| Simple Bookbinding |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-101 |
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Crafter Rejeania Snider explains two easy methods of bookbinding. The first uses an accordion-style binding; the second, a stitched binding. Most supplies are available in art-supply stores and craft stores. For the outside covers, choose wrapping paper, marbleized paper or handmade paper. With these simple techniques you can make a book for someone special. Materials:
Paper for inside pages (large enough for the number of pages you want and of a weight that can be folded)
Paper for the outside cover (decorative, handmade or wrapping paper)
Paper to be used inside the covers (should complement your color scheme)
Lightweight card stock to support the book's binding and spine
A bookbinder's bone knife, a butter knife or an icing spreader with no sharp edges
Ribbon
White glue (optional)
Cardboard backing from old notebooks
Scissors
Heavy needle
Heavy thread
Small hole punch
- Decide on the height and width of the book. Determine how many pages you want in the final book (be sure to use a multiple of two), then add two additional pages to the count. The two outer pages will be used to secure the inside pages to the covers.
Note: - For this project the artist chose eight pages. The figures used in these directions will create a book with six inner pages and two to secure the front and back covers.
- Cut a strip from the paper chosen for your inside pages. The strip should be as tall as a finished page and as wide as a finished page's width times the number of pages. Example: If your book will have eight pages that are 4" tall and 3" wide, cut the sheet of paper 4" by 24" (3" width times eight pages = 24").
- Fold the strip of paper in half widthwise, matching the two shorter edges so that the paper now measures 4" by 12". Use a knife to make a clean crease or fold. You now have two pages (figure A).
- Open the paper up and lay it crease side down. Take each outer edge and fold into the center fold. Crease the new folds. You now have four pages (figure B).
- With the outer edges still turned in toward the center, turn the whole piece over. Fold one outer edge toward the center. Crease it down. Fold the remaining flap in to the center. Repeat on the other side, and you'll have an eight-page accordion with equal folds. These will be the center pages of the book (figure C).
- To make the covers, cut two pieces from the cardboard backing the size of the pages. These will provide support for the covers.
- Cut two pieces from the outside decorative paper, the same height and 2" wider than the cardboard. Lay the paper face down, and position the cardboard on the paper so there is a 1" overhang on the two sides. Fold the excess in, over the cardboard and toward the center (figure D).
- Cut two pieces from the inside-cover paper the same width as the cardboard and 2" taller. Place the paper face down, and place the cover with the decorative paper on top in the center. Fold over the extra inch top and bottom to make a crease. Tuck down the flap between the cardboard and the decorative front paper. For ease of tucking, you may need to taper the edges of the paper before inserting them. Repeat with the other pieces to make the front and back covers (figure E).
- Trim the two outer pages, front and back, about halfway. For additional ease, trim the edges so they taper. This will allow you to slide the two outer pages between the cardboard (in the cover) and the inside-cover paper. These form the book's two covers (figure F).
- To finish this project, you can glue the cover to secure it, add ribbons to tie it shut, or add a binder piece. If you choose to add a binder, before you glue the cover, cut a piece of paper or card stock as long as the book and as wide as you want the book to open plus 2" (allows for 1" each side). Glue the excess width of the paper between the cardboard of the cover and the inner paper. Continue to glue down the rest of the cover pieces (figure G).
Stitched Binding - Fold a piece of paper in half widthwise, placing the two shorter ends together. Open it up again, and fold the two shorter edges toward the center fold.
- Open the paper up, and fold it in half lengthwise (figure H).
- Open the paper again, and fold it in half as you did originally. Using scissors, cut from the center fold along the crease to the next fold (figure I).
- Open the paper. There should be a cut cross in the center (figure J).
- Fold the paper in half, holding it by two edges, and turn it inside out, with the cut face side up. This will create an eight-page center (figure K).
- Cut a piece of poster board the size of one of the pages. F
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