Independent stationery reviews · 100 products on the shelf · Updated October 2026

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Notebooks & Notepads

Scribbles That Matter Dotted Journal

by Scribbles That Matter

9.0

Quill Pier score

  • Paper8.4
  • Binding9.0
  • Build9.4
  • Value8.8

Scribbles That Matter's Dotted Journal stands out for bullet journalers and planners who prioritize paper quality, as its 160gsm sheets confidently handle fountain pens...

  • Bleed-resistant 160gsm paper
  • Lay-flat durable binding
  • Built-in index & numbering

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

what you get

Key features

  1. 01160gsm thick dotted paper
  2. 02Numbered pages with index
  3. 03Pre-printed key & table of contents
  4. 04Elastic closure band with pen loop
  5. 05Two ribbon bookmarks
  6. 06Expandable back pocket
  7. 07Vegan leather hardcover
  8. 08A5 size with rounded corners

the honest bit

Pros & cons

What we liked

  • Thick paper handles fountain pen ink without bleed
  • Dot grid is light enough for clean layouts
  • Durable hardcover survives daily bag use
  • Lay-flat binding makes writing easier
  • Pre-printed index saves setup time

What could be better

  • Heavier than standard notebooks
  • Limited color options compared to competitors
  • Elastic band loosens slightly over time
  • Premium price point

from our desk

Our Scribbles That Matter Dotted Journal review

Scribbles That Matter has built its reputation on the humble dotted journal, and this notebook shows exactly why creatives and planners alike keep reaching for it. The dot grid pages strike that sweet spot between structure and freedom, giving you faint guide points for lettering, bullet journaling, sketching, or mapping out habit trackers without the rigidity of lined paper boxing you in. The 160gsm thick paper is the real standout, resisting ghosting and bleed-through even when you're testing out fountain pens, gel pens, alcohol markers, or watercolor washes, so both sides of every page stay usable and clean.

The notebook itself is dressed in a soft vegan leather cover that feels substantial in hand, available in colorways that lean minimalist and elegant rather than flashy, making it equally at home on a studio desk or tucked into a work bag. An elastic closure band keeps your pages secured shut when you're on the move, while the ribbon bookmark lets you pick up exactly where you left off on your latest spread. Inside the front cover you'll find an index page ready for you to log your table of contents, and numbered pages throughout make referencing old entries or trackers simple instead of a frustrating flip-through hunt.

Small details round out the experience: a pocket folder in the back holds loose receipts, washi samples, or stickers you haven't committed to a page yet, and the included stencil, corner page markers, and bonus goodies help you get a dotted journaling practice up and running without needing to buy separate supplies. Whether you're a longtime bullet journal devotee refining your system or someone brand new to the dotted format and craving a structured-yet-flexible space to organize your life, this notebook from Scribbles That Matter delivers the paper quality, thoughtful layout, and lasting construction that turns a blank page into a planner you'll actually stick with.

how it stacks up

Compared with top notebooks

ProductBest atPaperBindingBuildQP scoreOpen
Scribbles That Matter Dotted JournalThis reviewBleed-resistant 160gsm paper8.49.09.49.0
Moleskine Classic NotebookMoleskineElastic closure band9.09.19.59.4
Leuchtturm1917 NotebookLeuchtturm1917Numbered pages with index9.38.89.19.3
Rhodia WebnotebookRhodiaSmooth fountain-pen-friendly paper9.19.38.69.1

The verdict

Our verdict

Scribbles That Matter's Dotted Journal stands out for bullet journalers and planners who prioritize paper quality, as its 160gsm sheets confidently handle fountain pens, markers, and heavy ink without ghosting or bleed-through. Combined with thoughtful extras like numbered pages, an index, and a sturdy vegan leather cover, it justifies its higher price for serious note-takers, though casual users may find lighter notebooks more convenient.

9.0
Scribbles That Matter Dotted JournalQuill Pier score 9.0 / 10
Check price