What we did in the class:
Covers
We started by making hard covers with good quality, fairly thick paper (140-180gsm) and bookboard. I get my bookboard here but you can also use the board that comes at the back of a pad of paper. I had precut the book board to A5 (21cm x 14.8cm) adding 3-4 MM in width so you get a nice overhang around the 3 opening sides of your book, containing the paper inside. We used this glue in class, which gives you a little time to re-position before it dries but you can also use PVA glue or a Pritt stick. If you can leave a little time between making your boards and putting in your holes for stitching, that would be optimal. Stacking them (with scrap paper in between) under some heavy books and leaving them overnight will give you a lovely finish.
Paper
We used 140gsm cartridge paper in our books. This is my favourite paper to draw on, it has a nice tooth for pencil sketching but is also substantial enough to collage on and is a good paper if you enjoy linocut printing. You can use any paper for these books though. The main consideration is how you are going to make your stitch holes. We used awls in the class and I have used the Nonaka Japanese Screw Punch before to make the holes. The hole making is probably the hardest part of making these books and the thinner the paper the easier the task. I have seen people online using drills for this step and if you did this you could use whatever paper you like!
Stitching
We covered two variations of Japanese four hole binding, hemp leaf and noble binding.
I have grand plans to create videos to share with you on how to make these books from start to finish but that’s going to take a bit of time. In the meantime, I like this YouTube video, which has 5 different stitch patterns based off the four-hole binding, including the two we did in class.
Thread
My favourite thread to make books with is waxed linen. We used Crawford’s four ply waxed linen in class but three ply also works nicely for this books:
- Full reel of Crawford’s waxed linen four ply
- Small cards with 5 metres of waxed linen in all different colours
- Don’t forget you can wax your own embroidery thread – I get my beeswax from someone local to me – Bountiful Bees
- Another lovely Etsy shop for thread and supplies is Stuff for Making Books
Useful links and other resources:
- If you liked the sound of making your own hardbacked book or buying a beautiful handmade one, check out Ursula’s instagram and site. (Ursula used to do workshops and I think still does them occasionally.)
- The beautiful book by Rachel Hazell with 15 different techniques
- The art of the fold by Heidi Kyle and Ulla Warchol
- Non-adhesive binding (volume 1) Keith A Smith
- SHEPHERD’S Bookbinding supplies at this site. There are instructional videos on their site for free.
- For making photograph books, this YT video looks useful
Templates and written instructions
- Noble Binding template for hole making and stitching
- Noble Binding instructions
- Hemp Leaf Binding template for hole making and stitching
- Hemp Leaf Binding instruction
Tools
- Self-healing mat
- Metal ruler with fabric backing to make it non-slip – available at the Range or Hobbycraft.
- Craft knife/scalpel – I really like the Swann Morton Handle no.3 with a 10A blade but you can get cheaper ones from The Range or Hobbycraft.
- Bone folder/paper folder or creaser
- Size 15/18 bookbinding needle
- Fiskars 3-in-1 Corner Squeeze Punch Well Rounded – I could not find the same one as mine available in the UK but this one or this one look like they do the same thing.
- Wooden-handled awls
- Torn-edge ruler
- 45 degree paper trimmer
- Nonaka Japanese Screwpunch