If you love handmade booklets or can’t get enough of beautiful leather-bound journals, you should definitely take up bookbinding.
And while it may seem intimidating at first, I can guarantee you that if I can do it, so can you!
In this short guide, you’ll find handy info for newbie bookbinders, including the basics around materials, techniques, and how to start learning without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
What is bookbinding?
Bookbinding is the process of assembling a stack of paper sheets (whether individually or folded into sections) and binding them together to create booklets, art journals, scrapbooks, and more.
This process can be done with different techniques and styles, and finished with soft or hardcovers. Covers can be customized with a variety of materials, from fabric and cloth to paper and leather.
Bookbinding is a fun and rewarding creative hobby that allows you to put together one-of-a-kind handmade pieces from beginning to end.
What are the basic bookbinding techniques?
There are a lot of bookbinding techniques, but the most popular for beginners are Saddle Stitch, Coptic, Perfect, and Japanese binding.
Each technique entails a unique process and complexity level. However, many binding styles have variations, including more accessible, simpler versions.
On the other hand, if you’re after quick results and practicality to get the job done, a binding machine might be a better option for you!
Let’s look briefly into some of the main bookbinding techniques:
Saddle Stitch
This is one of the easiest, most low-cost bookbinding techniques because it involves binding pages with staples along the spine.
It’s best suited for smaller projects with fewer pages. Some use this method with thread instead, but it’s mostly about saving time and money with this one!
Perfect binding
Perfect binding is a very beginner-friendly technique. It involves directly attaching folded signatures to book spines with bookbinding glue. This not only makes it easy to do, but pretty cheap.
Coptic binding
This method requires sewing chain link stitches along book spines, exposing the horizontal stitches fully. This method enables books to lay completely flat when open.
Japanese stab binding
This technique requires sewing pages together through a pattern of holes created along the spine.
Thread remains visible (spines are not covered), creating very unique, aesthetic finishes. Like Coptic binding, this technique allows booklets to lay flat when open.
What are some beginner bookbinding projects?
There are a lot of fun and easy-to-learn bookbinding projects that beginners could do; all you need are basic guidelines and essential materials to get things rolling.
A convenient way to take on your first project is with one of these fantastic bookbinding kits. You’ll have everything you need and a variety of approaches to choose from.
Below, I’ve lined up several bookbinding projects to give you a few ideas of how you can get started.
- Art journals
- Notebooks
- Scrapbooks
- Mini notebooks/journals
- Mini leather books
- Hardbound portfolios
What supplies do I need to start bookbinding?
Bookbinding supplies can vary depending on the type of binding you want to do.
I’ve listed the most common supplies below to give you an idea of the essentials.
Paper
Most paper used for bookbinding is within a lightweight range, although you can go slightly heavier/thicker for larger projects.
Copy paper, construction paper, washi paper, mixed-media paper, and cardstock are popular picks. Heavier paperweights should be used for covers.
If you’re feeling crafty and want to personalize projects from beginner to end, we have a full article on the best paper making kits!
Cutting tools
Since bookbinding projects can be of all sizes and layouts, it’s important to have good cutting tools.
Craft knives, X-acto knives, and rotary cutters are reliable picks for this purpose — especially if you’re also incorporating heavyweight materials like leather.
These tools will help you scale your projects to desired sizes and trim imperfections with precision.
Bone folder
Bone folders are one of the most important tools in bookbinding.
Their primary purpose is to create crisp, precise folds in paper. Bone folders are also used to score folds and burnish surfaces, giving your projects polished finishes.
They’re also very handy in creating sharp edges and tight corners, making final results even neater.
Check out our guide to the best bone folders to know what to look for!
Awl
An awl is used in bookbinding to pierce holes into paper for sewing and binding.
These small holes serve as guides to thread sewing signatures, attach endpapers and/or decorative stitching on book covers.
Needle and thread
Bookbinding techniques that involve stitching will require using needle and thread.
The strongest and most enduring thread for this craft is linen, with cotton and waxed thread being common alternatives.
Bookbinding glue
Bookbinding glue isn’t always required but may be necessary when using a technique that does not involve stitching.
This doesn’t always apply, but some of the most beginner-friendly bookbinding methods use glue.
This adhesive is also crucial if you’re adding covers to your booklets or are working on repairs.
We have a complete list of the best bookbinding glues if you want to learn more about what’s out there.
Other supplies
Besides the supplies listed above, you’ll want to consider the following resources to complement your projects:
- Bookbinding tape
- Bookbinding press
- A metal ruler
- Materials for covers (leather, fabric, etc.)
- Corner rounders
How can I learn bookbinding?
A great way to learn bookbinding is through beginner online guides and tutorials.
YouTube is a convenient, free resource to find easy bookbinding projects and step-by-step tutorials. It’s also a great place to learn about the craft overall as well as the history of bookbinding.
I’ve listed a few Youtube channels I recommend below:
Where can I find inspiration for bookbinding?
At the end of the day, the best (and most accessible) place to find inspiration for bookbinding is online.
I suggest researching the works of professional bookbinders and home crafters alike; there’s always something you can learn from both perspectives.
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest are all great places to look for inspiration.
Have a fellow bookbinder pal or family member? Discuss and share your processes and ideas; this more often than not leads to a few inspiring ah-ha moments!