HOME | DD

JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 707760; Favourites: 17674; Downloads: 9304
Redirect to original
Description Please 'like'
Download for a larger view! - Journal with books and additional info - Click here for a video I uploaded on how to sew your book!

Eden Workshops - A Bookbinders Resource. Here you will find free tutorials, learn at home DVD's, equipment and materials.

Please read everything before asking questions. I understand this can be confusing, but I may have already answered your question.

This took me so long to make! You're welcome

Materials : (with links to purchase / more info)

• Paper : The paper is the most important part of the book, you'll want something that is durable and practical to the purpose of your book. I'm using Strathmore 18 in. x 24 in. 80 lb drawing paper. Strathmore website
• Paper (endpaper) : I'm using scrapbook paper, a thicker paper with interesting designs. Endpaper on Wikipedia

• Glue stick : Anything will do. I prefer using ones that are purple and dry clear. Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks
• Spray adhesive : Again, as long as it works anything will do. I had some Duro All-Purpose Spray Adhesive around when I was making this. Be very very very careful when using this! Read the instructions on the can. When I was using the spray adhesive I would prepare the paper inside and the go outside to spray it.

• Thread : When making your book, you'll want to use a thread that is durable and easy to work with. There is a thread specifically for bookbinding, but it can be a bit expensive. An alternative to that would be to use dental floss (I've never used this method before so I can't say how well it'll work). You can also use beeswax coated thread, again, it can be expensive to purchase. I just used a generic thread doubled over to be stronger, this has worked fairly well for me. Embroidery thread works great too! (thanks everyone who mentioned this)
Coats & Clark Ecru Upholstery Thread was recommended, it might be worth a try considering the price.
• Needle

• Ruler
• Scissors (fabric scissors optional but could be useful)
• Pencil
• (optional) Cutting Board / Paper Cutter
• Canvas
• Binder clips

• Fabric : For the cover, something you wouldn't mind looking at! I recommend buying some scrap or discount fabric when you first start and later buy something a bit nicer.
• Ribbon : You can use either a strip of fabric or some ribbon if you choose to add a bookmark. Example of what I would use

• Heavy weight : Some heavy books will do, in my case I have an old projector.

• Awl : Something sharp and pointy. I'm using a tool from Bead Buddy 4 Piece Reamer set. The red and yellow ones work great

• Chipboard : You can also use a thin wood or foam. I wouldn't recommend using anything else as they might not be as durable or easy to work with.

• Anything else you want to decorate your book with.


Book Terms :

Book Block : All the sewn together sheets of paper that make up the pages in the book.
End Paper / End Sheets : The first and last paper of the book. They connect the cover of the book to the book block.
Signature : groups of folded paper. I take 4 folded pieces of paper and group them together. When you sew you are sewing the signatures together.



Diagram of a book



You may use this tutorial in part or whole to teach others, please don't remove my name or URL. Also, it would be great if you send me links to books you create using this. I want to see what everyone is capable of! ♥

To sew your book without having to fold it, view this tutorial
Related content
Comments: 2107

netmiff [2015-03-18 21:03:19 +0000 UTC]

I made one!  I couldn't find a daytimer/planner that I liked, so I designed and printed some sheets, then made them into a book!  I did some wrong things, but I wanted to get it made, and I used stuff that I already had laying around, including white glue for everything!  I think it just oozed everywhere, as I had trouble opening my book flat (one of my requirements), so I just slit the end papers (after it was all finished).
I think this will show you photographs - if not, there are three in my scrapbook.  

 www.deviantart.com/art/2015-02…

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to netmiff [2015-03-27 00:09:19 +0000 UTC]

I'm so happy to hear that! I included it here.  Made booksThere were so many books now I decided just to put them in their own entry. Feel free to leave links on this, the tutorial, a note or on my profile
sketchBook. by Lady2Shiver - New binding by ShutterBug97''Sketches And Thougts'' Book by mbahBook2 - Purple by EAldrichHand Made Journal by moonlitblackcatMy black book by respettMini Book by JamesDarrowBooks by lhasa2010Little Book of Colours by mbahSketch Book by XenaLollieNotebook 1 by luisatmnotebook 2 by luisatmnotebook 3 by luisatmNotebook 4 by luisatmNotebook 5 by luisatm.: Finished Sketchbook :. by Lil-Mouse-Chan''To Do'' Book by mbahNotebook by 666LadyLilithBook of the Awesomeness by VampirkaetzchenTiny Book Process by JamesDarrow.: Watermelons :. Stetchbook by bell-channCompass Book by saphira3479My handmade book by Maler002handmade book inside by Maler002Book Crafting! by Pistachio-san:thumb311045107:Gift: evil pineapple notebook by HazyDreamerNekoMini Notebook! by Jane-RtSecond Book-Binding Attempt by Aura-Kitty92Handmade book by yliadinosaurJapanese Notebook Covers by Totemo-OishiiCheyenne: Dear Diary by Control-the-Chaos:thumb318819399:book! by Justanelementbook! by Justanelement:thumb320693464:Handmade Floral Book by ashitx

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

EstrangeloEdessa [2015-03-08 23:04:09 +0000 UTC]

I am going to have to try this sometime. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to EstrangeloEdessa [2015-03-27 00:07:30 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

waterystar [2015-03-03 05:05:59 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! I've thought about making my own booklet before and now your guide will be just the the resource I'd need if/when I do make one.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to waterystar [2015-03-27 00:07:18 +0000 UTC]

I'm happy to hear that!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Itachi [2015-03-02 16:15:31 +0000 UTC]

Mind blown and scattered on the ground! Pinterest dreams are made of one of these!  

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Itachi [2015-03-27 00:05:50 +0000 UTC]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Akinatris [2015-03-02 14:58:58 +0000 UTC]

Gonna use this one day! Thank you

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Akinatris [2015-03-27 00:05:05 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

BlueLakeKylie [2015-02-28 19:03:06 +0000 UTC]

I have a question: When you start the third signature, do you begin with new thread, or do you continue to use the same thread that you were just using? I'm very confused... because if you kept using the same thread, then you would be on the wrong side of the paper, and wouldn't be able to tie it.

Am I just missing something?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

BlueLakeKylie In reply to BlueLakeKylie [2015-02-28 19:12:50 +0000 UTC]

Wait, never mind, I figured it out.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Muslipepito [2015-02-28 18:40:08 +0000 UTC]

 I was looking for something like this, then I forgot...but thanks to you I'll definitely make my own book now!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Muslipepito [2015-03-27 00:04:52 +0000 UTC]

I'm happy to hear that

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Eternal-Empathy [2015-02-27 20:22:29 +0000 UTC]

how much do you charge for the bookmaking?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Eternal-Empathy [2015-03-27 00:04:42 +0000 UTC]

Unfortunately due to my schedule I really don't have time to make any books right now. If I do, I'll post completed books with links to purchase. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Tonttun [2015-02-27 19:34:06 +0000 UTC]

SO THATS HOW ITS DONE now I can die peacefully

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Tonttun [2015-03-27 00:03:36 +0000 UTC]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ThallenCambricaltran [2015-02-27 03:32:23 +0000 UTC]

This is awesome! I will definitely show you what I make when I do this!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to ThallenCambricaltran [2015-03-27 00:03:21 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

chateaugrief [2015-02-24 20:46:35 +0000 UTC]

wow.  How beautiful!  When I make a book like this I'll be sure to send you the link!  

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to chateaugrief [2015-03-27 00:03:13 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

BlueLakeKylie In reply to ??? [2015-02-24 17:13:09 +0000 UTC]

Wow, this is very helpful! Seriously. Thank you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to BlueLakeKylie [2015-03-27 00:03:04 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, and sorry for not getting back sooner with regarding the question you had. Did you figure it out?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

BlueLakeKylie In reply to JamesDarrow [2015-03-27 01:14:36 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, I did.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

pequliar [2015-02-19 19:21:52 +0000 UTC]

Wow, you really did a beautiful job! I'm gonna try to make something like this It's good for people like me who have very small budgets.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to pequliar [2015-03-27 00:02:21 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Louicanthrope In reply to ??? [2015-02-15 18:54:24 +0000 UTC]

It's always been a dream of mine to make my own book but the tutorials around didn't make me feel confident. Yours is the best mate, congrats !
I came here ASAP to share the result while it's drying for the last time.
I used an old t-shirt to make the cover but it looks great anyhow - I wish I had (fake) leather for the cover, maybe next time.
Before I began folding them into signatures, I batched the 56 sheets (regular paper for printing machines) in coffee to make them look ancient :

img15.hostingpics.net/pics/273…

I used dental floss for the biding. I would say it is the perfect alternative to thread for bookbiding because it's easy to find, cheap and already waxed.
Besides it never broke although I kept stretching it firmly to make sure the knots were tight, but I bought the cheapest, so it's solid.
Oh also, I didn't have fabric to glue the signatures on so I used doubled gauze (compress) as canvas.

Thanks a lot !

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Louicanthrope [2015-03-27 00:02:12 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much! Send the link again if you submit on dA so I can favorite it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Sommeil-eternel In reply to ??? [2015-02-04 05:38:35 +0000 UTC]

Is awesome I will do it

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Sommeil-eternel [2015-03-27 00:01:25 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Sommeil-eternel In reply to JamesDarrow [2015-04-05 01:16:55 +0000 UTC]

No problem

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

hellonabeeha In reply to ??? [2015-02-01 08:12:32 +0000 UTC]

Thank You SO MUCH! I'm not sure when you made this tutorial but I am so glad I came across it! I have been looking for a journal to buy for so long, and I found one on Etsy, just wasn't completely sure if I was ready to pay that much. However now I'm definitely sure I'm going to try making my own first, I think I'll appreciate it more.
Again Thank You so Much Sir! <3
Keep Up the Great Work and Peace be with You!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to hellonabeeha [2015-03-27 00:01:17 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

hellonabeeha In reply to JamesDarrow [2015-04-01 01:37:42 +0000 UTC]

Anytime

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

bluemoonbeetle In reply to ??? [2015-01-29 06:29:54 +0000 UTC]

This is so cool. I really want to try this. Thanks for making this awesome tutorial!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to bluemoonbeetle [2015-03-27 00:01:06 +0000 UTC]

Feel free to send links to anything you make

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

samuraicat1019 In reply to ??? [2015-01-22 20:20:30 +0000 UTC]

 About a year ago a made a book using this tutorial and absolutely loved it, and now am onto #2. Out of all the tutorials out there (I know, I've been looking -.- ) your's is by far the most clear and simple start to finish. Thank you for the time and effort you put in to this awesome tutorial! 

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to samuraicat1019 [2015-01-23 06:18:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for your comment, I'm happy you've found this useful

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Chameleonist In reply to ??? [2015-01-15 01:47:36 +0000 UTC]

I may never use this, but I'm definitely keeping it in mind!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Chameleonist [2015-01-16 05:25:02 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Chameleonist In reply to JamesDarrow [2015-01-16 05:27:27 +0000 UTC]

No, no! Thank YOU! X3

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

MyrddinvanderWind In reply to ??? [2014-12-26 21:43:56 +0000 UTC]

mephisto-myrddin.deviantart.co… Merry Christmas!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

foxIing In reply to ??? [2014-12-15 15:32:14 +0000 UTC]

definitly will try maybe this weekend or today if my mom is willing to buy it  

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to foxIing [2014-12-31 16:58:20 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LadyScoora In reply to ??? [2014-12-05 11:57:59 +0000 UTC]

Own thanks a lot!! I've been wanting a sketchbook for so long I will try it as soon as I gather the materials!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to LadyScoora [2014-12-31 16:58:32 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

LadyScoora In reply to JamesDarrow [2015-01-02 18:53:18 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, I made it and I'm pretty satisfied!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

spuggey [2014-12-02 15:45:48 +0000 UTC]

Lovely! I made a book with a clamp and glued pages (perfect binding, I believe is the technical name) and it's pretty sturdy as a reading book, but your method looks great for making sketchbooks that'll get a bit more wear. Thanks!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to spuggey [2014-12-31 16:58:51 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

👍: 0 ⏩: 0


| Next =>