How to Make a Book

NOTE: For ease in following the steps of bookmaking, this blog's posts read from the 1st step to the last one as you scroll down (unlik...

I handwrote the steps of binding a book, in keeping with the "at the kitchen table" feel of the project, but I will also type out ...

II. Cut the paper down to size; pile into batches called signatures. Due to the laws of physics, if you fold all a pile of all your sheets o...

III. Measure and cut two pieces of board to cover your book. I'm using an old cardboard box to make my book's covers. You can use an...

IV. Now we cut fabric strips, called tapes (traditionally made of linen, but here of denim from old blue jeans). The tapes will function to ...

1. Turn the paper with the pencil guide marks inside out. 2. Insert marked paper in the center of each signature , to use as a hole-punching...

1.We've already taped the fabric strips to the table edge, but it also helps to tape them to the top of the paper signature too, to hold...

Now we're going to glue the paper guts of the book to the outside covers. 1. Position the cover boards on either side of the book block....

Here's an easy step. Why did I make it its own post? Well, anyway, here's what you do: 1. Take the clips off. 2. Wrap your book loo...

That's a banana-flavored popsicle (top right), I want you to know, not lemon. Not only did Mad Max not have computers (he was pre-comput...

1. Cut out a piece of fabric that will serve to cover the spine and attach it to the book covers. I only want the fabric to cover part of t...

We're almost to the end. These look like futzy steps, but they make sense as you go along. 1. Cut your fabric on each end of the spine, ...

I decided to cover my book only with stuff I could find in the alley. [More about that in final post, below.] I liked the arrows on the cove...