Note: This is a project for one of my classes - I was going to make a video, but my program crashed, so I’m making a blog post instead!
There are so many bookbinding methods and tutorials online, whether you’re looking for an adhesive binding, stitch binding, or a cross-structure binding. I’ll be showing you in this tutorial how to make the most simple binding of them all - the saddle stitch binding.
Materials.
For this project, you’ll need:
A standard ruler.
Scissors.
An awl (a bookbinding tool used to poke holes in paper for sewing).
A pen or pencil.
A sewing needle.
Thread.
A bone folder (a tool used to fold paper easier, though you can use your hands if you don’t have one).
You’ll also need paper for the inside pages and cover.
You can just use regular printer paper for the inside and card stock for the outside. Make sure that they’re the same size.
You can multiply the sheets of paper used for the inside by 4 to get the number of pages you’ll have in your finished book. For example, I’m using 6 sheets, resulting in 24 pages.
Now, let’s get on to the steps!
Step 1.
Carefully fold each sheet in half, making sure to keep everything straight and even. Once you’ve folded all the pages, do the same for the cover, before putting everything together.
Step 2.
Keeping the papers together, unfold them and lay them flat with the cover on top.
Measure along the fold with your ruler...
...and divide the length of the fold by 5. This will be the space between each hole. For example, my folded edge was 8.5 inches long, so 8.5 inches divided by 5 is 1.7 inches.
Step 3.
Let’s mark the spots where you’ll be making holes for your stitches.
Keep the ruler in place. After finding the spacing, take your pen/pencil, starting from zero before adding that number. You should end up with 4 evenly-spaced marks.
Step 4.
Now, we’ll use the awl to make the holes.
Keeping the papers flat in one hand, take your awl in the other and carefully push the sharp end against each mark until it pokes through the other side.
Be careful so you don’t prick your fingers! When you’re done, you should have 4 holes to sew through.
Step 5.
Cut about 2 feet of thread - it should be more than enough for what you’ll need.
Take the needle and thread it by taking the end of the thread in hand to get it in the hole (this may take a few tries).
Double-knot the thread around the needle.
Step 6.
Let’s finally get to the best part - sewing the saddle stitch!
Take your needle. Starting from the outside, pull it in through the top hole, leaving a few inches of thread on the outside.
Step 7.
Push your needle through the second hole, going from the inside to the outside. Make sure the tail of your thread isn’t pulled with it!
Step 8.
Go back inside through the outside of the third hole.
Step 9.
Finally, go back outside through the inside of the fourth and final hole.
Step 10.
Both ends of your string should be on the outside of your notebook, on the same side as the cover. Cut the needle off so that you can take both ends of the string and tie a double-knot like you would a shoelace.
You’re done!
Now go and enjoy your brand new, handmade notebook!
[10.4.18] ➡️ doing some reading on judicial torture vs. ordeal in medieval europe. the public library is my new favorite study space tbh, it’s better than anywhere on campus.
[10.08.18] ➡️ i really need to stop doing homework assignments right before they’re due - i just wrote a 6 page paper in one day and turned it in 10 minutes before the deadline. on the plus side, my desk is very nice to work at.
[9.26.18] ➡️ me, doing the homework i’ve had a week and a half to do literally three hours before i have to turn it in? it’s more likely than you think
