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JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 707841; Favourites: 17672; Downloads: 9304
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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

MadilynBoyd In reply to ??? [2012-08-25 19:36:30 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!!!

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toomuchmusic In reply to ??? [2012-08-23 14:50:53 +0000 UTC]

oh hey heres one of the books ive made with your tutorial~

[link]

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LydiasTears In reply to ??? [2012-08-23 05:39:08 +0000 UTC]

Thanks you

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MariaHayden93 In reply to ??? [2012-08-23 00:28:03 +0000 UTC]

This is so awesome! I'm trying this now! Thanks so much for the tutorial and all your hard work!

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dianezone In reply to ??? [2012-08-19 16:11:51 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely amazingly clear - I've battled with other tutorials - but now I've seen the LIGHT! Yeah! Thanks for all your hard work James!

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JamesDarrow In reply to dianezone [2012-08-22 23:29:52 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much!

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Apryl417 In reply to ??? [2012-08-18 04:40:46 +0000 UTC]

Love this! I used this to make my best friend a journal for her birthday, and she absolutely LOVED it. It was my first time making a book, and this tutorial was an amazing guide. Now all of my friends want to start making books, so I sent this link out to all of them! Thank you!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Apryl417 [2012-08-22 23:29:44 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad to hear it, thank you!

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Daidairo In reply to ??? [2012-08-17 09:57:07 +0000 UTC]

I'm in the midst of doing this right now, but somehow this part

"and tie it to the string from the start.... Connect that signature with the first like so..."

Is a little vague...? May I ask for elaboration?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Daidairo [2012-08-22 23:29:26 +0000 UTC]

Please regard the video.

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CreamCaramel89 In reply to ??? [2012-08-16 16:11:43 +0000 UTC]

I made a simple very funny and sticky book using this tutorial .. thank you SO much ! I Love it <3

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JamesDarrow In reply to CreamCaramel89 [2012-08-22 23:29:12 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad, thanks!

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copperfirie In reply to ??? [2012-08-16 15:28:33 +0000 UTC]

This is amazing, can't wait to try it!

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JamesDarrow In reply to copperfirie [2012-08-22 23:28:55 +0000 UTC]

Good luck! >w<

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Loveeeely In reply to ??? [2012-08-12 15:44:37 +0000 UTC]

I made this: [link] using your tutorial! Thanks a lot for adding!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Loveeeely [2012-08-22 23:28:48 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure!

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DazzledMidnight523 In reply to ??? [2012-08-09 15:07:41 +0000 UTC]

I made one using this tutorial.... (Well, sorta.) I didn't measure anything, because I'm lazy, but it came out pretty okay. Here it is: [link]

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JamesDarrow In reply to DazzledMidnight523 [2012-08-22 23:28:32 +0000 UTC]

Looks pretty good to me

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electriclightparade In reply to ??? [2012-08-08 22:46:05 +0000 UTC]

this is the most helpful, most amazing thing in the world! thank you so much!
i actually go to school for art and have taken bookbinding classes, but i got really rusty this summer and i was trying to make a journal for my best friend as a going-away present and so i happened upon your tutorial and it was so wonderfully helpful! the book turned out beatiful!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to electriclightparade [2012-08-22 23:28:13 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for the kind words!

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Justanelement In reply to ??? [2012-08-08 07:30:01 +0000 UTC]

i stumbled upon this page and got inspired, check out my creation- if you'd like - i dig yours

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JamesDarrow In reply to Justanelement [2012-08-22 23:27:52 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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AlbertoDibujante In reply to ??? [2012-08-04 18:02:01 +0000 UTC]

measurements are in centimeters or inches?

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JamesDarrow In reply to AlbertoDibujante [2012-08-04 23:30:08 +0000 UTC]

I used inches but you can use whatever sizes you want.

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AlbertoDibujante In reply to ??? [2012-08-04 17:51:45 +0000 UTC]

measurements are in centimeters or inches?

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BlaueLibelle In reply to ??? [2012-08-03 21:47:39 +0000 UTC]

[link] May I show you the result of my first try?

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JamesDarrow In reply to BlaueLibelle [2012-08-06 01:16:37 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the link. ^^

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Control-the-Chaos In reply to ??? [2012-08-02 04:24:16 +0000 UTC]

[link]
I made a diary for my friend following your tutorial!
You're awesome for making this <3

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JamesDarrow In reply to Control-the-Chaos [2012-08-06 01:16:33 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the link. ^^

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Momoiroai In reply to ??? [2012-08-01 22:01:24 +0000 UTC]

Making one as we speak. I'll be sure to upload a picture and show you how it turns out. c:

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JamesDarrow In reply to Momoiroai [2012-08-02 02:47:48 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

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Momoiroai In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-08-02 20:26:29 +0000 UTC]

ty ^^

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Eiirlys In reply to ??? [2012-07-31 04:27:57 +0000 UTC]

I know this is completely off topic, BUT YOUR CAT LOOKS ADORABLE!!!!!! >.< Sorry, I love cats beyond love.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Eiirlys [2012-08-02 02:47:40 +0000 UTC]

That's no problem, she was being particularly playful the day I took the photos. xD

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Eiirlys In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-08-02 04:07:16 +0000 UTC]

SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for spazzing XD

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BlaueLibelle In reply to ??? [2012-07-30 21:00:36 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I´ll try to make my own book

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to BlaueLibelle [2012-08-02 02:47:06 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

BlaueLibelle In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-08-02 15:12:03 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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TalysAlankil In reply to ??? [2012-07-28 12:38:36 +0000 UTC]

Whoa. Awesome.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to TalysAlankil [2012-08-02 02:47:01 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

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TJRiggs In reply to ??? [2012-07-28 04:06:23 +0000 UTC]

Good God man. This is brilliant.

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JamesDarrow In reply to TJRiggs [2012-08-02 02:46:55 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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TJRiggs In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-08-02 06:28:41 +0000 UTC]

Actually, I get to your piece from the Spokane Falls Community College Graphic Design facebook page. They had a lot of praise for it too

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JamesDarrow In reply to TJRiggs [2012-08-02 12:09:51 +0000 UTC]

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know.

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sinitucca In reply to ??? [2012-07-27 10:39:26 +0000 UTC]

Whoooaaaaa

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blouw88 In reply to ??? [2012-07-26 19:25:01 +0000 UTC]

I'm so excited I found this! (via pinterest) I am going to make my own scrapbook type smashbook and make what's called "scripture scraps." (can also be found on pinterest)
I wonder if my grade 2 students would like to make this. They love the journals and this would make it even more personal!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to blouw88 [2012-08-02 02:46:46 +0000 UTC]

That's great! Let me know how it turns out, I'd be especially interested to know how it works with younger people. ^^

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Anepiplezia In reply to ??? [2012-07-24 11:15:44 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for this : )
It was very helpful!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Anepiplezia [2012-08-02 02:46:17 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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LoquaciousQuidnunc In reply to ??? [2012-07-24 00:48:46 +0000 UTC]

OMG --- I was just thinking about this last week.
The glue had perplexed me.
Not so anymore.
Thanks.

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