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Forever Friends Bookbinding Tutorial
Scroll down for step-by-step instructions
Materials Included: for two (2) books + embellishments!
- you will just need a pair of scissors -
Let's get started!
Once you unpack your box, take a minute to neatly arrange your workstation. You don’t need a lot of room to complete this project but it’s nice to have some clear physical and mental space to work. In the video, I am sitting on a couch using a folding “tv tray” for spatial reference. We’re going to start with the interior of the book. In the video, I’ll be making two books at once so I’ll go through each step twice. You can absolutely choose to make the books one at a time or with a buddy!
Part 1: Bind your Interior
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In your paper pack, you’ll find cream colored paper as well as repurposed book pages with content on them. Divide the paper into two stacks and arrange the interior pages in your desired order. I like to mix the pages up to give the book a little character and natural “breaks” as you flip through and use the pages. Once you organize your paper (no more than 14 sheets per book) fold each stack in half as a set. This creates a signature. Press down on the spine of the signature to make it as flat as possible.
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Take the smaller spine cloth and lay it on the outside fold of the signature with the cloth side facing in. Clip the cloth and the open book together and get ready to poke some holes!
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You will need the chipboard folder from your kit as well as the thumb tack provided or an awl if you have one. Nestle the signature in the fold and use the sharp point to poke 3 holes about evenly distance down the spine. One in the middle and then one of either side. Make sure you reinforce each hole so that you can easily get your needle through. (see video ~3:40 min mark)
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Grab your needle and thread, we’re going to bind the signature to that spine cloth! You might want to read these next couple instructions first before you try them, they can be intimidating but I think you’re amazing and I believe in you. (see video ~5:10 min mark)
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You’ll start by entering the center hole, from the outside or the inside, depending on where you want to see the tie.
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From whichever position you choose, enter the signature through the center hole and pull the thread through leaving a half inch (or so) thread tail. Hold that tail down with your finger.
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From where you are, move your needle to one of the holes on either side of the center. Enter and pull through.
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Now you’re on the other side. Skip over the center hole and enter through the opposite hole, making sure your thread is tight (but not too tight).
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Finally, enter through the center hole once more so that you end where you begin. Place the strands on either side of the long stitch and tie them together. Trim the excess thread. Now the signature is done, you’ve made the insides! Next, we’re going to make the cover.