How to Use an Elastic Book Strap as a Pen Loop
By Luxury Stationery Store Australia | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to turn an elastic book strap into a handy pen loop for your notebook or planner. Simple steps, common mistakes, and practical tips.
Quick answer
Use an elastic book strap as a pen loop by threading the pen under the strap on the outside of your notebook cover, then adjust the strap's tension so the pen stays secure without damaging the book.
Why an elastic book strap works as a pen loop
An elastic book strap is designed to hold a book closed, but its stretchy material also makes it a natural pen holder. Because the strap wraps around the cover or the entire book, you can slide a pen underneath it on the outside, keeping your writing tool within reach without adding bulk to the inside pages.
Unlike a built-in pen loop, an elastic strap can be repositioned or removed, so you can change where the pen sits or use the strap for its original purpose when needed. This flexibility is especially useful for planners and journals that you carry around.
Trade-offs to keep in mind
The main trade-off is that an elastic strap may not hold very thick or heavy pens as securely as a dedicated pen loop. If you use a chunky fountain pen, the strap might stretch too much or slip. Also, placing the pen under the strap on the cover can create a slight bulge, which may affect how the book sits on a desk or in a bag.
Another consideration is the strap's width. A wider strap (like the Bespoke Letterpress Elastic Book Strap) gives more surface area to hold the pen, but it can also cover more of the cover design. Test the placement to see what looks and feels best.
How to attach your pen with an elastic book strap
- Position the strap: Place the elastic book strap around your notebook, either over the front cover or wrapping around the entire book. Leave a small gap between the strap and the spine so the pen can slide through easily. Make sure the strap is not twisted, as this can reduce grip and cause the pen to slip.
- Slide the pen under the strap: Hold the pen at a slight angle and slide the barrel under the strap, near the spine or along the edge of the cover. Push it until the clip (if present) rests against the strap to prevent rolling. If the pen has a clip, position it so the clip hooks onto the strap for extra security.
- Adjust tension: Pull the strap gently to increase or decrease tension. The pen should stay in place when you shake the book lightly, but you should still be able to remove it without forcing. If the pen feels too loose, move it closer to the spine where the strap is tighter; if too tight, move it toward the edge.
- Test and reposition: Close the book and open it a few times to ensure the pen doesn't obstruct the pages or fall out. If the pen leaves a dent on the cover, reposition the strap or place the pen on the back cover instead. Check that the elastic doesn't stretch out permanently; if it does, switch to a thicker pen or use a dedicated pen loop.
Elastic book straps we recommend
- Elastic Book Strap - Ivory: The Elastic Book Strap - Ivory is designed to complement linen-bound journals and planners, and it can slide over the cover or wrap around the entire book. Its neutral color blends with most notebooks, and the dual-use design lets you switch between a closure and a pen holder easily.
Elastic Book Strap - Ivory - Elastic Book Strap - Royal Blue: The Elastic Book Strap - Royal Blue offers the same versatile fit, sliding over the cover or wrapping around the book for a secure closure. The bold color adds a visual accent while providing a reliable grip for your pen, making it easy to spot on a desk.
Elastic Book Strap - Royal Blue - Elastic Book Strap - Olive: The Elastic Book Strap - Olive is another option that pairs with linen-bound journals and planners, with the same slide-over or wrap-around design. Its earthy tone suits natural or vintage-style notebooks, and the elastic material keeps your pen in place without slipping.
