Hobonichi Clear Sleeve for Cover - Yoshie Watanabe: Dotted Plaid (A6)

The Hobonichi clear Cover on Cover for A6 is a transparent protective sleeve made from soft PVC that fits precisely over selected Hobonichi Techo A6 covers. Designed by art director Yoshie Watanabe, the sleeve features a screen-printed pattern of evenly arranged dots in white, green, blue and pink – an arrangement that visually suggests a plaid pattern without actually being one. The transparency of the sleeve allows the cover underneath to show through, so the dot pattern takes on a fresh appearance with every cover colour.

Features

• Four-colour screen printing: White, green, blue and pink – the dots are screen-printed onto the clear film, giving them a distinct, rich colour depth without compromising the sleeve's transparency.
• Dot pattern as pseudo-plaid: The evenly spaced dots create a grid structure that resembles a classic plaid pattern – appearing more or less vibrant depending on viewing angle and light.
• Soft PVC: The material sits smoothly and snugly against the cover, adapts to its shape and remains dimensionally stable even with prolonged use in bags. Note: In cold weather, the material may become slightly stiffer.
• Open back: The sleeve keeps the back of your Techo cover accessible – the back pocket of the cover remains usable.
• Storage space between sleeve and cover: Postcards, photos or printed images can be slipped beneath the transparent layer – allowing you to change the cover's appearance without adhesive or permanent alterations.

Use & Tips

• Precisely fitted for A6 covers: The sleeve is designed for A6 covers from the Colors series and printed covers with butterfly closure. Leather and faux-leather covers are not compatible, as the PVC can affect the cover material.
• Not for direct application to the book: The Cover on Cover sleeve is designed exclusively for use over a Techo cover – not for direct application to the book without a cover.
• Inserting photos and postcards: A portrait-format photo, a travel postcard or a custom-designed insert can easily be slipped beneath the film. The dot pattern will then overlay the image – creating a deliberately layered look.
• Care: The smooth PVC surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth – everyday marks from bags or rucksacks disappear quickly.
• Combining with the pattern: The dotted plaid pattern looks particularly striking on solid-colour covers (such as from the Colors series), as the transparency of the plain background makes the dot grid stand out more sharply.

For Hobonichi Enthusiasts

As art director, Yoshie Watanabe is known for graphically precise, flat designs – the dotted plaid pattern demonstrates this perfectly: rather than imitating a classical plaid weave structure, it abstracts the principle down to pure dot geometry. Screen printing on transparent PVC is a craftsmanship choice that enables both colour density and clarity. For collectors who own various Hobonichi covers, this sleeve serves as a variable design element that doesn't obscure the cover motif beneath it, but rather overlays and reinterprets it.

Technical Specifications