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JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 730576; Favourites: 17639; Downloads: 9313
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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

JamesDarrow In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 13:49:19 +0000 UTC]

That's great, thank you!

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NynyWeenie In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 11:23:21 +0000 UTC]

Abslotutely amazing! Incredible tutorial!

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JamesDarrow In reply to NynyWeenie [2012-04-21 13:59:28 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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SystemCrashAssassin In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 11:12:03 +0000 UTC]

I haven't done bookbinding for some time now, but with this I'm inspired to start up again some time

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JamesDarrow In reply to SystemCrashAssassin [2012-04-21 13:59:39 +0000 UTC]

That's wonderful

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livinanotherworld In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 11:00:37 +0000 UTC]

this is so cool! thank you for sharing

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JamesDarrow In reply to livinanotherworld [2012-04-21 13:49:42 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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squalljade In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 10:51:30 +0000 UTC]

I've always loved making books but never attempted something that looks so pro. I'll definitely give this a go. Thanks for posting!

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JamesDarrow In reply to squalljade [2012-04-21 14:03:19 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, good luck making yours!

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hanarosa In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 10:41:29 +0000 UTC]

i want to make one! thank you for the tutorial!

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JamesDarrow In reply to hanarosa [2012-04-21 13:59:53 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

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zuvelioke In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 10:38:36 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely fascinating tutorial, both detailed and easy to understand. Definitely going to try it

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JamesDarrow In reply to zuvelioke [2012-04-21 13:50:35 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, good luck with yours!

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zuvelioke In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-21 13:52:27 +0000 UTC]

Thanks. In fact, after reading your tutorial I went to the shop, bought some paper and I have just finished the binding. Now I have to find some glue

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JamesDarrow In reply to zuvelioke [2012-04-21 13:57:09 +0000 UTC]

That's great, let me know how it turns out!

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zuvelioke In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-21 14:54:02 +0000 UTC]

Ok, I will inform you and post a photo as soon as I'm finally finished ;D

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cold-angle In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 10:19:42 +0000 UTC]

this is so amazing

I love it so much. Thank you for making this tutorial

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to cold-angle [2012-04-21 13:53:08 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Semuele In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 10:12:01 +0000 UTC]

Cool, I'll defietly try this

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JamesDarrow In reply to Semuele [2012-04-21 14:00:16 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, good luck :D

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Semuele In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-22 14:27:23 +0000 UTC]

Thank you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Kiqo7 In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 09:16:56 +0000 UTC]

Whoa whoa whoa this is really cool! Going to have to try this!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Kiqo7 [2012-04-21 13:53:18 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, good luck

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snakelvr103 In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 08:19:02 +0000 UTC]

Brilliant tutorial! I've been looking for one for quite a while and your instructions are crystal clear and easy to follow! Thanks ^^

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JamesDarrow In reply to snakelvr103 [2012-04-21 13:50:14 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much!

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shady767 In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 07:50:33 +0000 UTC]

WOW this is great, definitely makes me want to make my own this summer .

just one thing though, do u have any such tutorial detailing how the knots connecting the signatures are sposed to be done?

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Celiyasha In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 05:24:39 +0000 UTC]

Wow. This is just about the coolest thing I've seen on DA. I want to make one now.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Celiyasha [2012-04-21 13:55:23 +0000 UTC]

Really? Thank you!
Good luck with yours!

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Celiyasha In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-21 20:31:05 +0000 UTC]

Thanks ^^

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GamerCavallino In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 04:36:36 +0000 UTC]

Cool

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to GamerCavallino [2012-04-21 13:55:38 +0000 UTC]

Thanks :D

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Gracerain In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 04:18:29 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for this! I look forward to making spellbooks for friends, sketchbooks for myself, and not having to worry about tearing them up when I decide there are only a few things I actually want to keep! lol

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JamesDarrow In reply to Gracerain [2012-04-21 13:52:51 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad this is useful for you!

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GlitterGuns In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 03:38:41 +0000 UTC]

Very useful! I'm gonna try this!

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JamesDarrow In reply to GlitterGuns [2012-04-21 13:52:15 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

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silvertales In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 03:02:10 +0000 UTC]

Very informative tutorial, and easy to follow! I look forward to making my own custom sketchbooks with this method.

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JamesDarrow In reply to silvertales [2012-04-21 13:44:13 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, good luck making yous :)

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Choestoe In reply to ??? [2012-04-21 02:54:19 +0000 UTC]

Oh! This is one of the best tutorials I've seen! Thank you for making it!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Choestoe [2012-04-21 13:43:49 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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whyamibothering In reply to ??? [2012-04-20 23:53:33 +0000 UTC]

this is a great tutorial, really easy to understand. thanks very much for this

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JamesDarrow In reply to whyamibothering [2012-04-21 01:10:04 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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banachana In reply to ??? [2012-04-20 23:28:00 +0000 UTC]

This is soo cool!

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JamesDarrow In reply to banachana [2012-04-21 01:09:51 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! :D

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banachana In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-21 02:22:38 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome!

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str12o In reply to ??? [2012-04-20 22:07:19 +0000 UTC]

cool!

thanks for sharing

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JamesDarrow In reply to str12o [2012-04-21 01:09:29 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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GoGo-Ghosty In reply to ??? [2012-04-20 21:58:32 +0000 UTC]

hmmm I've always wanted to try making a book~
Thanks for this!

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JamesDarrow In reply to GoGo-Ghosty [2012-04-20 22:03:53 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure, good luck!

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GoGo-Ghosty In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-23 21:30:30 +0000 UTC]

x3 thanks! So far so good~
-knocks on wood-

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fosterphoto In reply to ??? [2012-04-20 21:52:38 +0000 UTC]

I think I might try this on my next day off The way you explained it doesn't make it look too difficult.

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