We craft the book, You create the story...
Many people incorrectly believe they need a large array of specialised tools to get started in bookbinding. In this post, we look at the main tools you need plus some simple bookbinding tool substitutes.
Read MoreBookbinding is an ancient skill that transforms loose pages into a cohesive book, merging artistry with practicality. Whether viewed as an art form or a technical skill, the process of bookbinding involves just a few fundamental steps that guide you from inception to completion. By mastering these five essential steps, you can create not only beautiful books but also functional ones that serve a purpose.
During the Industrial Revolution, the book-making process became industrialized, leading to a proliferation of quickly produced, glued bindings and paperback covers. While these affordable editions are widely accessible, they often lack the craftsmanship that delights bibliophiles. In contrast, many individuals are now shifting their focus from rapid mass production to a more mindful approach, embracing the slower, intentional process of creating lasting treasures that are valued for both their functionality and artistry.
Collect your materials and equipment.
Gather paper for the pages; each page should be double the size of the book.
Obtain two pieces of heavy board for the covers and lighter board for the spine.
Get reinforcing materials such as bookbinding calico or mull, and glue (EVA or PVA).
Choose the material for your book cover (bookcloth, leather, decorative paper, or a combination).
Acquire a large bookbinding needle and thread.
Fold the pages and group them into equal sections (e.g., groups of 4 folded pages), known as 'signatures.'
Sew one section of pages to another to form a book block.
Add strength to the book block by incorporating kraft paper or bookbinding calico/mull to the spine.
Cut the reinforcing material to size and glue it carefully along the spine.
Use the heavy cover boards and lighter spine piece, measuring to fit the size and depth of your book block.
Attach the boards and spine piece to your chosen cover material (leather or bookcloth).
The last step is to join the two parts you created. This is called ‘casing-in’.
Attach the cover to your book block using a folded piece of paper called an end sheet. One side of this sheet connects to the book block, and the other side connects to the inside of the cover.
We run ‘in-bindery’ full day workshops, plus an online option with lifetime access. Click here for more workshop information.
Beginner’s Bookbinding Blueprint
Our online course runs a couple of times per year, The course includes lifetime access with additional live Q & A’s plus our bookbinding community. Join the waitlist (There’s an Earlybird discount for people on the waitlist!)
This is a question we hear a lot in our cozy little store right in the heart of Bendigo’s Art Precinct. Our shop is packed with all sorts of cool stationery, like fancy fountain pens, colorful inks, and gorgeous Italian paper and envelopes.
One of the highlights is our special section on the mahogany shelves, where you’ll find a bunch of amazing journals, albums, guest books, sketchbooks, and stunning handcrafted books. Even though our sign says “BOOKBINDER & STATIONER,” some folks don’t realize that every single book on those shelves is made by hand right here in our shop!
A collection of ‘Deluxe Bindings”. These are classics rebound in fines leather with hand marbled endpapers and decorative gold tooling.
Creating each book takes a lot of time—sometimes just a few hours, but if you count the drying time, it can take days! We carefully sew each book together, mold the leather covers, and add cool details like decorative paper sides or fancy end sheets. Every book is one-of-a-kind, which is pretty special in a world where everything is mass-produced and made super fast.
People are often surprised and really happy to learn that someone is crafting these everyday objects by hand. While you might not see our bindery right away (it’s tucked away in the upstairs rooms), we still have some original antique tools displayed in the shop that have been used for almost 20 years. It’s a little peek into the magic behind our books!
Check out some of our creations by following the link below:
Introduction to Bookbinding: The Manual is my step by step guide for crafting a section sewn, hard-covered book from start to finish.
Do any of these sound like you?
A passionate bibliophile eager to create timeless books with sewn pages, using the age-old techniques of traditional bookbinding
A curious DIY enthusiast with a passion for learning new creative skills, regardless of previous bookbinding experience.
Dreaming about creating unique and personalised books that capture life's moments, perfect for keepsakes, gifts, or binding your families story.
A creative spirit with leisure time, seeking a fulfilling hobby that combines artistry with craftmanship
If any of these sound like you, then this is the manual you need. This is the same manual I give to my bookbinding participants and those who are in my online bookbinding course -’ The Beginner’s Bookbinding Blueprint’. It will teach you everything you need to know to create your own, beautiful books by hand.
In addition to the 50 page step by step manual, you will also get templates, material and tool checklists, my video guide to setting up your workspace plus a PDF cover materials guide. I am only making this available for the remainder of 2024 as all my in bindery and online courses are finished for this year.
