I finally got my hands on a moterm b6 leather cover, and I have some thoughts after using it for a while. If you've spent any time in the planner community, you know that finding the "perfect" size is basically a never-ending quest. You start with an A5 because it's roomy, then you realize it's heavy enough to use as a dumbbell, so you drop down to an A6. But then the A6 feels like you're trying to write on a postage stamp. That's where the B6 comes in, and specifically, the Moterm version of it has become a bit of a cult favorite for a reason.
The Goldilocks of Planner Sizes
The first thing I noticed when I slid my notebook into the moterm b6 is that the size just feels right. It's that sweet spot where you have enough room to actually write a to-do list without running out of vertical space, but it's still small enough to toss into a medium-sized purse or a backpack without thinking twice about the weight.
For most people, the B6 size usually means they're using a Stalogy or a Midori MD notebook. The Moterm cover is cut slightly larger than the notebook itself—often called a "B6 Plus"—which is a lifesaver if you like using chunky tabs to mark your months or sections. There's nothing worse than a cover that's so tight it crushes your dividers. With this one, everything stays protected and neat.
That Soft, Squishy Leather
Let's talk about the leather, because that's really why we're all here, right? Moterm uses a top-grain pebbled leather that is surprisingly high quality for the price point. If you've ever handled a high-end designer bag, you'll recognize the texture. It's soft, it's got a bit of a squish to it, and it smells like actual leather—not chemicals or plastic.
The pebbled finish is also incredibly forgiving. I'm not exactly gentle with my things; I throw my planner on coffee shop tables and shove it into bags alongside my keys. If this were a smooth, glassy leather, it would be covered in scratches by now. But with the moterm b6, any little scuffs just seem to blend into the natural grain. It's a workhorse that manages to look like a luxury item.
The Famous Back Pocket
One of the standout features of the moterm b6—and something Moterm has kind of become famous for—is the "big back pocket." This is a full-length pocket on the outside of the cover, similar to what you'd see on a Gillio or a Van der Spek, but at a fraction of the cost.
I honestly didn't think I'd use it that much, but it has become my favorite part of the setup. It's perfect for tucking in a few loose stickers, receipts, or even a boarding pass when I'm traveling. It's deep enough that things don't just slide out, and it adds a bit of structural integrity to the whole cover. Plus, it just looks cool. It gives the planner a more sophisticated, "wallet-style" vibe.
Pockets, Pockets, and More Pockets
Inside, the organization is just as thoughtful. You've got a vertical slip pocket on the left, a bunch of card slots, and a secretarial pocket on the right. If you're someone who likes to use their planner as a wallet replacement, the moterm b6 is probably the best candidate on the market.
I usually keep a few decorative die-cuts and some emergency sticky notes in the card slots. The secretarial pocket in the back is where I slide the back cover of my notebook. Some people like to slide both the front and back covers in, but I prefer to just use the back one so the notebook lies flatter when I'm writing.
The Flyleaf Situation
Most moterm b6 covers come with a removable flyleaf. This is basically an extra piece of leather with more pockets and a pen loop that you can move around or take out entirely. Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with it.
On one hand, the extra storage is great. On the other hand, the flyleaf can add a lot of bulk. If you're a minimalist who wants the thinnest profile possible, you'll probably end up tossing the flyleaf into a drawer and forgetting about it. But if you carry five different pens and a mountain of ephemera, you'll find it incredibly useful. The pen loop on the flyleaf is also elasticized, which is a huge plus because it can actually hold a thicker pen like a TWSBI Eco without putting up a fight.
How It Compares to High-End Brands
It's hard to talk about the moterm b6 without mentioning brands like Gillio. For a long time, if you wanted a leather cover with this many features, you had to be prepared to drop $200 to $400. Moterm kind of disrupted that by offering a similar aesthetic and functionality for under $100.
Is the leather as "artisanal" as a handmade Italian cover? No, probably not. But is it 80% as good for 20% of the price? Absolutely. For most of us, that's a trade-off we're more than happy to make. The stitching is straight, the edges are finished well, and the hardware feels sturdy. It doesn't feel like a "cheap" alternative; it feels like a smart purchase.
Choosing Your Color
This is where things get dangerous. Moterm releases the B6 in a dizzying array of colors. You've got your classic neutrals like Black, Chocolate, and Grey, but then they have these gorgeous "pops" like Mustard, Burnt Orange, and Dusty Rose.
I went with the Pebbled Grey, and it's a beautiful, cool-toned neutral that goes with everything. But every time I see someone post a photo of the Mustard one, I get a little bit of "planner peace" envy. The colors are generally very true to the photos you see online, which is a relief when you're ordering something from overseas.
Who Is This Actually For?
If you're someone who keeps a notebook for journaling, rapid logging, or just staying organized, the moterm b6 is a solid investment. It's particularly great for the "Stalogy crowd" because the B6 Stalogy fits like a glove.
However, if you prefer a very rigid, stiff cover, this might not be for you. The leather is quite supple, so it's going to conform to the shape of whatever notebook you put inside. If your notebook is lumpy from stickers and tipped-in pages, the cover will eventually show those lumps. I personally think that adds character, but I know some people prefer a more structured look.
Final Thoughts on the Moterm B6
After carrying the moterm b6 around for a few months, I can safely say it's not just a trend. It's a well-built, functional piece of gear that makes the act of writing things down a little more enjoyable. There's something about the tactile experience of opening a leather cover and feeling the quality under your hands that makes you want to stay organized.
It's not perfect—the pen loop can be a little tight for some jumbo pens, and the flyleaf might be too much bulk for some—but these are minor gripes in the grand scheme of things. For the price, you're getting a piece of leather that's going to last for years and probably look even better as it ages and develops a patina.
If you've been on the fence about trying this brand or this specific size, I'd say go for it. Even if you eventually move on to a different size, a moterm b6 is one of those staples that every stationery lover should have in their collection. It's just a classic, reliable cover that does exactly what it's supposed to do, and it looks great while doing it.