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JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 707910; Favourites: 17671; Downloads: 9305
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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

namineshadow In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 20:49:49 +0000 UTC]

That's Amazing

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JamesDarrow In reply to namineshadow [2012-04-30 20:56:30 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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respett In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 19:56:01 +0000 UTC]

I wanted you to see how it turned out. Not nearly as good as yours, but I'm pleased ^^ [link]

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JamesDarrow In reply to respett [2012-04-30 20:03:55 +0000 UTC]

It looks good

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

respett In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-30 20:23:35 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

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Magenta-Moop In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 19:37:02 +0000 UTC]

Didn't have the patience to make a book from scratch, but did use your lovely instructions to help me re-cover an old, falling-apart Bible I had! [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Magenta-Moop [2012-04-30 20:01:29 +0000 UTC]

I would comment there but I don't have an account (and don't really feel like getting one)...

It looks nice! I always think more personalized things, like the cover, makes the book more special.

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PinkMochi In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 17:12:36 +0000 UTC]

this is nice. i found this by coincidende, and i love it!

i'm thinking this would be a great way to make a present for someone. my family likes to read my comics but most of the time they are in loose pages. i bet they would be very happy if i make them a comic book using this technique.

thank you so much for posting this.

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JamesDarrow In reply to PinkMochi [2012-04-30 19:57:44 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

PinkMochi In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-30 23:04:31 +0000 UTC]

u welcome

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Selimeia In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 10:29:17 +0000 UTC]

You. Are. Amazing.
I've been looking for a proper explanation on how to do this for ages, thanks sooooo much for posting this
I'll try out pretty soon, only thing still missing is to change the measures to centimetres... But this sure is the easiest part

Anyways, I love you for that

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Selimeia [2012-04-30 13:56:41 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so very much!
Let me know how it turns out for you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Selimeia In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-30 14:08:08 +0000 UTC]

I will, but it might take a while until I find the time....
But I'll try as soon as possible

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

runicrules In reply to ??? [2012-04-30 05:16:20 +0000 UTC]

Love the durability of the coptic binding

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to runicrules [2012-04-30 13:57:13 +0000 UTC]

Yes, it works quite good

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

lhasa2010 In reply to ??? [2012-04-29 18:01:32 +0000 UTC]

hey,
I love this tutorial!

I have a question, what can you use for a chipboard, or what do you use or recommend?

(I have just glued the book, and I'm thinking forward )

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to lhasa2010 [2012-04-29 18:38:10 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! I'd love to see it when it's done.

I would use something like this . Anything will work as long as it's firm and then (like the back of many sketchpads). You could also use a thin balsa wood if you'd like.

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

lhasa2010 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-05-01 13:52:09 +0000 UTC]

Hey, I've finished it, your tutorial was really helpful!
[link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to lhasa2010 [2012-05-01 14:18:57 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the link

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

lhasa2010 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-29 19:47:29 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

I'll send a photo of the book when it's finished

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

DoesCoffeeBleed In reply to ??? [2012-04-29 13:54:18 +0000 UTC]

i am so doing this today awesome tutorial this is going to help a lot

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to DoesCoffeeBleed [2012-04-29 14:17:21 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

DoesCoffeeBleed In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-29 14:28:21 +0000 UTC]

thanks i will need it

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

WordsCannotHarmMe In reply to ??? [2012-04-28 20:59:19 +0000 UTC]

i can't wait to try this!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to WordsCannotHarmMe [2012-04-28 21:48:19 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

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WordsCannotHarmMe In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-28 21:49:45 +0000 UTC]

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vebosh In reply to ??? [2012-04-28 17:09:56 +0000 UTC]

i want to do this tutorial but the sewing part is kinda complicated..

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JamesDarrow In reply to vebosh [2012-04-28 17:21:15 +0000 UTC]

Yes, it was difficult to explain effectively.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

vebosh In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-30 15:50:23 +0000 UTC]

well, i've been thinking the i should practice with some newspaper or recicled paper cuz i don't want to screw it up a good paper..

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to vebosh [2012-04-30 15:56:36 +0000 UTC]

I used copy paper a few times before I tried on the final paper. Just take your time and it shouldn't be that complicated. ^^

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

vebosh In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-05-01 01:56:25 +0000 UTC]

Thanks... i've always been thinking to do my own journals or an artist book and not getting it from art stores.. thanks for the tutorial!!! ñ__ñ

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JamesDarrow In reply to vebosh [2012-05-01 14:23:43 +0000 UTC]

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vebosh In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-06-01 18:35:47 +0000 UTC]

awwww

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Robert-Clell-Asher In reply to ??? [2012-04-28 16:00:48 +0000 UTC]

Awesome job! Thank you!
Asher

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Robert-Clell-Asher [2012-04-28 16:15:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Mar-Enil In reply to ??? [2012-04-28 14:14:24 +0000 UTC]

I used to watch Merlin in BBC 1 and I was fascinated by the spellbook that he have.

And yesterday, I watch it again because my friend got the video of it. And I was wondering where I can buy such a nice book. and today, it is such a wonderful coincidence that I found this splendid tutorial. Thanks for sharing it!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Mar-Enil [2012-04-28 16:15:42 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure, good luck with your book

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raoga In reply to ??? [2012-04-28 03:23:22 +0000 UTC]

As I am making my journal now, I found it useful to use the thick cardboard backs of old used sketchbooks, water color pads, ect. as the cover. Will this work as well?

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JamesDarrow In reply to raoga [2012-04-28 03:28:59 +0000 UTC]

Sure, I use the sketchpad cardboard if I don't have any chipboard on hand. Anything works as long as it's sturdy and relatively thin

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

raoga In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-28 03:32:28 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much! Excuisite tutorial, by the way. This is something I've wanted to try, and now thanks to you, I'm making an effort!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to raoga [2012-04-28 03:37:52 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!
I'm so glad it's been useful. Send me a link when you're done!

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DawnAllynn In reply to ??? [2012-04-27 20:55:54 +0000 UTC]

This is an awesome tutorial..... very, very impressed

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JamesDarrow In reply to DawnAllynn [2012-04-27 21:01:31 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much!

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mbah In reply to ??? [2012-04-27 19:16:04 +0000 UTC]

thank you so much for this great tutorial :-D
I made a book with a paper cover [link] and since it was so much fun I'm planning on making many more

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to mbah [2012-04-27 19:22:42 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad to hear it!

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ShutterBug97 In reply to ??? [2012-04-27 05:22:16 +0000 UTC]

Thanks man. Used it here [link]

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JamesDarrow In reply to ShutterBug97 [2012-04-27 13:38:55 +0000 UTC]

A rebind! It looks quite good! Featured it here

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ShutterBug97 In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-28 15:18:04 +0000 UTC]

Oh wow, thankyou!!! Couldnt have done it without your tut!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to ShutterBug97 [2012-04-28 16:08:42 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

AkemiShikima In reply to ??? [2012-04-27 02:46:20 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much!!! I was lookin' for a tuto about this!! ^^

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