How to Make a DIY Refillable Notepad with Chicago Screws
This DIY refillable notepad with Chicago screws tutorial shows you how to build a reusable notepad with a lemon-themed chipboard cover and snap-together Chicago screw binding. When your pages run out, simply unscrew the Chicago screws, remove the used sheets, slide in fresh ones, and screw them back together — giving you an eco-friendly notepad you can refill again and again.
Chicago screws are the ideal binding hardware for refillable notepads because they create a secure hold that is easy to open and close by hand. Unlike glued or wire-bound pads, a Chicago screw notepad lets you add or remove pages in seconds. The lemon-themed cover in this tutorial adds a cheerful, summery look, but you can customize the design with any pattern or color you like.
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to print and cut your notepad inserts, build a chipboard cover wrapped in decorative paper, line the inside with sticker paper for a clean finish, punch holes through all layers, and assemble everything with Chicago screws. Design your own cover and notepad layouts using Planify Pro. See our original refillable notepad tutorial for another version of this project.
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.
