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JamesDarrowBookbinding Tutorial by-nc-nd

Published: 2012-04-11 22:56:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 708453; Favourites: 17668; 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

primulatook In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:56:51 +0000 UTC]

this is awesome!

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JamesDarrow In reply to primulatook [2012-04-22 23:18:06 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

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HundredHands In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:48:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for putting together and posting this excellent tutorial!

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JamesDarrow In reply to HundredHands [2012-04-22 23:18:31 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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anamsohail In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:35:06 +0000 UTC]

oh i c ur kittty's paw dere

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JamesDarrow In reply to anamsohail [2012-04-22 23:20:21 +0000 UTC]

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anamsohail In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-23 13:36:59 +0000 UTC]

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GarnetLynne In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:29:56 +0000 UTC]

I like the good luck at the end, we made paper and bound it in my first college, it's a lot of work. Nice tut

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to GarnetLynne [2012-04-22 23:18:46 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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kibo14 In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:29:23 +0000 UTC]

this is an awesome turorial! thanks for sharing it with us. i think it will be really useful. but maybe i need a bit of practice first ;D

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JamesDarrow In reply to kibo14 [2012-04-22 23:20:04 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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PoorEccentric In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:25:23 +0000 UTC]

Very cool art form.

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JamesDarrow In reply to PoorEccentric [2012-04-22 23:19:03 +0000 UTC]

Isn't it?

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PoorEccentric In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-22 23:20:48 +0000 UTC]

It makes the bookworm in me squee a little.

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JamesDarrow In reply to PoorEccentric [2012-04-23 04:03:42 +0000 UTC]

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92KICKSTART In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:16:51 +0000 UTC]

wow i cant wait to start my own book thanks

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JamesDarrow In reply to 92KICKSTART [2012-04-22 23:16:00 +0000 UTC]

Good luck

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Clare-Dragonfly In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:13:30 +0000 UTC]

Wow, this is so cool! I've wanted to learn bookbinding for ages and this explains it so clearly and concisely. Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Clare-Dragonfly [2012-04-22 23:12:30 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Nikki0417 In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 22:00:18 +0000 UTC]

This tutorial totally made me realize how much time and labor goes into putting a book together. I feel like I should take better care of the books I come across, now. XD Lovely, tutorial, though! And congrats on the DD.

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JamesDarrow In reply to Nikki0417 [2012-04-22 23:19:56 +0000 UTC]

Yes, there is quite a bit of effort put into a book
Thank you!

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THEGREATTITANICCHICK In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:59:14 +0000 UTC]

I'm so glad you posted this ^^ but for the chippboard, ca you perhaps use like a thick poasterboard? would that work just as well?

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JamesDarrow In reply to THEGREATTITANICCHICK [2012-04-22 23:13:06 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!
I wouldn't recommend it, the book won't be as study or be able to last as long.

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THEGREATTITANICCHICK In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-22 23:14:34 +0000 UTC]

Ah okay, what about suede for the book cover. would that be reccomended? i'm thinking of making up some journals for a LARP i'm starting ^^

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JamesDarrow In reply to THEGREATTITANICCHICK [2012-04-22 23:22:36 +0000 UTC]

Sure, I haven't personally done anything like that but I want to learn how to use leather soon. I can't really give any tips since I haven't worked with suede, but it should work

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THEGREATTITANICCHICK In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-22 23:28:15 +0000 UTC]

ah ok, that's why i'm trying to make these as cheeply as possible (in case they get destroyed or stolen during play ^^) would computer paper work for the pages?

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JamesDarrow In reply to THEGREATTITANICCHICK [2012-04-23 04:01:37 +0000 UTC]

Sure, it would work fine especially as a prop.
This tutorial might be useful for this [link]
as might this one [link]

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THEGREATTITANICCHICK In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-23 05:48:45 +0000 UTC]

Ah okay, thanks, yea i think i've done something similar to the first one you showed me. these are really helpful, thanks so much ^^

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JamesDarrow In reply to THEGREATTITANICCHICK [2012-04-23 22:02:46 +0000 UTC]

No problem

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Foreveramateurphotos In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:53:40 +0000 UTC]

Amazing! Thank you, now I must try it!(:

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JamesDarrow In reply to Foreveramateurphotos [2012-04-22 23:14:11 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Foreveramateurphotos In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-25 01:28:12 +0000 UTC]

Welcome!<3

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Poopymonkeydoo In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:53:10 +0000 UTC]

This is hella helpful! Thanks for sharing ;D

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JamesDarrow In reply to Poopymonkeydoo [2012-04-22 23:14:20 +0000 UTC]

Thank

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xxNightmaresAngelxx In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:50:56 +0000 UTC]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much for uploading this!

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JamesDarrow In reply to xxNightmaresAngelxx [2012-04-22 23:09:32 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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Dommnics In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:43:55 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!
Now to find out how to sew.. :I

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JamesDarrow In reply to Dommnics [2012-04-22 23:09:10 +0000 UTC]

It isn't too bad ^^

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usedcanvas In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:32:50 +0000 UTC]

My mother was a librarian and loved all thing,s book, great and small.She would have loved this.I must try it once just for her.You as well being as it took so long to do and you did such a great job.Thanks.

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JamesDarrow In reply to usedcanvas [2012-04-22 23:07:14 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Factory1-13 In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:10:18 +0000 UTC]

kick ass tutorial. must do this soon!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Factory1-13 [2012-04-22 21:15:31 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Miguelphantasy In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:06:40 +0000 UTC]

Amazing! Thanks for this handy tutorial!

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JamesDarrow In reply to Miguelphantasy [2012-04-22 21:10:41 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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Reysuke-chan In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 21:06:15 +0000 UTC]

Splendid! Thank you for this!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JamesDarrow In reply to Reysuke-chan [2012-04-22 21:10:36 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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Poisonlov3ly In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 20:54:55 +0000 UTC]

Some how In the near I know for a fact That I will do this one day SO I keep *^*

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JamesDarrow In reply to Poisonlov3ly [2012-04-22 21:10:25 +0000 UTC]

Good luck!

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Poisonlov3ly In reply to JamesDarrow [2012-04-22 23:22:03 +0000 UTC]

I forgot to put future next to near =.lll

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Chaincrystal In reply to ??? [2012-04-22 20:54:12 +0000 UTC]

I wish this craft will not be forgotten.

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