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JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 707874; Favourites: 17671; 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

Ayameinwonderland In reply to ??? [2012-06-14 16:08:01 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much! This is very helpful!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Ayameinwonderland [2012-06-15 00:35:14 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Maler002 In reply to ??? [2012-06-14 06:41:42 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for a very good tutorial. I'll try it some day in the near future. It's perfect for making sketching books.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Maler002 [2012-06-15 00:35:34 +0000 UTC]

Thank you
Let me know how it turns out for you.

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Maler002 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-15 05:29:23 +0000 UTC]

I'll try today if I get time. Can I upload photos of it here.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Maler002 [2012-06-15 08:44:16 +0000 UTC]

You can upload here.
(Category) Artisan Crafts > Folding & Papercraft > Bookbinding & Bookmaking

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Maler002 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-15 17:03:43 +0000 UTC]

Here is the result. I will use it to draw zentangles in.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Maler002 [2012-06-15 18:42:22 +0000 UTC]

It looks great

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Maler002 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-15 18:56:58 +0000 UTC]

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Maler002 In reply to Maler002 [2012-06-15 17:08:47 +0000 UTC]

I forgot the link: [link]

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radioectomy In reply to ??? [2012-06-12 02:40:55 +0000 UTC]

ahhh thank you! i've been looking for something to help me make my book of shadows and this is just perfect and very personal!!

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JamesDarrow In reply to radioectomy [2012-06-12 03:04:58 +0000 UTC]

Thats good to hear
If you don't mind sharing it, I'd love to see how it turns out!

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Fikriyya In reply to ??? [2012-06-11 06:46:29 +0000 UTC]

I already have more journals than I know what to do with...but GAH now I want to make my own. This makes it look so easy! Thanks for such a great tutorial!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Fikriyya [2012-06-12 03:05:16 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure!

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Serene-Whisper In reply to ??? [2012-06-10 17:06:44 +0000 UTC]

Wow i''m going to try it out! thanks for the upload!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Serene-Whisper [2012-06-10 18:14:50 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

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Serene-Whisper In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-10 18:18:08 +0000 UTC]

Thanks i'll upload the result when itis finished

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JamesDarrow In reply to Serene-Whisper [2012-06-10 18:28:46 +0000 UTC]

I look forward to seeing it

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PukaHunter In reply to ??? [2012-06-09 22:19:16 +0000 UTC]

I wanted to say thank you very much for this tutorial and the video. I'm still not done but I'm making this as a present for my boyfriend. I'ld love to show you the end results so where should I send the picture when I'm done?

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JamesDarrow In reply to PukaHunter [2012-06-10 01:48:54 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad it's so useful! I'd love to see it when it's done, just post the link here or my profile.

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Katzenfrau007 In reply to ??? [2012-06-09 18:24:42 +0000 UTC]

Very nice work, thanks for sharing!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Katzenfrau007 [2012-06-10 02:19:09 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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vanzeshi93 In reply to ??? [2012-06-08 15:12:18 +0000 UTC]

wow,,thanks for the tutorial !

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JamesDarrow In reply to vanzeshi93 [2012-06-08 16:13:49 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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Hyonia In reply to ??? [2012-06-08 11:58:52 +0000 UTC]

This is really neat! C:

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JamesDarrow In reply to Hyonia [2012-06-08 16:13:56 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

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Oli-gato In reply to ??? [2012-06-07 18:17:43 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Oli-gato [2012-06-08 16:14:22 +0000 UTC]

No problem

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andlazbri In reply to ??? [2012-06-07 01:25:34 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! 8D

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JamesDarrow In reply to andlazbri [2012-06-08 16:14:04 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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mel-0 In reply to ??? [2012-06-06 23:51:01 +0000 UTC]

I really REALLY want to do this now that i actually have a way to know how. THANK YOU!!!

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JamesDarrow In reply to mel-0 [2012-06-08 16:14:15 +0000 UTC]


I'm glad to hear that

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Weegraphicsman In reply to ??? [2012-06-04 17:07:16 +0000 UTC]

Not sure I have the skill to achieve that. But a great tutorial nonetheless.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Weegraphicsman [2012-06-05 17:53:56 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!
If you take your time it should be manageable

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Weegraphicsman In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-07-03 18:13:36 +0000 UTC]

OK! If you say so

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deadlymuse11 In reply to ??? [2012-06-03 14:43:11 +0000 UTC]

I have a quick question. For the paper that goes inside the book to actually be written on, would regular white printer paper work?

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JamesDarrow In reply to deadlymuse11 [2012-06-03 18:13:04 +0000 UTC]

I wouldn't recommend using that, I mean you could but your book won't look as nice or be as sturdy whereas had you used a thicker paper.

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saphira3479 In reply to ??? [2012-05-30 18:40:03 +0000 UTC]

i am definately going to try this just wondering, roughly how many sheets did you use for this book? is there a upper or lower limit for the number used? what is the easiest number to use, for a beginner?

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JamesDarrow In reply to saphira3479 [2012-05-30 20:31:43 +0000 UTC]

There really is no limit to how many or few, the more you have though the more awkward and hard to use your book will be and the fewer, the same is true.

I recommend using 4-6 sheets per signature and 4-20 signatures in the book.
In the tutorial I used 4 sheets per signature and 15 signatures for a total of 60 sheets of paper making 240 pages in the finished book. (two of which got used to glue the endsheets in)

I don't think there is an ideal number to start with, but you might want to start with a book of 3 signatures and if you feel like making it bigger, you can just add more signatures as you go.

Good luck

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saphira3479 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-01 13:36:55 +0000 UTC]

thankyou, it really helped iv made a start on my first ever book now, its going really well! i only used 5 signatures the first time, but im planning to make many more (i bought enough paper to make sure of that) so il see what my limit could be il be sure to say how the finished copy turns out

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JamesDarrow In reply to saphira3479 [2012-06-05 16:32:07 +0000 UTC]

I'm so glad to hear that! I look forward to hearing how it turns out

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saphira3479 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-09 17:58:34 +0000 UTC]

oh my first one went really well! im so happy with it, iv made three so far had to give away the first two for birthday presents, but iv submitted the third one here [link] thanks so much, i would never have been able to make these without your tutorial

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JamesDarrow In reply to saphira3479 [2012-06-10 02:19:53 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the link, and I'm happy to know that you found this useful!

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saphira3479 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-13 15:58:25 +0000 UTC]

i really did, all my friends have now requested i make them books XD thankyou!

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JamesDarrow In reply to saphira3479 [2012-06-15 18:45:52 +0000 UTC]

That's great!

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Tamarchek In reply to ??? [2012-05-30 08:16:22 +0000 UTC]

this is so useful. I now know how to repair my old books

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JamesDarrow In reply to Tamarchek [2012-05-30 20:32:01 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad you found it worthwhile

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SusanneHaun In reply to ??? [2012-05-26 05:06:25 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for showing us this picture.
greatings from Susanne

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JamesDarrow In reply to SusanneHaun [2012-05-26 05:12:31 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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SusanneHaun In reply to ??? [2012-05-26 05:05:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for showing us - it's very helpfull.

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