Thursday 30 September 2010

Making a little book

Right! I've finally got together a little step-by-step for binding very simple books. We're going to be using a sort of pamphlet stitch. Start by cutting a selection of papers down to the same size. I'm using a mix of watercolour paper and squared paper.
Fold each of your pages in half, as exactly as possible. I'm using a bone folder for an accurate fold.
Measure your book and mark 3 points at equal distances down the spine. Take a drawing pin and, opening it out and laying it flat, make holes through all the layers at the points you've marked.
Now thread a needle with a stout thread or anything you like really. I'm using a linen thread and a bookbinding needle that I get from here, but you can use whatever you've got.

Taking your needle, go in from the outside at point B, back out at point C, round the outside to go in at point A, and then back out again at point B.
Tie the ends in a knot.

Now you can decorate your book. I'm gluing buttons on mine! You may need to trim off the right hand edge for neatness, or leave them, it's up to you. Done! Let me know if you have any problems.

12 comments:

emmalou said...

I will definitely try making one of these sometime, thank you!

alessandra said...

so neat and well explained!
grazie...
x

Julia said...

I love making little books, but I usually go with Japanese binding. Sadly, I don't own any bookbinding thread and normal one always gets torn...

Inari said...

Oh how lovely!

By the way: There is an award for you in my blog!

http://ikomin.blogspot.com/2010/09/tunnustan-i-award.html

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Thanks for the cute direction. I have to try this out!:)
xx, Alice from bells and whistles.

spoon said...

I love the buttons--very cute!

that kate said...

This is great thanks! Definitely going to give it a go!

gina said...

I want to make one...you make it look so simple!

Emil und die großen Schwestern said...

I love self made little books! Simple
beautiful! (Lovely buttons!) Greetings from Germany/Hannover, Éva

jazmine rocks @ jazzabelle's diary said...

oh, this is just brilliant! i've always wanted to bind my own book, thank-you! xx

Rachel - Firebird said...

What a fantastic tutorial, thank you. I'm wondering if I got enough time to try this out in time to make some for christmas

Louise said...

Thanks everyone! I'd love to see pictures if you do make any books. Julia - it's well worth buying some proper thread, makes it so much easier! x