Bookbinding

This is my blog for how to handmake books. I am a minor and a "boy" scout, & this is for Communications merit badge requirement 7b.

[bookbindin7b]

Bookbinding Blog

Hi! This is the first reference blog I've made. I am not new to tumblr, just new to this account. I am a minor and a boy scout, and this was made to complete the Communications merit badge, requirement 7b.

I will be posting

tips and tricks

how to begin

lists of materials needed

programs to use

and more!

[bookbindin7b]

Programs and Software!

Alright, so personally I use the free version of anything I find. I know there are more and probably better programs out there.

I use three programs. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Adobe Reader (free version). All of them have worked well enough, or to a level that I am satisfied and comfortable with.

The process I have is copy -> paste to word (to keep text styles and such) -> paste back to google docs -> do any formatting I need to on there -> file as pdf and open in adobe reader (free version) -> do book layout formatting there -> print.

This is very simplified and doesn't include editing and settings I use.

[bookbindin7b]

Materials and Tools!

These are the materials and needed to create your own books, or just the ones I use. I will include alternatives that have worked for me as well.

Paper. This one is self-explanatory because you need paper to make a book. However, if you are not printing your own books, you could use other materials for an artsy touch. Generally, I use regular 11" x 8.25" copier paper because I simply got used to it.

A ruler. Crucial to measure and mark out places to make holes, and really, you need one for most things bookbinding.

Pencils. You absolutely need pencils. Marking out places to make holes and generally, you should just have a pencil on you.

A bone folder. These are just tools that provide a clean folded edge. Now, it does not necessarily have to be a bone folder. Truthfully, I have used the edge of a die, a butterknife, or just my fingernails before I got my own, and they worked as well as I needed them to. If you are making a book with signatures (a section of paper folded to make a unit), something to fold paper crisply is extremely useful.

A printer or access to a printer. Not really a material, but worth mentioning. This only applies if you are making a book with printed words or images in it.

Glue. PVA glue is what some bookbinders use, but Elmer's school glue works perfectly fine.

A large metal needle. This is for sewing the signatures together. I use a regular sewing needle that I bent so it is easier to maneuver, but preferably you should use one with a larger eye and a stronger build. Sewing needles can prove to be too flimsy and annoying.

Waxed thread. I use a roll of Japanese waxed thread that I happen to have in my home. However, a thick sewing thread or any strong enough thread can work. You can buy it pre-waxed, or wax it yourself, but I prefer the former.

An awl. Or, something similar to poke holes through 12-24 sheets of paper. For a while, I used a thumbtack and I found it worked really well.

A corkboard. Not strictly necessary, but especially useful as a surface to poke holes through paper into without damaging what is underneath.

Scissors. You have to cut a lot of string and occasionally paper throughout this ordeal.

A boxcutter. Not necessary, but helpful if you need to straighten out paper edges.

A paper trimmer, or access to one. I know my school has one and I used it often to trim some of the edges of my paper. It works more efficiently than a boxcutter for this matter, but having perfectly aligned edges of pages is difficult and often unnecessary, to be perfectly frank.

Cutting mat. A need especially if you're using the boxcutter as a tool.

Paintbrushes. I like having them in multiple sizes for convenience. They are mainly used for brushing glue onto the spine of your freshly made textblock, or used as intended to paint handmade hardcovers. (I used my finger to apply glue on the spine actually. A lot. It does work if you need it to.)

Fabric. You can use this to cover your book's cover. You might want to use a different texture, style, or color for the spine of the book.

Chipboard. I use this to make the two covers of the book, and also the spine. Basically, it's sturdy, compressed wood pulp. I use a 2mm or 80pt thickness.

Cardstock or construction paper. This is used for the inner part of the cover, covering the edges of the outside fabric. Can also be used as the backing material for the spine.

A bookpress. Again, not strictly a "material" but a tool. A real bookpress is two strong pieces of wood, connected on four corners by screws that you turn down to press the texblock of a book to lay flatter. Honestly, I do not have one of these. There are multiple tutorials on how to make them (Here and Here), but I use a bunch of very heavy books to lay flat on top of my pages.

If you have any other suggestions or recommendations, feel free to share in the comments or reblogs!