How To Bind A Book

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How to bind a book
by eleraama (/member/eleraama/)
Download (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?download=pdf) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?ALLSTEPS) 10 Steps (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step2/Cut-and-fold-the-pages/)
About This Instructable + Collection
Favorite Posted: Aug 29, 2006 License:
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/)
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(/member/eleraama/) Bio: I'm a dual International Studies/Japanese student at the University of Iowa, and I am a bit of a neo-victorian. More by eleraama
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bind (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-bind/) gift (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-gift/)
sew (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-sew /) book (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-book/) art (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-art/) make (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-make/) craft (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-craft/) paper (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-paper/) glue (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-glue/) ac_group (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ordac_group/)
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How to Create a Hand-bound Sketchbook (/id/How-toCreate-a-Hand-boundSketchbook/) by Otterluv (/member/Otterluv/) Old Book= New Sketchbook!! (/id/Old-Book-NewSketchbook/) by mcmichaelart
(/member/mcmichaelart/)
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(/id/How-to-
Ever wanted to make a journal that was exactly the way you wanted it? Or maybe you have access to a print center at work when no one's around and you enjoy printing off novels (of *course* I wouldn't do that...). But how do you make that magical step between loose pages and a beautiful, fully bound volume? Read on, fellow bibliophiles, read on. (Other uses that have just occured to me-- your own calendar, a hollow book, archiving magazines/comics, etc) **UPDATE: All of the photos are up, and should help to clarify the process. Yay!
(/id/Old-
(/id/Binding-
Binding The Whole Ream Cardboard Covered Sketchbook (/id/Binding-TheWhole-Ream-CardboardCovered-Sketchboo/) How to recycle office paper into blank books (/id/How-torecycle-office-paper-intoblank-books/) by bekathwia Handbound Sketchbook (/id/Handbound-Sketchbook/) by ursaminor
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(/id/How-to-
Step 1: Prepare your materials
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This is, unfortunately, going to require some materials that you won't be able to find around your house. I have included suggestions for scrounge materials you could possibly switch in, but no guarantees as to durability or looks. I would also highly recommend printing out the entire instructable so that you have it handy-- your hands will be full (and sticky!) enought to make going to the computer difficult. Coloured paper is good (so you don't get it mixed in with the other papers), but white will suffice. You'll need: (an overview of what you can buy online at http://www.dickblick.com/categories/bookmaking/) (http://www.dickblick.com/categories/bookmaking/)) *Paper *A papercutter (useful, but not always required) *Scissors *Straightedge Ruler (you'll need to measure and crease) *PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate-- find bookbinding glue in your local art store (or
http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/44/) (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/44/)) *Paintbrush for spreading PVA PVA is very durable and flexible-- you can make do with Elmer's Glue, but it's not as good) *Cover board (I use chipboard because it's cheaper http://www.dickblick.com/itemgroups-c/chipboard/ (http://www.dickblick.com/itemgroups-c/chipboard/) but other people swear by binder's board http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/27/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/27/), make do with non-corrugated cardboard) *Bookbinding cloth (this is almost completely necessary; if you *have* to make do, glue some cloth onto paper.) http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/45/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/45/) *Bookbinding needles (sewing needles aren't strong enough-- embroidery might work) *Waxed thread (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/41/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/41/) or wax some emboidery thread with beeswax http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/26/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/26/)) Dental floss might work, but I haven't tried it. *Head Material (also really hard to scrounge; any ideas for in a pinch?) http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/37/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/37/) *Cloth for adhering signatures (preferable a loose weave cotton, but I've had success with thickish clothing cloth) http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/29/ (http://www.dickblick.com/zz128/29/) *Awl (this is also almost essential; try and make do with a pointed compass, but it won't be pleasant) *Pretty paper for the cover *Pretty (thicker) paper for the endpages **Optional bone folder for nicer (flatter) creases
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zebra_onesie (/member/zebra_onesie/) says: Apr 22, 2013. 2:16 PM thank you for the awesome instructable, here's my attempt at making a book which I (/member/zebra_onesie/) chose to make for my university project. http://i-really-should-beworking.tumblr.com/post/48636945286/sotoday-i-made-a-book
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XP1 (/member/XP1/) says:
Jan 5, 2012. 11:05 AM
Reply (C1Z4MSOGX1N7VWZ)
(/member/XP1/)
This was my attempt at binding a book. I made it for a freind who likes Paris, and wants to travel. It was made with real leather. It came out okay, I thought.
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justin.lee.85 (/member/justin.lee.85/) in reply to XP1 Oct 11, 2012. 11:00 PM Amazing! That's actually what I was looking to do. Any chance of (/member/justin.lee.85/) an instructable? I'm mostly curious about the metal corners and bookmarks...oh and the inner page of the cover...
Reply (CCX0E0WH82U86NW)
XP1 (/member/XP1/) in reply to justin.lee.85
Reply (CSI89KHH82U8AYR) Oct 12, 2012. 5:17 PM Actually, the corners were found at Michael's in the scrappbooking section. They were not too durable; however, if you look online, I have found that you can find some nice silver (/member/XP1/) plated corners for your project. The inside page/cover section was the first page of the actual bound paper "insert" glued to the cover, with a piece of card stock overlapping the gap between the cover and the insert. On top of that was a piece of paper which was cut to size and applied accordingly.
Good luck on your project. If you have any more questions let me know.
kdelwat (/member/kdelwat/) says:
Apr 23, 2012. 1:08 AM
Reply (C1D04O0H19RT8K6)
3 (/member/kdelwat/)
Awesome! I looked for bookbinding tutorials and found this. Well-written, good job. I'm going to use this to make a notebook.
(/member/NocturnalDaze/)
NocturnalDaze (/member/NocturnalDaze/) says: Dec 17, 2011. 4:19 PM The cloth for the spine is supposed to be under the paper for the cover. Spine cloth covers binding and part of the cover board Then you apply the cover paper to over that. That way your binding is better protected since it the most crucial part.
Reply (CMU95OEGW8984NF)
the mastergoat (/member/the+mastergoat/) says: Apr 2, 2010. 2:22 PM Nice instructable! I honestly prefer it to both books I found on book binding. But do you (/member/the+mastergoat/) ever press your books or have any insite on doing so? I am not sure if it is entirely necissary but it is supposed to help stop any warping and get bubbles in glue out.
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to the mastergoat
Reply (CSVAP6ZG7DYJZBL) Apr 3, 2010. 1:34 PM I don't press my books, mostly because I don't have space for a vice or press, but I frequently use very large binder clips to keep everything together. I brush on all my glue to 2 prevent bubbles as well (using a watered-down glue solution instead of full-strength PVA (/member/eleraama/) helps immensely, particularly with the cover paper)
AdamVanMeter (/member/AdamVanMeter/) in reply to eleraama Reply (CHRBUNGGTPK5YMX) Oct 13, 2011. 10:45 AM Another substitute for a big old book vice is to use one or two C(/member/AdamVanMeter/) clamps and two pieces of scrap wood to spread out the pressure and prevent marring the book. And even cheaper and simpler, you can use long bankers clips like they sell at some office supply stores and just clamp the spine lightly that way.
mbear (/member/mbear/) in reply to eleraama Sep 3, 2010. 7:01 AM Instead of a full sized press, look around for a set of encyclopedias, (/member/mbear/) phone books, dictionaries, etc. Then you have a way of putting pressure on the book without losing a lot of space in your home.
Reply (C06T4GLGDM6U5P2)
probablepossible (/member/probablepossible/) says: Jan 17, 2011. 12:00 AM Excellent set of intructions! I've been kinda faking my way through various ways of (/member/probablepossible/) binding since a was a kid. This time, I think I have created my first REAL bound book. I blogged about it-- and gave you credit; http://probablepossible.com/2011/01/17/bookbinding-for-fun-not-profit/
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WhyHello (/member/WhyHello/) in reply to probablepossible Jul 18, 2011. 2:11 PM your link didnt work for me :(
(/member/WhyHello/)
Reply (C8Q6LI2GQ5Q4Q3R)
probablepossible (/member/probablepossible/) in reply to WhyHello Reply (C8Z53NJGQ5Q4QLG) Jul 18, 2011. 4:02 PM Oops-- try this link? http://probablepossible.com/probabilities/book(/member/probablepossible/) binding-for-fun-not-profit/
WhyHello (/member/WhyHello/) in reply to probablepossible Reply (CWGSZRQGQBCHX6O) Jul 19, 2011. 2:09 PM thank you!
(/member/WhyHello/)
Abbie McMillen (/member/Abbie+McMillen/) says: Apr 7, 2011. 11:25 AM Just stumbled upon this very useful instruction while searching the internet after (/member/Abbie+McMillen/) getting a $200 estimate from a bookbinder! Yikes! I'm making my own next 5-year blank diary because Levenger has stopped carrying them - and theirs were too "glitzy" anyway. I used PrintShop software to format the pages and looked up the day/dates for future years on the internet. It took quite a while to format , but now that it's done, printed, and ready to bind, I think I will be making some as gifts provided I like my binding results. I'm using 32 pound paper with a nice "tooth" for writing/drawing, and each month gets eight full sheets in two signatures (4 sheets per signature, 24 signatures total, 96 full sheets of paper for the 8.5 x 5.5 inch book.) Wish me luck with the binding! Thanks so much for the how-to!
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kp77angel (/member/kp77angel/) says:
Mar 27, 2011. 9:14 AM
Reply (CVLXGZXGLL4ZGSW)
Thanks a bunch- been after something like this for a while and you've got me wanting to make one right now... what to bind... hmmm...!
(/member/kp77angel/)
VeryIrrelevant (/member/VeryIrrelevant/) says: Mar 21, 2011. 3:41 AM This is awesome, thank you so much for posting (all those years ago). I just stumbled (/member/VeryIrrelevant/) upon this site so I'm not sure if you'll reply but I was wondering how you would print something so you could bind it. A friend and I have sort of written a book, if you could call our ramblings a book and I thought it would be a lovely gift to her if you could give it to her in a bound book.
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to VeryIrrelevant Reply (CAUUUXDGLFUEA5G) Mar 21, 2011. 10:48 AM Any copy center should be able to print double-sided in "booklet" 2 mode for a few cents a page; if (/member/eleraama/) it's not too long and you work in an office, you could probably also just run it off on your office's megaprinter/copier. If the project has fewer than about 25 pages, you'll want to use perfect binding instead of case binding. I just ran a 26 page PDF through Fedex Office's online print order system (was redirected from kinkos.com) and it was estimated to cost about $5 USD for an all black and white print. If you do have someone print it, remember to have it collated in booklets of 28 pages, which ends up being 7 sheets (you can fudge this, but no fewer than 4 sheets per folio or they'll tear, and no more than 9 or it's too unwieldy)
sweet_hart96 (/member/sweet_hart96/) says:
Dec 17, 2009. 3:20 PM Any idea if "Elmers carpenter's wood glue" will work?
(/member/sweet_hart96/)
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sreepradaramakrishna (/member/sreepradaramakrishna/) in reply to sweet_hart96 Reply (C4MD9QYGJQEJ6O5) Feb 4, 2011. 9:25 AM YEA... ITS O.K
(/member/sreepradaramakrishna/)
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to sweet_hart96 Reply (CBMIY0CG3BRGY60) Dec 17, 2009. 5:28 PM I would suspect not (at least, not if you wanted to keep the finished 2 piece around); most of the wood (/member/eleraama/) glues I've worked with have been brittle and may be acidic. Which is to say: It will work, but the book will probably eventually selfdestruct. Normal Elmer's glue is PVA, which is much better, or you can make wheat paste.
carpe_noctem (/member/carpe_noctem/) in reply to eleraama Reply (CECV1ZXGEA1H7FB) Sep 19, 2010. 9:35 AM don't quote me, but i heard that elmer's wood glue is the same as (/member/carpe_noctem/) its wood glue, except in concentration (and perhaps a few minor formula changes). If anyone has any definite info on that, please share
Xeaden (/member/Xeaden/) says:
Oct 19, 2010. 9:06 PM
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(/member/Xeaden/)
Wow this is a great tutorial! Im going to try making one! My only suggestion would be, if possible, even more pictures! Im a visual learner, so its better :)
mousearound (/member/mousearound/) says:
Reply (CCRN4SNGAPV3FQ0) Jun 27, 2010. 2:57 PM i have used duck tape when my husband asks me too. i have found that so far and it has only been a year, that 1. it has to stay out of the sun or heat, because it will pucker and makes it look awful. and (/member/mousearound/) 2. so far the adhesive hasn't given out maybe in five years or so if he keeps leaving it in the car window. im not too happy with him leaving it like that after i worked so hard to repair it in the first place.
mousearound (/member/mousearound/) says: Jun 27, 2010. 2:47 PM you can normally find beeswax in the cosmetics department its used for scalps (/member/mousearound/) thats where i always find it im a seamstress and use it for my needles all the time. also a less expensive alternative to PVA is rubber cement it has done me really good
Reply (CUPEJ8JGAPUS02E)
dreachan (/member/dreachan/) says: can i use something else like duck tape?
(/member/dreachan/)
Jun 27, 2010. 1:03 AM
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to dreachan Reply (CCD6QHKGATU1M2V) Jun 27, 2010. 10:49 AM You can try but I seriously doubt it will end well; the adhesive is not 2 pH-neutral (as far as I'm aware) so (/member/eleraama/) it will start to eat away at the structural integrity of the book and it tends to get brittle with age. (That being said, if you don't really care about the book's longevity it may be worth a try) The paper I've used in the picture is a pH-neutral kraft paper; it has more cellulose than normal paper so it stands up to more abuse.
dreachan (/member/dreachan/) says:
Jun 25, 2010. 3:54 PM
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have u made this into a video tutorial?? im more of a visual learner ^-^.love the project!!!!
(/member/dreachan/)
jdc187 (/member/jdc187/) says:
Aug 29, 2009. 8:46 PM
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im a little lost did you trim the head strips or are they under the cover. also for those of you that want a seemles look for the cover try covering the whole thing with a cloth of your choice after you put it (/member/jdc187/) together but befor you glue the pages to the cover
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to jdc187 Apr 3, 2010. 1:36 PM I apologise for not replying to this earlier, but in case someone else 2 has the same question, the head (/member/eleraama/) *must* be glued to the board for the book to stay together. The cloth placed on the binding is there to make the binding stay together and remain flexible, not to keep the covers on.
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Aug 29, 2009. 8:02 PM
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(/member/jdc187/)
would realy like to see a close up of the kettle stitch but so far found the instructions very easy to follow
542458 (/member/542458/) in reply to jdc187 Dec 9, 2009. 5:36 AM I'm sure you've already completed your project, but I'll post this here for (/member/542458/) anyone else having the same troubles as jdc. This site explains and illustrates kettle stitches pretty well. http://www.csparks.com/Bookbinding/sewing.xhtml
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neo_pessimist24 (/member/neo_pessimist24/) says: Jul 25, 2009. 10:24 AM Would tacky glue work?
(/member/neo_pessimist24/)
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Dr. Steel (/member/Dr.+Steel/) says:
Jul 22, 2009. 6:51 PM
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1 (/member/Dr.+Steel/)
This is actually a very good instructable, hoever, it is kind of hard to see whats going on in the pictures at times.
cplkao (/member/cplkao/) says:
Jun 13, 2009. 9:30 AM
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Its a great help, but I hope your photos are a bit clearer, maybe forgot to turn on the macro mode ;)
(/member/cplkao/)
jrobin276 (/member/jrobin276/) says:
Jan 10, 2009. 3:50 PM
Reply (CDTNPZBFPQL8LYQ)
Linen bookbinding thread is best, although I know people who use waxed embroidery floss. Dental floss stretches - don't use it! Not only is it frustrating to work with, but over time it will stretch and (/member/jrobin276/) your book will start falling apart. A thumb tack is another good alternative to an awl. Wheat paste is used traditionally, and is made by boiling unbleached flour and water - recipes are easily found online, it's WAY cheaper than PVA, and works just as well.
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to jrobin276 May 10, 2009. 11:33 PM The one thing I'd caution is that wheat paste eventually cracks 2 unless you keep it somewhere (/member/eleraama/) reasonably humid. PVA is flexible and tends to hold up better over time.
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jrobin276 (/member/jrobin276/) in reply to eleraama May 11, 2009. 12:08 AM I've actually found the same thing! Also, don't make much wheat (/member/jrobin276/) paste at a time - that stuff molds QUICK.
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kamondark (/member/kamondark/) says: hey man, what exactly is a bone folder?
Mar 25, 2009. 11:49 PM

(/member/kamondark/)
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to kamondark Reply (CNL79KTFUI0UF05) May 10, 2009. 11:31 PM A bone folder is a piece of bone/porcelain/plastic with a hard, 2 straight edge to make creases (/member/eleraama/) sharper (they use them a lot in origami)
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Step 2: Cut and fold the pages
About This Instructable
Posted: Aug 29, 2006 License:
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How to bind a book
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Cut the pages to the proper size, which is the height you want them to be and twice the width So, if I want 8.5 x 5.5 pages, I would use 8.5 x 11 paper (landscape style) Or if I want a 9 x 5 it would be 9 x 10 paper. Then fold them in half "hamburger" style (fold the long edge in half) and collate them into signatures. A "signature" is a small packet of pages nesting inside of each other. I personally use 7 sheet (that's big pieces of paper, not book pages) signatures-- anything above 9 or 10 is too thick (if there are (http://cdn.instructables.com/FKZ/G968/RHXERF7FXSC/FKZG968RHXERF7FXSC.LARGE.jpg) multiple signatures**), and anything below 3 is too thin and will rip.
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**If your book is, say, 12 pages only, it's okay. But you can't really do more than two or so "thick" signatures)
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Step 3: Mark the signatures for binding
How to bind a book
(/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step4/Cut-the-cerf-and-punch-the-holes/)
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Mark 1/2" in from the top edge and 3/4" in from the bottom edge. Then measure the space in between and divide by the number of binding strips you'll use. In general, three suffices. If the book will be thick, use four, or five if you're really worried. Mark them across the spine. (ie, for the number five, at 5, 10, 15 and 20). Then measure the width of your head material; divide it in half and mark that number to each side of the marking (framing it in, as it were). (Of course, this doesn't have to be exact; I do mine by eye.) So, in this example, the purple markings are the head markings and pink markings are the calculated marks, then orange markes are where the edges of the head material will be.
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(/id/Bindinganonymous angel (/member/anonymous+angel/) says: May 6, 2009. 11:42 PM i dont get this part can you plz explain it with easier language? p.s this isn't criticism, im (/member/anonymous+angel/) asking
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to anonymous angel
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Reply (C5J3WD8FUF36JVK) May 7, 2009. 12:14 AM You need to divide the spine up into however many strips of "head" you're going to use, and then mark where it needs to go. The strips should be evenly spaced. The easiest way to do 2 this is measure how long the spine is, subtract the "dead" space you need at the top and (/member/eleraama/) bottom (~1.25 inches), and then divide that number by how many strips you're going to use.
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Step 4: Cut the cerf and punch the holes
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How to bind a book
by eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (/id/Make-a-black-mirror) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step5/Cut-and-sew-the-bindings/) Tags:

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sew (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-sew /) book (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-book/) art (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-art/) make (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-make/) craft (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-craft/) paper (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-paper/) glue (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-glue/)
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Now, using scissors, snip out little triangles at the head and foot marks. (You're really supposed to saw it with a little hacksaw, but I doubt many people have a handheld hacksaw lying around). Then punch the awl through the edge marks, careful to punch them directly out of the spine and not the page. Thread the needle with waxed thread. (you'll need a lot, but don't get carried away; you can always add more)
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Svalin (/member/Svalin/) says:
Sep 17, 2006. 2:32 PM
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Actually, one can use a dremel with a circular disk attachment to make the cuts. Works really well, though can slightly char the paper if used on high speed. Try it :) !
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Step 5: Cut and sew the bindings
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How to bind a book
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Binding The Whole Ream Cardboard Covered Sketchbook (/id/Binding-TheWhole-Ream-Cardboard+ Collection Favorite Covered-Sketchboo/) How to recycle office paper into blank books (/id/How-torecycle-office-paper-intoblank-books/) by bekathwia Handbound Sketchbook (/id/Handbound-Sketchbook/) by ursaminor
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The bindings need to be cut to the thickness of the book (when all signatures are together) plus an inch or so. The first signature you should sew are the first endpages, followed by signature 1 of the book, then the rest.
(/id/Handbound-
Insert the needle *into* the head and draw all but about 2 inches through. Then go *out* at the first punch you come to and pull it tight. Go *in* to the next hole-- but make sure that the binding is between the thread and the spine (as in the image). Repeat for as many bindings as there are, then come out through the foot notch. Prepare the next signature.
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HeatherNicholds (/member/HeatherNicholds/) says: Nov 6, 2008. 7:30 PM Couple questions... what are the endpages you refer to for where to start sewing? what (/member/HeatherNicholds/) happens to the first end of string? i.e. what do you secure it to? Thanks - I'm sure once I get myself sorted out a bit this will all make perfect sense!
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to HeatherNicholds Reply (CMVVLHSFN82TD49) Nov 6, 2008. 8:32 PM The endpages are the blank (usually differently coloured) pages before the 2 actual title page and text block (if you (/member/eleraama/) open up a hardcover, they're the first
and last pages you see). Usually there are 1 or 2 (unfolded) pages at the front and at the back-- you're going to glue the first page of the front pages to the board, and hence the last page of the bottom pages. The thread doesn't actually have to get attached to anything (sometimes I knot it so it doesn't slip through the cerf in the first couple of signatures; after that, the sewing itself is what keeps the signatures together and the end is useless.)
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How to bind a book
Step 6: Sew easy! (says the black kettle)

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Posted: 2006 + Collection Aug 29, Favorite License:
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/F0J/A27R/4SWEV2Z67Y8/F0JA27R4SWEV2Z67Y8.LARGE.jpg)
Sew up the next signature in the same way (except you'll be entering at the foot stitch), and then the third. When you're at the bottom of the third (notice the zigzagging back and forth), kettle stitch it to the second. This means to take the needle, put it *under* the thread running between signatures 1 and 2, then put it through the loop that's formed. From now on, you'll kettle stitch the whenever you reach a head or foot. NOTE: It is very important to continually pull the slack out of the thread--the tighter the binding is, the stronger the book! Continue to sew all the rest of the signature in this way, remembering the kettle stitch. If you run out of thread, simply knot a new piece onto in inside the book (tightly) and clip off the "tails". When you're done sewing up the pages, add the final endpages, and double kettle-stitch. (Sorry for the lack of pictures-- my camera ran out of juice and I've just moved to a dormitory, leaving behind the charger. Hope to have them up by next week.)
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Reply (CRGQKA3FYYNDFSK) Aug 29, 2009. 8:02 PM would realy like to see a close up of the kettle stitch but so far found the instructions very easy to follow
542458 (/member/542458/) in reply to jdc187 Dec 9, 2009. 5:36 AM I'm sure you've already completed your project, but I'll post this here for (/member/542458/) anyone else having the same troubles as jdc. This site explains and illustrates kettle stitches pretty well. http://www.csparks.com/Bookbinding/sewing.xhtml
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mf70 (/member/mf70/) says:
Sep 6, 2006. 3:07 PM
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(/member/mf70/)
If you tie the thread on the OUTSIDE, over the tape, the cut ends won't show after the spine is in place. So what's a good knot?
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to mf70 Reply (ERF1CC1EW3EV2Z680K) Dec 6, 2006. 12:27 PM Either works. It's just a little difficult to tie a knot in the tiny 2 spaces you have peeking out of (/member/eleraama/) the back.
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How to bind a book
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Step 7: Finishing the signatures
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When you've sewn all the signatures together, double kettle stitch the final head or foot. Then take the PVA and squirt some onto your finger (or a paintbrush, but you finger works better and it's fun to peel off the glue) then rub it *into* the spine. It is important that some (albeit just a bit of) glue gets in between the signatures and fills in the spine. When this is done, cut a piece of cloth (not bookcloth) to a little bigger than the dimensions of the spine. Stick this onto the wet glue and smooth it out. Then cut
a piece of heavy cardstock to the exact dimensions of the spine and glue it onto the cloth. Rub it smooth. NOTE: During all this, make sure the bindings are centered and sticking out! I once clipped one off while trimming the card, so be careful.
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mousearound (/member/mousearound/) says: Jun 27, 2010. 2:57 PM i have used duck tape when my husband asks me too. i have found that so far and it (/member/mousearound/) has only been a year, that 1. it has to stay out of the sun or heat, because it will pucker and makes it look awful. and 2. so far the adhesive hasn't given out maybe in five years or so if he keeps leaving it in the car window. im not too happy with him leaving it like that after i worked so hard to repair it in the first place.
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Jun 27, 2010. 1:03 AM can i use something else like duck tape?
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eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to dreachan Reply (CCD6QHKGATU1M2V) Jun 27, 2010. 10:49 AM You can try but I seriously doubt it will end well; the adhesive is not 2 pH-neutral (as far as I'm aware) so (/member/eleraama/) it will start to eat away at the structural integrity of the book and it tends to get brittle with age. (That being said, if you don't really care about the book's longevity it may be worth a try) The paper I've used in the picture is a pH-neutral kraft paper; it has more cellulose than normal paper so it stands up to more abuse.
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How to bind a book
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Step 8: Preparing the covers
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While the spine glue is drying, pull out your cover material and measure it. You want: The width of the pages plus 1/4" The height of the pages plus 1/2"
(Make these as square* as possible) Make two of these, obviously-- the front cover and back cover. It is important to add the extra space so there's overhang and the cover completely protects the pages. Cut the paper you are going to cover the cover with to: The cover width plus 1/2" or 1" The cover height plus 1/2" or 1" This allows it to wrap over the edges and inside enough. If you look at a bound book, there is about 1/4" of the cover paper on the edges of the inside before it gets covered by endpaper. Then(http://cdn.instructables.com/FCZ/LKC0/T3PEV2ZG5TY/FCZLKC0T3PEV2ZG5TY.LARGE.jpg) prepare the spine piece-- a piece of coverstock the exact dimensions of the spine. It doesn't need to be papered (it'll be covered up by the bookcloth). Glue the coverpaper onto the cover, making sure that it is centered (I like to apply glue to the board, then lower it onto the paper.) Flatten it and work out all of the air bubbles with something round (I'm using a tin whistle in the picture), then apply glue to the edges of the paper, folding it over onto itself. You can either have square folds, or cut them with a knife/scissors into lovely 45 degree dovetails. *Square means having all 90 degree angles. Or pi/2 radians, if you're into that sort of thing.
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sadtrapofgravity (/member/sadtrapofgravity/) says: Apr 18, 2009. 4:06 PM that woodsman up yonder stole my line :) (awesome instructable, btw)
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cloaked woodsman (/member/cloaked+woodsman/) says: Mar 30, 2008. 11:55 PM Your jokes are funny!
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Step 9: Cut 'n' Paste (well, glue anyway)
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How to bind a book
See More (/tag/type-id/?q=) by eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?ALLSTEPS) 10 Steps (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step10/Admire/) + Collection Favorite
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Cut the bookbinding cloth. it needs to be: height of the covers plus 3/4" or so amount of cloth you want on the cover (I like 1.5 to 2") times two plus half an inch (so, for example, (1.5 x 2) = 3 + 1/2 = 3 1/2 inches wide) center the cloth on the covers and spine piece, leaving a gap between them (to measure the gap, it's helpful to close the covers then hold them still while opening them). There should be excess cloth on the top and bottom. Mark the position of the covers and spine piece, then glue them down. Fold the excess cloth in, then glue it down.
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FH1/YCCP/E54EV2ZG60R/FH1YCCPE54EV2ZG60R.LARGE.jpg)
Take the prepared signatures and glue the binding strips (and, if there's enough, the cloth) to the inside of the covers, centering it on the spine piece. Almost done! Cut the endpapers to the proper size (I like mine set in about 1/4" on all sides except the binding side), then glue them on. This hides the actual binding ("head") strips as well as the gap in the bookcloth. Plus, it's a great way to use papers that are a little too busy for the cover but you still love. (Traditionally, marbled papers were used for the endpapers, but I like a sort of "natural" coloured cardstock with specks of colour). Let it dry for a while-- 24 hours is best. To set the glues, I like to clip the pages together with a giant binder clip and then leave the cover to dry flat.
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Jun 25, 2010. 3:54 PM
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have u made this into a video tutorial?? im more of a visual learner ^-^.love the project!!!!
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neo_pessimist24 (/member/neo_pessimist24/) says:
Jul 25, 2009. 10:24 AM Would tacky glue work?

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How to bind a book
by eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?ALLSTEPS) 10 Steps + Collection Favorite
Step 10: Admire!
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Ta-da! You've created a marvelous thing-- a nicely hand bound book. And you did it all by yourself (with a little help!) You're amazing! Please comment with any questions, or clarifications. I hope that with all the pictures up, it will make the process a lot clearer, and inspire more people to join the ranks of hobby binders.
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kdelwat (/member/kdelwat/) says:
Apr 23, 2012. 1:08 AM
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Awesome! I looked for bookbinding tutorials and found this. Well-written, good job. I'm going to use this to make a notebook. (/id/Binding-
the mastergoat (/member/the+mastergoat/) says: Apr 2, 2010. 2:22 PM Nice instructable! I honestly prefer it to both books I found on book binding. But do you (/member/the+mastergoat/) ever press your books or have any insite on doing so? I am not sure if it is entirely necissary but it is supposed to help stop any warping and get bubbles in glue out.
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See More (/tag/type-id/?q=) eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to the mastergoat Reply (CSVAP6ZG7DYJZBL) Apr 3, 2010. 1:34 PM I don't press my books, mostly because I don't have space for a vice 2 or press, but I frequently use very (/member/eleraama/) large binder clips to keep everything together. I brush on all my glue to prevent bubbles as well (using a watered-down glue solution instead of full-strength PVA helps immensely, particularly with the cover paper)
AdamVanMeter (/member/AdamVanMeter/) in reply to eleraama Reply (CHRBUNGGTPK5YMX) Oct 13, 2011. 10:45 AM Another substitute for a big old book vice is to use one or two C(/member/AdamVanMeter/) clamps and two pieces of scrap wood to spread out the pressure and prevent marring the book. And even cheaper and simpler, you can use long bankers clips like they sell at some office supply stores and just clamp the spine lightly that way.
mbear (/member/mbear/) in reply to eleraama Sep 3, 2010. 7:01 AM Instead of a full sized press, look around for a set of encyclopedias, (/member/mbear/) phone books, dictionaries, etc. Then you have a way of putting pressure on the book without losing a lot of space in your home.
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kp77angel (/member/kp77angel/) says:
Mar 27, 2011. 9:14 AM
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(/member/kp77angel/)
Thanks a bunch- been after something like this for a while and you've got me wanting to make one right now... what to bind... hmmm...!
Xeaden (/member/Xeaden/) says:
(/member/Xeaden/)
Reply (COZYYY8GFA3Z1C9) Oct 19, 2010. 9:06 PM Wow this is a great tutorial! Im going to try making one! My only suggestion would be, if possible, even more pictures! Im a visual learner, so its better :)
Aug 29, 2009. 8:46 PM
Reply (C9GF2UAFYYNDG6X)
im a little lost did you trim the head strips or are they under the cover. also for those of you that want a seemles look for the cover try covering the whole thing with a cloth of your choice after you put it (/member/jdc187/) together but befor you glue the pages to the cover
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to jdc187 Apr 3, 2010. 1:36 PM I apologise for not replying to this earlier, but in case someone else 2 has the same question, the head (/member/eleraama/) *must* be glued to the board for the book to stay together. The cloth placed on the binding is there to make the binding stay together and remain flexible, not to keep the covers on.
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sugarfuss (/member/sugarfuss/) says:
Jan 31, 2009. 5:20 AM
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1 (/member/sugarfuss/)
I do love this tutorial. I made my first dummy book last night, and it did work out quite well. Instead of using two different coloured materials for the front I used only one big piece of paper which gives the book a nice even look. Just as an idea for further projects :)
eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to sugarfuss Reply (CYF4SYEFQJZHTKF) Jan 31, 2009. 1:57 PM I usually use patterned papers for the covers, and since there's no 2 patterned binding cloth, it ends up (/member/eleraama/) looking like the one in this picture. When you say one big piece of paper, are you using paper for the actual spine?
sugarfuss (/member/sugarfuss/) in reply to eleraama
Reply (C1ZF2LWFQMXERD8) Feb 1, 2009. 11:56 AM what I do is I get some card for the spine and stick it on there like you discribed, just to make the whole thing more stable. and then two pieces of card for the covers, both a big 1 bigger than the size of the book. then I measure the whole thing, including the spine and cut (/member/sugarfuss/) the paper this size, leaving about 1 inch on each side. before I stick the two cover card pieces on the paper I measure the width of the spine plus the width of the cardboard times two and leave that space in between the two card pieces and then stick them on. this way the book closes nicely. you know what, I think I'll be making a tutorial soon as well. for the cover alternative :) otherwise I'll just send you some pictures of it if you want to
Iri (/member/Iri/) says:
Mar 24, 2007. 5:19 PM
Reply (EHK44SAPICEZIXD15B)
your tutorial here was very informative and creative! Thank you very much! :)
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How To Bind A Book

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How To Bind A Book

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How to bind a book

Download (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?download=pdf) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?ALLSTEPS) 10 Steps (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step2/Cut-and-fold-the-pages/)

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Favorite Posted: Aug 29, 2006 License:

311,215 views 499 favorites

Step 1: Prepare your materials

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XP1 (/member/XP1/) says:

Jan 5, 2012. 11:05 AM

XP1 (/member/XP1/) in reply to justin.lee.85

kdelwat (/member/kdelwat/) says:

Apr 23, 2012. 1:08 AM

eleraama (/member/eleraama/) (author) in reply to the mastergoat

kp77angel (/member/kp77angel/) says:

Mar 27, 2011. 9:14 AM

sweet_hart96 (/member/sweet_hart96/) says:

Xeaden (/member/Xeaden/) says:

Oct 19, 2010. 9:06 PM

mousearound (/member/mousearound/) says:

Jun 27, 2010. 1:03 AM

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Jun 25, 2010. 3:54 PM

jdc187 (/member/jdc187/) says:

Aug 29, 2009. 8:46 PM

jdc187 (/member/jdc187/) says:

Aug 29, 2009. 8:02 PM

Dr. Steel (/member/Dr.+Steel/) says:

Jul 22, 2009. 6:51 PM

cplkao (/member/cplkao/) says:

Jun 13, 2009. 9:30 AM

jrobin276 (/member/jrobin276/) says:

Jan 10, 2009. 3:50 PM

kamondark (/member/kamondark/) says: hey man, what exactly is a bone folder?

Mar 25, 2009. 11:49 PM

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Step 2: Cut and fold the pages

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Posted: Aug 29, 2006 License:

sew (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-sew /)

How to bind a book

book (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-book/)

art (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-art/) make (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-make/)

Download (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?download=pdf) (/id/How-to-bind-a-book/?ALLSTEPS) 10 Steps

(/id/How-to-bind-a-book/step3/Mark-the-signatures-for-binding/) craft (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ord-craft/)

ac_group (/tag/type-id/category-living/keyw ordac_group/)

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