Starch #paste is one of the main types of adhesives used by bookbinders. In this video I'll demonstrate making paste on the stove with a double boiler and a hi tech version made with a Thermomix
An understanding of #paper #grain is essential to successful bookbinding. This video will demonstrate the common ways used to determine the paper grain direction.
The video demonstrates how to bind a single section #pamphlet or book using simple materials and tools.
Part 1 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. The first step in making this book is to fold the sections and punch the holes for sewing.
Part 2 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video will cover sewing the sections, also called gatherings, together to form a text block. To do this kettle stitches and weavers knots will be used. This video covers sewing the sections.
Part 3 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. In this video endpapers will be added to the text block, the spine will be glued, and the text block trimmed.
Part 4 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers rounding the text block, backing and lining the spine.
Part 5 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers making the case; the cover of the book.
Part 6, the final video, in a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book.
Can you trim a text block with just a knife and steel ruler? I thought no, but decided to give it a go and see what I could do.
This video describes how to put an archival cover on a book dust jacket to protect it. I will use Brodart Just-A-Fold III covers.
It's exciting getting a new book. If you're a book lover it might be brand new large hardcover book. Did you know it's really important how you open the book for the first time? This video will demonstrate how to open a new book for the first time which will keep the book in the best shape and the best chance of lasting a long time.
Bookbinders use three basic #knots for most of their work. The square knot joins the first two section together. Of course it has heaps of other uses. The kettle stitch connects all the other sections together after the first two. Finally the weavers knot is used to add thread once you run out.
This video demonstrates the construction and attachment of #made #endpapers. This endpaper design is very useful for use with decorative papers such as hand marbled paper or thin paper. In Arthur Johnson's book they are example number 7. The attachment method is all-along sewing and tipping on.
In this video three different ways of treating the corner turn-ins of cloth bindings are demonstrated. The first method is the standard method used on the majority of books. The second, known as a library or universal corner, is used where durability is required. The third is the tab or tongued corner for covering thick boards such as used in stationary binding.
This is a short video showing how I cleaned and sharpened a small board cutter.
The Queensland Bookbinders' Guild sells a small multi-section square back book kit at events such as the Lost Trades Fair held annually in Toowoomba. This is a video demonstrating the construction of this book to supplement the included instructions.
In this video I look at two cheaper options for backing hammers. The first is a Chinese made French pattern cobblers hammer, while the other is the US made C. S. Osborne No 66 cobblers hammer. I don't think either of them are ready to use as received and I show how I prepare them for use.
In this video I demonstrate unsupported French sewing, also known as link sewing. This sewing style is useful for thin and small books.
In this video I demonstrate using a skein of linen for bookbinding by plaiting it to keep it tidy and cut to a convenient length.
In this video I demonstrate how to make starch paste in a microwave. Starch paste is one of the main adhesives used by bookbinders.
In this video I demonstrate sewing an A4 text block on 4 tapes using a #sewing #frame.
This video demonstrates tipped-on #endpapers. This is the most basic form of endpaper which Arthur Johnson describes as "the cheapest and weakest". However, it is fast and uncomplicated which makes it useful for work where budget is important and for learners just starting out. In Johnson's book it is example number 3.
This video demonstrates sewing a book using two-on and three-on sewing on tapes. Two-on sewing, or the full name most commonly given to it being "two sheets on" sewing, is sewing two sections on at a time. This technique can be used on cords as well as tapes. The early use of this technique was most likely for speeding up sewing. However, for craft binders it is mostly used to reduce the swell in thick books with many sections.
This is an alternative method of doing a half binding cover style. Instead of diagonal corners it uses a fore-edge strip. I think this approach looks less dated and can be used in an overall design which can be modern in style.
This video demonstrates making the case for a full binding. All the other steps are the same as for a case binding and can be followed in my other videos on the subject.
This video demonstrates the construction of #zigzag #endpapers, which were made popular by Douglas Cockerell through his book Bookbinding, and the Care of Books, first published in 1901.
This video demonstrates the construction and attachment of hidden cloth jointed #endpapers. This endpaper design is very useful for robust bindings such as library bindings or any book that will receive a lot of use. In Arthur Johnson's book they are example number 9. The attachment method is all-along sewing and tipping on.
This video demonstrates a square back #Bradel binding based on instructions published by Peter Verheyen. This binding is particularly suited to small books which can't, or difficult, to round and back. It is also one of the easier case binding techniques.
Part 1 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. The first step in making this book is to fold the sections and punch the holes for sewing.
Part 2 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video will cover sewing the sections, also called gatherings, together to form a text block. To do this kettle stitches and weavers knots will be used. This video covers sewing the sections.
Part 3 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. In this video endpapers will be added to the text block, the spine will be glued, and the text block trimmed.
Part 4 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers rounding the text block, backing and lining the spine.
Part 5 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers making the case; the cover of the book.
Part 6, the final video, in a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book.
This video demonstrates the construction of #endpapers for #stationery binding, which in the trade was any book designed to be written in. In particular this design is used for #springback bindings. It is also appropriate for 19th century English library style binding, which are also designed for robustness.
This video demonstrates sewing a text block on recessed cords. This technique is used for hollow-back leather bindings. By recessing the cords into the text block a hollow tube can be adhered to the spine, forming the hollow back. The hallow back binding provides a smoother spine for finishing and the resulting spine does not undergo the same flexing of a tight-back binding. False raised bands are often attached to the spine.
This video shows how to bind a book which can be used as a journal, notebook, or sketchbook using #coptic style binding. The project uses basic tools and materials that can be obtained from an office supply or craft store.
This video demonstrates how to reinforce the #sewing of #springback bindings. Other considerations regarding sewing springback bindings will be discussed.
This is part 1 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered #springback notebook. This video includes fold sheets, punching holes, sewing, making and attaching endpapers and edge sprinkling. The clothing (spine lining) will be done with buckram and the cover will be full bookcloth. No leather skills are required for this project. The second video will pick up at constructing the spring and lever.
This is part 2 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered #springback notebook. This video includes clothing (spine lining) with buckram and construction of the lever and spring. No leather skills are required for this project. The third video will cover completion of the lever, attaching the spring, and covering and pasting down.
This is part 3 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered springback notebook. This video includes attaching the spring and split-boards, covering, forming the headcaps and pasting down the endpapers. No leather skills are required for this project.
This is part 1 or 2 on making a cloth covered #slipcase. It is based on a technique I was taught by June McNicol, and June based it primarily on the instructions by Arthur Johnson in the Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding.
This is part 2 or 2 on making a cloth covered #slipcase. It is based on a technique I was taught by June McNicol, and June based it primarily on the instructions by Arthur Johnson in the Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding.
In this video I demonstrate two different models of book ploughs in a fairly standard manner. Ploughs are used to used to trim the edges of books. In England they were used from the very late 15th century, and are still used in specialty binding today. However, the guillotine was introduced about 1840 and has replaced the plough in trade binding.
This video demonstrates sharpening 2 different book plough blades. Book ploughs are used to trim the edges of book.
This video will demonstrate how to tune a new English style paring knife, used for edge paring leather for bookbinding.
In this video I will modify a Stanley 151 #spokeshave to pare leather for bookbinding. I will start with a neglected spokeshave which is probably about 30 years old (I would recommend not using tools pre WW2 as these quality tools should remain in original state) and lower the blade bed angle, the bevel angle on the blade, and clean, polish and paint the spokeshave.
This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This first video will cover preparing the text block, making and attaching endpapers, and cutting and sprinkling the edges.
This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This second video will cover backing, lining the spine, and attaching the split boards.
This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This third video will cover cutting the leather pieces, paring the edges and attaching the corners.
This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This fourth video will cover covering the spine, covering the boards with cloth, and pasting down the endpapers.
In this video I'll demonstrate lining cover boards with thin strong paper to counter the pull of a full leather binding. I'll go on a bit of a detour and experiment with materials and adhesives.
In this video I'll demonstrate how to put solid #coloured edges on a book. I will do a basic #edge preparation with a final brush burnishing and a more thorough edge preparation with final burnishing with an agate burnisher.
In this video I demonstrate how to put a burr on the edge of a card or cabinet scraper so it can be used to smooth the edges of books in preparation for edge decoration.
The video demonstrates #sprinkling #gold leaf onto the prepared #edge of a book. It is based on a method documented by Peter Geraty.
This video demonstrates a #Double-Fan or #Lumbeck binding with a #Bradel case.
In this video I explore reinforced #springback kettle stitches further.
This is a 3 part tutorial on binding a #springback visitors book. The book will be bound in half leather (natural sheep) and Arbelave bookcloth. The paper is 110gsm cartridge paper.
This is a 3 part tutorial on binding a springback visitors book. The book will be bound in half leather (natural sheep) and Arbelave bookcloth. The paper is 110gsm cartridge paper.
This is 3 part tutorial on binding a springback visitors book. The book will be bound in half leather (natural sheep) and Arbelave bookcloth. The paper is 110gsm cartridge paper.
In this video I demonstrate how to transfer a marbled pattern from hand marbled paper using muriatic acid (HCl). This is an old technique described in The Art of Bookbinding by Joseph Zaehnsdorf. This is not a practical method of #edge #decoration and has been done out of curiosity.
This video will cover basic paste papers. I'll do some pulled papers, basic combs, and draw some patterns with fingers vaguely in the Herrnhut style.
Making boxes and enclosures can be a significant part of bookbinding. The #portfolio enclosure is a solid way of protecting a book, documents or prints.
Thanks to Joel Freehling for bringing to my attention a variation on transferring a marbled edge to a book, according to the historical literature. From The Bookbinder (1891) and International Bookbinder (1924) a potentially better method - or is it? Only one way to find out.
In this video I'll demonstrate a case variation of the book described by Peter Verheyen in "Der Gebrochene Rücken: A variation of the German case binding" (2009). So it's a variation of a variation.
This project is a sketchbook where the front cover folds around and lays flat at the back of the book. It is based on a design by Maureen Duke. I do not have the full details of how Maureen made this book, and I have made some modifications to what I do know about her design.
This project is a sketchbook where the front cover folds around and lays flat at the back of the book. It is based on a design by Maureen Duke. I do not have the full details of how Maureen made this book, and I have made some modifications to what I do know about her design.
There are many types of #headbands. Today most head bands are made off the book and glued to the head and spine and are purely decorative. For fancier bindings you can sew a headband on the book, and this video is an example of this. The two colour bead on the edge (front) headband is the most common sewn headband being used presently (according to The Book).
This video demonstrates how to print sections or signatures from a PDF file for bookbinding.
In this video I will bind 6 books with different combinations of sewing methods and endpapers, but all covered in the overall binding style known as stiffened paper binding or Steifbroschuren. This video has been guided by Peter Verheyen's article "German Stiffened Paper Bindings". This binding structure is not confined to the German tradition, but Peter's article is great resource for understanding it.
This video is an introduction to the cased book, aka the case binding. It provides background before watching the 6 part series on making a rounded and backed cased book in cloth with half cover. These videos were some of the earliest I did and the background music is too loud for some people. So I have a no music version too. If you don't like the music, look for the playlist for the "no music" versions.
This video demonstrates how I make #methyl #cellulose #adhesive for bookbinding. I compare using hot and cold water to mix the adhesive and I look at the strength of the adhesive in use.
This is part 1 of a 3 part series binding a little #springback pocket notebook. It can easily be modified to be smaller than 3 inches tall and qualify as a miniature book.
This is part 2 of a 3 part series binding a little #springback pocket notebook. It can easily be modified to be smaller than 3 inches tall and qualify as a miniature book.
This is part 3 of a 3 part series binding a little springback pocket notebook. It can easily be modified to be smaller than 3 inches tall and qualify as a miniature book.
This video is a basic introduction to #endpapers, looking at both the technical construction methods and aesthetic considerations.
The #clamshell (aka drop-spine or Solander) #box is used to protect rare, valuable or fragile books. There are many designs for this type of box, and many construction methods for the different designs. I like this design because it is simple but very effective. It is not based on a single persons design, but I was originally taught how to make a Solander box by John Tonkin in Canberra, and in preparation for making this video I reviewed Sage Reynolds videos on this subject, and I adopted at least one of his practices. Part 1 is making the trays or boxes and covering the walls. In part 2 we'll finish lining the boxes and make the case and put it all together.
The #clamshell (aka drop-spine or Solander) #box is used to protect rare, valuable or fragile books. There are many designs for this type of box, and many construction methods for the different designs. I like this design because it is simple but very effective. It is not based on a single persons design, but I was originally taught how to make a clamshell box by John Tonkin in Canberra, and in preparation for making this video I reviewed Sage Reynolds videos on this subject, and I adopted at least one of his practices. Part 2 will finish the trays or boxes, make the case and put the project together.
When you are starting out in bookbinding, and have limited equipment, how do you get by. How do you back a book. I show that it is possible to put shoulders on a book with an ordinary hammer, some straight sided boards, covered bricks and wood clamps. As I say in the video, I do not recommend this as the way to back your first book. Do a course and use the real equipment first to develop the most basic of muscle memory about the process, then make it hard for yourself.
These 2 videos will cover the #forwarding, up to the point of covering the book, for a leather binding with laced on boards.
These 2 videos will cover the forwarding, up to the point of covering the book, for a leather binding with laced on boards.
This video deals with the covering in full #leather of a text block with laced-on boards and tube spine.
This is a short video on how I make cutting mat bench hooks.
In this video I demonstrate 3 different ways of #sprinkling the #edge of a book.
This project is a variation of the 19th century library binding, covered in full buckram with a hollow spine. The first video covers making the endpapers, sewing the block, trimming and sprinkling the edges and backing.
This project is a variation of the 19th century library binding, covered in full buckram with a hollow spine. The second video covers lining the spine and attaching the boards.
This project is a variation of the 19th century library binding, covered in full buckram with a hollow spine. The third video covers covering the book.
The sewn board binding was developed by Gary Frost in the early 80s. It connects back to the earliest forms of the codex where the boards were attached to the text block at the sewing. This is different to later forms where the sewing encompasses supports, which are then used to attach the boards, and later still, the cased book.
The sewn board binding was developed by Gary Frost in the early 80s. It connects back to the earliest forms of the codex where the boards were attached to the text block at the sewing. This is different to later forms where the sewing encompasses supports, which are then used to attach the boards, and later still, the cased book.
The sewn board binding was developed by Gary Frost in the early 80s. It connects back to the earliest forms of the codex where the boards were attached to the text block at the sewing. This is different to later forms where the sewing encompasses supports, which are then used to attach the boards, and later still, the cased book.
This video demonstrates using a Schärffix for paring leather for bookbinding.
This video demonstrates how to make a basic gold cushion for use in bookbinding for #gold finishing or edge #gilding. I also demonstrate one method of how to get gold leaf from the book and onto the cushion and then the use of paper tips to pick up the gold.
In this video I convert a soft cover book to a hard cover book. The book is in sound condition and the paper is good quality. The idea came from a question about converting a modern reprint of an historical cookbook that was Perfect bound with soft covers to something that would not look out of place in a living museum setting (to the eyes of a none book person anyway). Because the original binding is good condition it is left alone. New boards are attached using the split board method using the original covers as the inserts to the split boards.
In this video I convert a soft cover book to a hard cover book. The book is in sound condition and the paper is good quality. The idea came from a question about converting a modern reprint of an historical cookbook that was Perfect bound with soft covers to something that would not look out of place in a living museum setting (to the eyes of a none book person anyway). Because the original binding is good condition it is left alone. New boards are attached using the split board method using the original covers as the inserts to the split boards.
In this video I'll follow the #edge #gilding technique described by Jen Lindsay in her book "Fine Bookbinding a Technical Guide". The tail and fore-edge will be rough-edge gilded, that is before sewing, while the head will be solid gilded.
This video demonstrates a strong but simple sewing technique for single sections/signatures. It can be used to keep some pages together or to make a simple book with a stiff wrap-around cover.
There are many types of #headbands. Today most headbands (aka endbands) are made off the book and glued to the head and spine and are purely decorative. This video demonstrates how to sew a 3 colour front bead headband.
This video demonstrates one method for decorating the #edge of a book with #graphite.
This video demonstrates how to do a rounded, backed and cased #Bradel binding.
This video demonstrates how to make a rounded, backed and cased #Bradel binding.
This video demonstrates how to make decorative paper and cloth using the #cyanotype technique.
This video demonstrates the popular variation of the #crisscross #binding that has been formerly known as the secret Belgian binding.
This video demonstrates a simple and functional 10-minute slipcase. My advice on how to measure the width of the book is not perfect. For most books with a rounded spine, measure the width from the fore-edge side of the boards to the shoulder of the book, not the outside of the spine. If it is a square-back books it's much the same thing. But for a rounded book if you go to the outside of the spine the slip case will extend past the shoulder and be unsupported by the book and likely to get damaged.
This video demonstrates how to trim the edge of a book using single bevel knives or a wood chisel in standard bookbinding finishing presses.
This video demonstrates how to sew a single colour bead on spine headband. Historically this #headband was often sewn as a primary headband. The modern use of this headband is as a conservation headband or a simple decorative headband.
This video demonstrates the binding of an in-boards version of the three-piece #Bradel binding, or der gebrochene Rücken. In part 1 the text block is sewn and the book rounded and backed.
This video demonstrates the binding of an in-boards version of the three-piece #Bradel binding, or der gebrochene Rücken. In part 2 the spine is lined and the hollow tube attached and covered.
This video demonstrates the binding of an in-boards version of the three-piece #Bradel binding, or der gebrochene Rücken. In part 3 the boards are made, covered, attached and the book completed.
This video demonstrates the Anne Goy variation of the #crisscross #binding that has been formerly known as the secret Belgian binding.
This video demonstrates an Anne Goy variation of the #crisscross #binding that has been formerly known as the secret Belgian binding. This video shows added hooked endpapers and a concertina guard.
This video demonstrates an Anne Goy variation of the #crisscross #binding that has been formerly known as the secret Belgian binding. This video shows a different way to sew the covers together.
This video demonstrates the use of a decorative roll to enhance pulled paste paper. I also demonstrate how I wax the paper with bee's wax and burnish it with an agate burnisher.
This video demonstrates the Japanese art of marbling, #suminagashi.
This video demonstrates a single section #Bradel binding. This binding is excellent for small books that need to open very flat, such as music.
In this video I make a blank book using a kit from #Talas, a supplier and manufacturer of tools and materials to the bookbinding and conservation world.
At 00:45 I should say tablespoon not teaspoon! This video demonstrates making wheat flour #paste as a bookbinding #adhesive. Until recently I used refined starch to make paste for all my bookbinding paste needs. Starch paste is considered the gold standard for paper repair. However, not everyone has easy access to refined starch so I was exploring the use of flour for paste as a way to make bookbinding more accessible. In the process I discovered in the excellent book by Kathy Abbott the advice that flour paste is superior, compared to pure starch paste, for bookbinding due to the greater strength obtained due to the gluten. Pure starch paste remains the recommended paste for paper repair. I have started using wheat flour paste for leather binding.
In this video I'll go through most of the #tools that I believe someone starting out on their #bookbinding journey could use. This list is similar to what is shown in most bookbinding books, except I avoid some of the more bookbinding specific tools. However, it is my list and I'm sure other experienced bookbinders would produce a different list. The main limitation of this list is that it does not contain the tools needed to back a book. I'll cover specific bookbinding tools, such as backing boards, hammer and appropriate press, in another video.
This video demonstrates how to back ordinary fabric with paper so it can be used as a book covering material - #bookcloth. Two methods are demonstrated, the first using heat-set adhesive and the other using wet adhesive.
This video demonstrates how to turn fabric into #bookcloth by filling with various media. Three types of media will be demonstrated, starch paste, methyl cellulose, and a mix of paste and acrylic medium. I forgot to say something about the cloth I was making at the start of the video. This piece of cloth was a cyanotype I made using an x-ray of my hand. It was done on thin white cotton. The cotton is not completely opaque so I wanted a white backing on it. It was also very light so I figured backing it with paper had two benefits. But I also wanted a protective coating on the surface, so I then coated it in a 50/50 mix of paste and acrylic medium.
This video demonstrates one way to convert a paperback novel into a hardcover book using the original covers on the new book. I recommend this is only done to modern machines bound books of no monetary or historical value. The book I use has a fundamentally sound Perfect (heat activated adhesive) binding. I do not muck with this. If you have a book that is falling apart then the book needs to be completely pulled to single sheets, the spine edges cleaned, and the text block rebound using the double-fan (aka Lumbeck) method.
This video demonstrates one way to convert a paperback novel into a hardcover book using the original covers on the new book. I recommend this is only done to modern machines bound books of no monetary or historical value. The book I use has a fundamentally sound Perfect (heat activated adhesive) binding. I do not muck with this. If you have a book that is falling apart then the book needs to be completely pulled to single sheets, the spine edges cleaned, and the text block rebound using the double-fan (aka Lumbeck) method.
This video demonstrates how to cover boards using a technique known as #drumming on that will reduce the chances of boards warping. Drumming on is where the cover material is only adhered at the periphery of the material. In this case for the outside board paper only the turn-in is adhered, while the paste down has a narrow strip of adhesive applied at the inside edges.
In this video I'll follow the #edge #gilding technique described by John Mitchell in his GoBW Standards of Excellence video from 1995. The main points are that he burnishes the edge before apply gold, uses starch size, uses brush/hair tips to handle the gold, and uses both a dog tooth and flat burnisher for final burnish.
In this video I discuss and demonstrate how materials such as paper, card, board, cloth and leather interact with each other when laminated with wet adhesive. Understanding how materials behave is essential to moving from copying what you have been taught to being able to design your own books. This topic is particularly important for obtaining flat stable boards.
This video demonstrates how to repair a modern soft cover binding where the text has fallen out of the cover and the original adhesive was heat activated glue. The book must otherwise be in good condition. This is a simple repair using a clothes iron to provide the heat to reactivate the original adhesive. The main problem is if the cover has a plastic film on the outside, in which case care must be taken to not melt this coating.
Swell is the additional thickness at the spine of a book due to the sewing thread inside the sections. Some books require little or no swell, while some book structures require a specific amount of #swell. This video demonstrates what determines the amount of swell and how to design a book to change the resulting swell.
This video demonstrates three variations of paper covered #pamphlet bindings. Pamphlet binding has been around for hundreds of years. It's a simple and fast way to quickly bind a limited number of sheets in an aesthetically pleasing way. It is also the perfect first project for someone starting bookbinding.
This video demonstrates a paper covered #pamphlet binding with a pocket wrapper. Pamphlet binding has been around for hundreds of years. It's a simple and fast way to quickly bind a limited number of sheets in an aesthetically pleasing way. It is also the perfect first project for someone starting bookbinding.
This video is part 1 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This first video will cover folding the paper, marking up for sewing, punching sewing holes, making made endpapers, and preparing cover boards. The next video will cover sewing on raised cords.
This video is part 2 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This first video will cover flexible sewing also known as sewing on raised cords.
This video is part 3 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This video will cover glueing the spine, rounding and backing, and edge trimming. The next video will cover board preparation prior to attachment.
This video is part 4 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This video will cover preparing the boards prior to attachment. It took up more video time than expected. The next video will cover board attachment and some preparation for covering in leather.
This video is part 5 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This video will cover attaching the boards prior to preparing the leather for covering.
This video is part 6 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. This video will cover dying and paring the leather in preparation for coving the book.
This video is part 7 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this video I will cover the book in full leather.
This video is part 8 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this video I will finish the book by correcting board warping, filling-in between turn-ins and putting down the endpaper (the pastedown). I will give a brief overview of the Cambridge panel style finishing, but will cover this in detail in a stand-alone video.
This video is part 9 in a series demonstrating how to make a flexible binding with a tight-back in full #leather, which was common in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this video I will describe how I did the #Cambridge #panel style cover decoration in sufficient detail for the process to be replicated.
This video is another variation of the paper covered pamphlet. The feature of this one is a turn-in which gives the book a neat finished look. It is based on instructions from Kathy Abbott's book.
In this video I'll demonstrate how I cut board in a way that results in boards the size I intended and that have square corners.
This video gives some historical background to phased conservation and the development of a book wrapper known as a phase box (#phase-box). It then demonstrates one design in common use. There are many designs for phase boxes for different conservation tasks and other construction and usage requirements. The size of the starting piece of card stock is 3xW+2xT-10mm X 3xH+2xT-10mm H Height W Width T Thickness 10mm is about 3/8 inch Because the card stock is thin (about 0.3mm) I don't worry about adjusting the individual side heights of the box. If I was using a thicker materials, especially flutted board, then this would need to be considered.
Another enclosure used by conservators is the book shoe (#book-shoe). This provides some protection to books on display on shelves without hiding the spine. The size of the starting piece of card stock is 2xW + T by H + T H Height W Width T Thickness I'm using 20pt card stock about 0.6mm thick
In this video I'll clean and sharpen the blade on a Junior Plough made by Dryad probably in the 1960s. Along the way I'll talk about the Dryad company and demonstrate the use of this plough.
In this video I show off some marbled paper I bought from Merrindal Marbling by making and covering a tray for protecting gold leaf while it is not in use on a gold cushion.
In the last video I made a shallow cover for protecting gold leaf on a gold cushion. The same design can be used for a lid of a box. In this 2 part series I'll make a box with a lid.
In the last video I made the box for a box with a lid. In this video I'll line the box with felt, make the lid, and attach a base to visually balance the lid.
This is list of 12 books I would recommend for someone starting out in bookbinding. The idea is you could buy one book a month for a year. If you are interested in more modern artist book type structures you might buy The Art of the Fold early, maybe straight after Kathy Abbott's book.
The Drum Leaf binding was developed by Tim Ely. It's an adhesive only structure (no sewing) that opens flat and can either make the spine fold an interesting feature or disappear, depending on what you want to happen. There is no sewing visible. Once the book block is made it is very similar to the sewn board binding and can be covered in many different ways. I'll use the break-away spine method for this video. I've been asked about drumming on the cover and pastedown. In the sewn-board binding Frost drums on materials wherever possible. This has some historical precedent and also produces a softer feeling board to the book. It has some aesthetic appeal. It does have cons. Imagine a heavy use library book made this way. The paper would wear on the edges of the boards and eventually split and the whole cover would peel off. Laminated materials are much stronger and stiffer, and this approach doesn't have that.
In this video I demonstrating how to mix #aniline powdered leather #dye for use, apply it to leather, fix and dress it. As a rough approximation, 1/4 of 60ml of a the dye powder will make 500ml (1 pint) of liquid dye. Once completely dry, an application of Dye-Fix will fasten the dye. Teaspoon 5ml 60/4 = 15ml makes 500ml dye 5ml makes 170ml 1 teaspoon 170ml 1 ¼ teaspoon about 210ml ¼ teaspoon about 40ml
This video described the two bookbinding processes of #rounding and #backing.
This video described an approach to #edge #gilding used by Peter Geraty in his 2004 SoB Standards of Excellence video. As I explain in the video, Peter's methods have evolved since 2004, but this approach still uses techniques that should be tried if you are interested in this subject. It may be that some of them are what works best for you. Features include the use of PVA size, gilders' frames for handling gold, and regular brush burnishing during the edge preparation process.
In this video I'll make a homemade bookbinding nipping press. The earliest reference I have seen for this design is from the cover of a pamphlet called "Bookbinding as a School Subject" by Douglas Cockerell.
In Jen Lindsay’s book Fine Bookbinding she says the following in regard to endbands, “you only need to know how to make one or two for the purposes of fine binding. That which follows may actually be all that you need”. This is how to make the only #endband you might need to learn.
This is a series of videos demonstrating an appropriate method for binding a thesis or dissertation. It is not the same as how a thesis is bound in a commercial bindery, as the equipment used in commercial binderies, even if advertised as "handbound", is seldom found outside one of these binderies and the results are difficult to replicate in a home bindery. The approach used in these videos will also produce a far superior binding than what is produced in a commercial bindery.
In part 2, of a 3 part series, I'll round and back the book and make and attach the boards. This is a series of videos demonstrating an appropriate method for binding a thesis or dissertation. It is not the same as how a thesis is bound in a commercial bindery, as the equipment used in commercial binderies, even if advertised as "handbound", is seldom found outside one of these binderies and the results are difficult to replicate in a home bindery. The approach used in these videos will also produce a far superior binding than what is produced in a commercial bindery. Inner board is 20pt of 0.6mm thick card stock Outer board is 2.4mm generic grey binders’ board
In part 3, of a 3 part series, I'll finish the book by preparing the boards for covering, cover in full buckram and do some other minor jobs such as add a label. This is a series of videos demonstrating an appropriate method for binding a thesis or dissertation. It is not the same as how a thesis is bound in a commercial bindery, as the equipment used in commercial binderies, even if advertised as "handbound", is seldom found outside one of these binderies and the results are difficult to replicate in a home bindery. The approach used in these videos will also produce a far superior binding than what is produced in a commercial bindery.
Introduction to Bookbinding Adhesives
In this video I'll go through a scenario explaining the thought process behind the adhesive choices. The second part of the video will be answering questions from Patreons and comments from the last adhesives video.
Based on the feedback from the bookbinding adhesives overview video, I had to try Elmer's white school glue out and make a more informed recommendation about whether to use it for bookbinding.
In this video I demonstrate the simple technique of padding, which is the making of paper pads by applying adhesive along one edge of a stack of single sheets of paper.
Mary asked “Any more suggestions on determining grain direction on .098 in (2.5mm) Davey board? I’m having an awful time figuring it out.” Mary is right. Sometimes it is difficult to determine board grain direction. Wetting one side of the board and seeing which way the board warps is a very reliable test in this situation. I'll demonstrate this in this short video. At the start I use the bend test to determine the grain direction of full sheets of binders' board.
In this series of videos I will demonstrate making a long and link stitch binding inspired by a 14th century limp vellum binding held at the Bodleian in Oxford. In the first video I will prepare the cover and the sections. The second will show sewing the text. The third and final video will show the weaving on the long stitch sewing and attaching the string for the closure. This is meant to be a modern book inspired by a medieval book. I have used modern materials, tools and techniques. It is not meant to be a model of an historic book.
In this series of videos I will demonstrate making a long and link stitch binding inspired by a 14th century limp vellum binding held at the Bodleian in Oxford. In the first video I will prepare the cover and the sections. The second will show sewing the text. The third and final video will show the weaving on the long stitch sewing and attaching the string for the closure. This is meant to be a modern book inspired by a medieval book. I have used modern materials, tools and techniques. It is not meant to be a model of an historic book.
In this series of videos I will demonstrate making a long and link stitch binding inspired by a 14th century limp vellum binding held at the Bodleian in Oxford. In the first video I will prepare the cover and the sections. The second will show sewing the text. The third and final video will show the wrapping on the long stitch sewing and attaching the string for the closure. This is meant to be a modern book inspired by a medieval book. I have used modern materials, tools and techniques. It is not meant to be a model of an historic book.
In this series of videos I will be making a records book from the late #medieval and early modern periods. These books were used by merchants and officials to keep accounts, inventories, minutes and general business records. In this video I demonstrate an 8-pointed star lacing pattern which was used to attach the turn-ins to the inside of the cover and as a decorative element. This pattern seems to be primarily associated with books of Spanish origin.
In this video I'll demonstrate a modern take on the two-needle #Ethiopian style binding. In the video I mention that you can't make holes in the edge of soft grey binders board. If you have access to Davey board or another higher quality millboard, then it is possible to make holes in the board edge and do the more traditional board attachment (see the diagram from Szirmai in the video), which I think is a better board attachment method.
This is part one of four on making a rounded and backed cased book. In a cased book the cover and bookblock are made separately and brought together in an operation called casing-in. In this video I will sew the bookblock.
This is part two of four on making a rounded and backed cased book. In a cased book the cover and bookblock are made separately and brought together in an operation called casing-in. In this video I will add the endpapers, glue the spine, trim the edges, round and back, add headbands, and finally line the spine.
This is part three of five on making a rounded and backed cased book. In a cased book the cover and bookblock are made separately and brought together in an operation called casing-in. In this video I will determine the size of the pieces that make the case and cut them out. The video was getting too long to put the case together, and thus there will be a part 3B, or is that part 4?
This is part four of five on making a rounded and backed cased book. In a cased book the cover and bookblock are made separately and brought together in an operation called casing-in. In this video I will completing the construction of the case.
This is part five and last in the series on making a rounded and backed cased book. In a cased book the cover and bookblock are made separately and brought together in an op
In this video I'll demonstrate how to remove staples from pamphlets carefully, so as to not damage the paper. Because staples are often rusty I will discuss why rust stains are very problematic and difficult to remediate.
Bind23 is the latest Australasian bookbinding conference being held in Brisbane in July.
This is the first in what I hope will be an ongoing series where I answer questions from Patreons and from the comments on YouTube. The Bind23 conference activities got in the way of finishing the rounded and backed cased book this week. The final video in this series will be out either next week, or the week after. I may have to take a week off for the conference.
This video demonstrates lacing on overbands of a Spanish style model of a medieval stationery binding. These books were used for writing in, such as record keeping and accounting. The bands are the wide strips of leather that wrap around the spine of the book. This protects and reinforces the spine of the book. While the bands were usually attached with adhesive, because of the heavy use these books got, the lacing ensured the bands stayed in place. The lacing was parchment, leather or alum tawed skin. While the banding and lacing had a function, it was obviously done to be decorative.
In this video I apply modern corner protectors to a book.
This is the second in the ongoing series where I answer questions from Patreons and from the comments on YouTube.
The label binding was invented by Carmencho Arregui as a low intervention binding for books that had lost their original binding. I think it has an application in binding pamphlets, periodicals and other series in a way that has minimal impact on the original material.
In this video I will take 10 minutes to explain why any quality thin cotton or linen is an acceptable substitute for scrim/mull/crash/super or other fancy lining and guarding fabrics like Fray not and aero linen and aero cotton. Starching the substitute material will make it easier to handle.
The standard cased book has tipped on folio endpapers. A great upgrade is to use sewn-on endpapers, and this video demonstrates a modern take on the common made endpaper; the flexible made endpaper.
In this video I demonstrate a binding structure proposed by Randy Silverman in 1987 as a conservation binding specification. Silverman defines a pamphlet as a booklet of up to 3 sections. I propose this structure is also ideal for binding new material.
In this video I demonstrate the 2 and 3 section version of a binding structure proposed by Randy Silverman in 1987 as a conservation binding specification. Silverman defines a pamphlet as a booklet of up to 3 sections. I propose this structure is also ideal for binding new material.
In this video I will look at using paper labels on books.
Library Corners are anther way of doing bookbinding corners with bookcloth. The cloth used in the video is Arbelave bookcloth, 2.4mm generic acid free grey binders' board and the adhesive is Evasol EVA in the demo.
In this video I demonstrate how you could make your own paperback book using basic tools you probably have at home. Sorry this video is late. I got caught up trying to do fancy graphics in the editing. As you can see, I failed.
Yes, I know, some of these aren't budget but they would make nice gifts.
In November 2022 book conservator, knife-maker, and bookbinding historian Jeff Peachey did a virtual presentation with The American Bookbinders Museum on hand paring of vegetable tanned leather. In the presentation he discusses and demonstrates in detail the techniques and thought processes that paring leather for bookbinding involves. In a collaboration between Jeff, The American Bookbinders Museum, and Darryn & Carrie of DAS Bookbinding, the recording of this event has been edited to provide a concise overview of the subject described as “one of the most admired skills in bookbinding” (Arthur W. Johnson). During the presentation Jeff demonstrates a bookbinders’ party trick of seeing how many continuous edges of a rectangular piece of leather he could pare continuously. While this is not a normal way of edge paring leather, it does demonstrate embodiment in tool use. Jeff has written a fascinating article on this subject titled On Tool Embodiment.
Find out what I think of magnetic corner clamps from iBookbinding.
The three main ways I know to make trays. I'll demonstrate covering them in the next video.
Once you've made a tray it needs to be covered. I use two methods in covering trays. I demonstrate the first in this video, which is a tray that needs a solid top. For instance, a lid of a box. The second method is when the lid does not need to be solid. It might be the trays of a clamshell enclosure, where the trays are attached to a case. To cover in this case, the walls can be covered by a piece of material that wraps around the tray. I will demonstrate this in the next video. I'll also make a short video on how to line the inside of the top of a tray.
In this video I'll demonstrate covering the outside of a tray by wrapping around the walls.
In this video I'll demonstrate making the box for a slipcase. In the next video I'll show how to cover it.
In this video I'll demonstrate covering the slipcase in full cloth.
In this series of two videos I'll make a replica, or model, of the original box that a mid 20th century Oxford Reference Bible came in. In the first video I'll make the lid, and in the second, the base, or tray. I'll show how I analyse an object to work out how it was constructed, and how I go about trying to replicate it. The method of making this box was common in trade production work, and is very different to how most hand bookbinders make books now. This might be useful if you want to make a similar box for a bible, make a model of another box or book, or restore a box made in this manner.
In this series of two videos I'll make a replica, or model, of the original box that a mid 20th century Oxford Reference Bible came in. In the first video I made the lid, and in this video, the base, or tray. I'll show how I analyse an object to work out how it was constructed, and how I go about trying to replicate it. The method of making this box was common in trade production work, and is very different to how most hand bookbinders make books now. This might be useful if you want to make a similar box for a bible, make a model of another box or book, or restore a box made in this manner.
This is a great little project. If you know what you want to bind and have the materials at hand, it can be done in under 30 minutes. It is a common technique used in commercial printing/bookbinding and limited editions.
In this video I make a basic screw-post guarded album, suitable for items like photos or scrap booking. It is based on the specifications in Arthur Johnson's The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding. There are many other variation of these which I will explore in the future.
In this video I cover a slipcase by wrapping the side walls in a robust buckram and covering the sides with a decorative paper. I’m sorry the background traffic noise is worse than usual. We live very close to the village of Brookfield on the edge of Brisbane. It’s Brookfield show weekend and they block the traffic through the village for the event. All the detoured traffic goes past our place. For American’s, a show in Australia is like a fair. Country comes to town, carnies running questionably maintained rides and food that never tastes as good as you remember from when you were a kid.
In this video I'll demonstrate changing the blade on an Ideal 4205 paper guillotine.
In this two-part series I will bind The Tail of Peter Rabbit using the sewn-board binding structure. This robust structure, along with the heavy paper I use, make it a perfect book for little children.
In this two-part series I will bind The Tail of Peter Rabbit using the sewn-board binding structure. This robust structure, along with the heavy paper I use, make it a perfect book for little children.
In this video I make a simple clipboard which uses magnets instead of a spring to keep it closed. The idea came from seeing a menu holder at Books and Boxes.
In this video I make a basic screw-post guarded album with a covered spine and folded tabs for guards. It is based on the specifications in Arthur Johnson's The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding. There are more variations of these which I will explore in the future.
In this video I sew The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin using a sewing machine. This approach is sometimes used in commercial bookbinding for single section/signature books for economical or ephemeral binding. The downside is the close row of holes along the spine fold of the book which could weaken the paper making it prone to tearing.
The special feature of this book is covering with a single piece of cloth. All my other versions cover the spine and then the boards - 3 pieces. This robust structure, along with the heavy paper I use, make it a perfect book for little children. But what you want to know is how I stuffed up. I was binding a copy of Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin at the same time. They look almost identical, except for the text, but who looks at that. I mixed up the first section of the two books. At about 5:45 I start sewing a section with a squirrel on it and the next section has bunnies on it. The text paper I used is from OfficeWorks and is J.Burrows Premium 200gsm A4 Digital Copy Paper This paper is long grain A4 which I can in half to make short grain A5
In this video I'll discuss the best practice for cutting materials in relation to grain direction for box and enclosure making.
In this video I make a card scoring or creasing jig which makes folding card much easier. This is useful for making phase boxes/wrapper and simple enclosures such as the 10-minute slipcase. The card stock I generally use is 300gsm Bristol board which is equivalent to 10pt card in the US and is about 0.3mm thick. The adhesive I use in this video is Evasol EVA. Any EVA/PVA designed to be used with paper will be fine for this application. Since it is just a tool just about any convenient adhesive that tacks quickly would be oaky.
In this video I'll demonstrate, three times, how to make a two-piece phase box to protect paperback books.
In this video I demonstrate how to attached oversized folio (a single folded sheet) endpapers and trim them to the size of the text block, giving perfectly fitted endpapers.
In this video I make a box for a jeweller's ball vise. I want it to fairly air tight so I use a design often called a neck box. Please find a better name!
In this video I make a box for a jeweller's ball vise. In the first video I made the base, and in this video I make the lid, dealing with the unusual height for a tray. I completely forgot about the cork base. I'll do a 5 minute video next week about this.
In this video I demonstrate how to make your own stuck-on headbands.
For everyone that celebrates Christmas, Merry Christmas. If Christmas is not part of your culture, please let me share with you our tradition of decorating a pine tree in the sweltering heat and humidity of Queensland, Australia.
In this video I demonstrate how to make a slipcase in the style of Folio Society books. Folio Society slipcases are usually constructed using a folding technique, which I don't use in the video. I believe the hand bookbinder's technique of using individual pieces is easier and strong, but takes longer.
In this video I demonstrate covering a slipcase in the style of Folio Society books. Folio Society slipcases are usually constructed using a folding technique, which I don't use in the video. I believe the hand bookbinder's technique of using individual pieces is easier and strong, but takes longer.
For hundreds of years, one of the first things apprentice bookbinders made were tools, jigs and templates. Some of these tools they would use for the rest of their lives. A successful bookbinder who owned two well known binderies in Brisbane, Doug Keats, was nice enough to give me his corner templates that he made when he was an apprentice and that he used for over 60 years. In this video I make a few simple jigs and templates that will make you a more independant bookbinder.
In this video I'll make a modern interpretation of an 1807 stationery binding from the UK National Archives. This will be part of a series where I explore modern interpretations of historic books, and model making of historic bindings. I'll explain why this book doesn't have endpapers in the next video.
In this video I'll make a modern interpretation of an 1793 stationery binding from the UK National Archives. This will be part of a series where I explore modern interpretations of historic books, and model making of historic bindings.
In this video I'll restore a vintage paper drill. I'll be back to regular bookbinding videos soon. In the mean time, I hope you find this video interesting.
The #kettle-stitch is used by bookbinders to join sections or signatures together.
Sewing on recessed, or sunken cords was a technique used mostly in the 19th century. See my full video on the subject to learn how this technique is done.
In the video Flexible Binding in Full Leather Part 4, I expressed the view that fraying out cords was the most tedious job in bookbinding. I mentioned that it can potentially be made easier with a fraying shield. Since then, just by coincidence, the master bookbinding tool maker Jeff Peachey has released a fraying out shield. In my next big project I'll use it to fray out some cords. But before then I just wanted to make a #shorts video using Baby Shark as the background music.