What do you need to bind books? It's a question I get a lot and today, I'm putting out the answer here and on YouTube.
Bookbinding has come back to life over the last 30-ish years. So many book lovers are drawn to it. The field has grown from a craft into an artform as we continue to explore the boundaries and define the the definition of a book.
Here's a list and on the video, I give explanations and alternatives.
Waxed and Unwaxed Linen for stitching open spine bindings such as coptic or pamphlet stitch. I see a trend to use unwaxed linen and wax it yourself. You can use either Beeswax or a candle will do. The reason for the trend is to be able to control the amount of wax on the thread. I don't think it much matters but you can try it either way.
No 18-22 Tapestry Needles readily available in craft and stitch stores or Binder's Needles. These needles have blunt tips so won't pierce the paper when you are stitching.
Try embroidery floss for small books. Dental floss is not an appropriate thread! C'mon people! It's adds nothing for visual interest and is too stretchy.
A binder's awl is used to pierce the sewing holes in the spine of each "bundle" (or folio) of folded papers. You can use a book cradle to place your signatures in and pierce. I did have a DIY cradle when I was creating dozens of books. Now I use a thick catalog open to the center. If you intend on make a LOT of books, a cradle is a good investment.
If you've used a No. 11 craft knife your whole life, it's now a No. 1 craft knife. The blades are No. 11Z. The Z stands for Zirconium and they should last longer. I haven't tried them yet.
Cutter Bee or Fiskars Titanium Micro Tip scissors are my favorite for their very sharp points. Snipping thread is no problem. You could use your X-Acto and cutting mat for this job.
You'll need a metal ruler and cutting mat for your X-Acto. I use a Pro Ruler and just got Tim Holtz ruler. I love it! It's clear has a centering edge and a metal measuring edge to cut along has a metal edge. Dick Blick has another similar product (linked). An inexpensive plastic T-Square is super helpful. Don't use it for cutting.
For small and casual bindings, I use an UHU glue stick. If you work it up on your paper (see video), it's an excellent ph safe adhesive. I've been testing out the Scotch brand and that seems pretty good too. I say UHU because I've had luck with it. I buy them in bulk for my classes even the kid classes because they don't dry up. Big thumbs up.
PVA (polyvinyl acetate) is a strong white glue with a short dry time. For larger and more formal binding projects I use this glue mixed in with Methyl Cellulose. MC is a weak wet glue that has a long open (or dry) time. Mixing the two gives you a strong adhesive with wiggle room.
insert cover board photo
There are so many choices in creating a cover for your book. You can use the traditional binding board, cardboard, cardstock, posterboard. Anything! You'll need a traditional guillotine cutter for binding board or an X-Acto. metal ruler and patience. It is one of my favorite choices though because it's sturdy, thick and you can cover it so easily. Canvas board works great too and is available in many sizes.
Christine Cox of Volcano Arts has a wonderful shop. She's offered us a 15% discount through the end of the year, use code DIANA to get it. Thanks Christine. Some of her products that I recommend.
Kits: These a beautiful and a great way to learn a new stitch or get started.
Browse her site for loads of information. John Neal has a load of info as well.
See also: My 3 Favorite Bookbinding Books Post & Video.
I'll be back next week with a video on my favorite books on binding. Spoiler alert: They are in the links below.
The following are affiliate links. I get a commission on sales with no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Diana,
You have so much knowledge about so many things.........you truly amaze me! Hope you are feeling better.
Posted by: Sharon Fiield | 12/15/2017 at 01:17 AM
Thanks Sharon. LOL: My dad was the same way : Jack of all trades, as we called him.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 12/15/2017 at 09:13 AM
Great video ~ lots of good information. Love those minis!!
Posted by: Vicki Cook | 01/01/2018 at 09:12 PM