad types at the same time without carrying separate pads. The folding hinge lets the notepad open like a book, with each section visible side by side. When the pages in either section run out, you simply unscrew the fasteners, swap in fresh pages, and screw them back together. It is a practical, reusable system that eliminates waste.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to print and cut two sets of notepad inserts, build a connected chipboard cover with a folding hinge, punch holes through all layers, and bind each section with fastener screws for easy refilling. Customize both sections with different templates from Planify Pro. Compare binding techniques in our complete guide to book binding methods.

Looking for more planner inspiration? Explore our complete guide to custom planner makers in 2026, browse 50+ planner template ideas for sellers, or see our step-by-step roadmap on how to start a profitable planner business on Etsy.

Template

How to Export PDF

For the Cover Pages Go to Save/Export -> Selected Page -> Paper -> Select A5 -> Click Generate PDF

For the Inserts Go to Save/Export -> Selected Page -> Paper -> Select A4 -> Click Generate PDF

How to Print PDF

Download the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader program for printing.

Print templates at 100% scale, front side. Print in total around 110-130 pages. The stack should be 1cm thick. Print the cover designs on white glossy sticker paper at 120% scale at best quality.

You will need

Materials:

Regular Paper 80gsm
Chipboard
White Glossy Sticker Paper
Fasteners

Equipments:

Heavy Duty Paper cutter
Cutter to cut Chipboard
Hole Punch Tool

Instructions:

Print and cut the planner inserts
Hole punch the planner inserts
Print the cover templates
Cut off the white edges of the cover pages
Prepare the chipboards with the following sizes: Piece 1: 2.3 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 2: 1 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 3: 10.7 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 4: 2 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 5: 10.7 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 6: 1 cm x 15.2 cm Piece 7: 2.3 cm x 15.2 cm
Place the chipboards 1 to 3 in the following order as seen in the photo. Place the chipboards 5 to 7 on the other cover page in the opposite order.
Trim off the access sticker paper.
Trim the corners at 45 degrees.
Fold in the sides.
This is how both cover pages should look like.
Cut a white piece sticker paper and place it to the inside of both covers
Prepare an extra piece of white sticker paper and place the 4th chipboard on to it.
Fold in the top and bottom edge (not the sides).
This is how it should look like.
Apply Double sided tape to both covers on the inside.
Place the flap of the 4th chipboard on to the double sided tape of the left cover.
Place the flap of the 4th chipboard on to the right cover.
This is how it should look like.
Prepare two white glossy sticker papers and place them to the inside of the cover pages.
Score the cover pages.
Mark where the hole punches should be.
Use a hole puncher to punch the holes.
You can also such a leather hole punch tool (not recommended though as it might rip the sticker paper on the other side).
Take two fasteners.
Insert though the cover and then insert the inserts
Close the flap.
Close the fasteners.
On the other side repeat the same.
You're done!