5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Bookbinding

[@ryokomusouka]

Just a note about raw materials - if all you're doing is practicing techniques, you can use cereal boxes and inexpensive paper, saving the "good stuff" for projects that are meant to last.

[@noelaniization]

In the beginning, I used my bank card as a folder. If you have a local hardware store, you can get cheap packs of smaller brushes. Sometimes the bristles fall out after a few uses but I just use pliers to crimp the end smaller. Just helpful tips from a poor college kid who loves making books.

[@RamoArt]

A credit card! Of course! I've been using things like the back of knives but it hasn't worked well. Thank you.

[@noelaniization]

@@RamoArt Yay! I'm so glad I could help. I've also used the stainless steel ruler, just depends on how long it is.

[@deerafl1979]

i used the back of plastic comb as makeshift folder, and empty ballpoint to score. Craft should'nt be limiting!

[@MCSEknight]

I think the most difficult thing for me to find when I first started was PVA glue (for general bookbinding) and Wheat or Rice paste (for leather work). It frustrated me to no end finding videos for "bookbinding" but turned out to be for scrapbooking and getting recommendations for standard Elmers Glue. Please for the love of all that is good, if you are reading this, don't use Elmers Glue or paste sticks for bookbinding. If it's for your own personal use, do whatever you want, but it's best to not bind or repair books that are for customers with these kinds of glue. It took a while but I finally found suppliers that had Jade 403 PVA. Yes it's more expensive but it's made for bookbinding and archival work. Don't skimp on the glue. You don't have to get Jade 403 specifically, just read the label and make sure it says "dries flexible", and if in doubt, test it out first on some scrap paper. You absolutely do not want to have a spine glued with something that will crack and flake off.

[@liza3337]

Thanks!

[@janeebbert]

Isn't elmers glue PVA?

[@MCSEknight]

@@janeebbert Yes Elmers is PVA, but it dries brittle and will crack and flake. It does not dry "flexible".

[@janeebbert]

@@MCSEknight maybe we are from different countries or something, I've always found Elmer's to be pretty flexible. I've never experienced that, but I'll look out for it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@emryborge7027]

I love how you explain WHY something happens, not just that it happens.

[@LedgerAndLace]

That whole paper grain thing has a learning curve that I was completely oblivious about. "Why is my paper all springy?!" And the warping situation is really helpful, too. LOVED these tips, Nik! 🙂

[@Flat_Earth_Sophia]

How can you tell paper grain though?

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@Flat_Earth_Sophia To me, it feels springier and harder to fold against the grain. Usually regular 8.5" X 11" paper the grain runs top to bottom. It's easier to fold length wise. Folding it in half the other way, the paper feels springier. It also doesn't lie as flat if you have a a few papers folded to make a signature. Nik has a more in depth explanation in the first video listed in the description box.

[@Soul_Watcher]

I had a stupid attack about the paper grain situation that I learned decades ago when doing artwork. I then remembered AFTER I already cut, sowed, and glued the spine. 🤦‍♂️ I ruined 400 sheets of Tomoe River paper all because I forgot this rule. Nice and wrinkled. 😕 Well, as they say sometimes you have to make big mistakes to learn a rule. I will never make that mistake again. Cheers

[@Flat_Earth_Sophia]

@@Soul_Watcher I have been working with books for decades, antiques, binding, and so on. And I NEVER heard of this. I don't think it is real. How can it be real? Paper is not like wood.

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@Soul_Watcher I never paid attention to it until I started making journals. Not such a big deal with Junk Journals, but with proper journals and books, it definitely matters! 🙂

[@ladyflimflam]

The quick way to find the grain is to hold your paper by the two corners and observe it’s behavior. Then turn the paper one quater turn and observe it’s behavior. The direction your paper dips more easily while you are holding it by the corners is the grain.

[@SelenaCarmouche]

Between the paper grain tip, plus the reason for why despite the best of glue attempts I ended up with warped results, this was the BEST video to get me re-engaged in binding. Was mainly looking to learn how to do a basic flat lay signature “refill” for a travelers journal this time but learned so much from this video! BRAVO

[@aixot_3073]

Grain direction: It's also important for the pages lying flat in a book when opening/browsing. 11:18 Please avoid the thread to be too thin, since it may cut the paper when pulled too strong during sewing.

[@Jeannette.akaJnett]

Excellent depiction of paper grain. So many people don't even think about it or even know about it for that matter. Such great info all the way around. I've made books for myself and for my grands and I think I've learned 99% of what I should do from you. Thank you so much for all your knowledge.

[@amyathans]

This is my first time finding your channel. You’re super knowledgeable and this video is very helpful for my devious endeavors… thank you !

[@sittingstill3578]

I learned about paper grain trying to make crafts with tissue paper. Because it’s so thin the grain literally makes it impossible to tear across the bias. Tearing strips on the grain is so much more doable if unpredictable.

[@dorothykovak4900]

Thank you, Nik! This is so much good and useful information. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@featherslettersandseeds414]

For a curved needle, I bent an embroidery needle in a curve with two pliers. Works beautifully.

[@willgrime]

Works with a thick needle since it has a core of soft steel, but with very thin needles it’s a very dangerous move: hardened steel will shatter if stressed in this way, and hardened steel shrapnel splinters in eyes or fingers are really no fun.

[@Valerie-ut2dk]

Timely information for me. Thank you. And, "pokey thing" is a technical term in my books!

[@avarineavee6502]

Before I got my bone folder, I've been using just a sturdy metal ruler!! It wasn't working perfect and it was leaving shiny strip on the paper, but it was just okay for my needs at that moment. Also, about an awl - honestly, i still haven't gotten one, and I don't need to. I totally recommend using the handle of an exacto knife, and a needle of your choice (but make sure it's long enough to actually poke holes lol). Put it in like you'd normally do with the blade. Just in the middle of the 'X', and you're good to go. My almost-hand-made awl serves me well to this day, and I'm very happy with it!!

[@Loxalair]

I didn't have an awl when I started, even though you can get them for less than $5. What I did have was a pack of finishing nails and a hammer, for the thicker sections, and a really fat, pointy sewing needle, for the thinner ones. And I creased my sections down by rolling a nail polish bottle over them. Now that I'm a few years in and I know more about bookbinding and know that I want to continue, I have a bone folder and an awl and more tools besides. But starting with school glue and a pack of finishing nails is totally fine

[@willgrime]

I’d add a self-healing cutting mat: superb worksurface, protects table top, can be cleaned of glue easily, helps with measuring and creating accurate angles, worth the expense

[@jorjanm]

Thank you for all the tips! I am a paper crafter (card maker, scrapbooker) and I think knowing the paper grain is going to help a lot. Just started with making junk journals and binding books within the last year. Love your videos!

[@NormaDerr-nv4cn]

This is the absolutely BEST video I have seen (and I’ve seen a lot) that explains why covers can warp and how to prevent it.

[@broer61]

I am glad that I so insecure that I always read instruction manuals and ‘How to..’ books, before I do anything, all your tips were in my first bookbinding book. Just saying. :-) I like how you talk in your videos, about the project andcrambling about other stuff.

[@Macallion]

I made a budget book press out of two old bookcase shelves. Drilled matched up holes in all the corners, got some washers, some carriage bolts and some wingnuts. It's a bit messy, since the shelves are chipboard rather than actual wood, but it works.

[@willgrime]

Chipboard is much better than wood since it has no grain. Wood will split along the grain if your book press is over-tightened.

[@carolbeeding4270]

Thank you for mentioning tips that haven’t been brought up before and are something that few of us new journal makers even think about. ❤️

[@jsmxwll]

waxing the thread also slows the rate that the fibers of the thread absorb moisture. repeat swelling of some natural fibers can cause them to start separating and weakening over time. this isn't as much of an issue with linen because the threads are so long, but with short staple threads like cotton, it can make a big difference. some of my earliest bindings started coming out at the stitches and the 100% cotton embroidery floss coming apart was the culprit. seems to be a bigger issue on rounded back bindings. all of mine that had problems were rounded back at any rate.

[@glittermama]

Thanks for this info!! Note about waxed linen: I always use this. What I discovered is that, over time, it loosens up and the pages become loose. You can prevent most of this by gently stretching the length you cut. I do this after I thread the needle. I have much less stretching after I do this. xxx

[@NiktheBooksmith]

That's genius, thank you!

[@glittermama]

@@NiktheBooksmith love ya!

[@maryjenkins9567]

Thanks for that tip! I had never heard that but definitely trying it on my next book!

[@glittermama]

@@maryjenkins9567 It helps with loosening. I used to be an OR nurse and that's what we did with sutures that could stretch later.

[@arlenestanton9955]

How do you stretch it out?

[@janicereece3842]

Nik, good to see you again. You are an inspiration to all of us. Your stories and your miniature works of art are steller.💜💜💜

[@heisnammichael]

I started book binding from 2020. Till now I bind all the notebooks and diaries that I use. I learn this skill as a time pass. It's a nice skill to have if you are a student. I can make any design or size of book I want.

[@beckyb4074]

Hello Nik, so good to see/hear you. I just wanted to thank you for making these kinds of videos to make important information in one place. I really, really, really appreciate how you explain these kinds of things. And Yes, I'm going to go back and rewatch the video on making your own gig for cutting the paper corners accurately. Hugs to you young lady. Take care and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

[@wittleMermaid13]

So helpful, thank you! I'm bracing myself - about to take the plunge and start my first ever book binding.

[@sahafiandisheh1746]

Thank you very much for the important points in binding. I have been engaged in binding for many years and your explanations have helped me a lot. God bless you

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I really appreciate that your grain direction video linked directly to when you talked about grain direction. I'm making notebooks to carry around and your videos have been very useful

[@joyjournal6157]

Thank you for this! Working with the grain is what I needed to hear!

[@Santi-ce2eb]

It is the best tutorial I have seen so I subscribe to your channel. My father started bookbinding when he was 15 and I saw in your tutorial some things he said. Good warnings and very well explained!

[@heathersmith7932]

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your posts but this one especially, as an amateur book maker this is wonderful. Love the humor too! 😊

[@LindaSmith-vq1br]

Thank you for such clear information and hopefully it will make everyone’s experiences in the bookbinding. I really appreciate it!

[@alenakhlebnikova6154]

I just finished bookbinding a book 2 days ago and only now found this video. Good to know that I failed to do the first thing mentioned. Thanks! Edit: Apparently I also screwed up with the thread choice. Lovely. But, hey! It was my first time and it is 829 pages long, so I'm just glad I even finished it and didn't give up halfway. Turned out wacky, but good enough for the first try. The only thing I regret is trying to trim the pages, cause now they look like a dog chewed on it, but it's ok.

[@janasher4940]

Your explenation of paper grain and the importance is excellent. Folding parallel to the grain is very easy to see with your visual aid.

[@wordscrafter]

Great info and review. I haven't made books in a few years and am thinking about getting my gear out and playing again. And updated info is extremely welcome. Thanks so much for sharing this ❤❤❤!

[@juliechaud]

Thank you so much, Nik; I really enjoyed the thoroughness and logical thinking that this video shared!

[@versterker1981]

Super helpful video for a beginner, thank you Nik, can't wait to explore the rest of your work!!

[@raestipher9789]

🎉🎉Thank you for your teaching teacher 🎉🎉

[@gegonggegong4496]

This video is gold 🙏 thank you mam🙏🙏

[@debjones7006]

Hi, this could be a game changer. Smart Vinyl. Cricut lots of colors and possibilities. Thin water resistant. I do not have the CRICUT, but I used this vinyl to cover duct tape and various surfaces. Thin bendable. I do not bond the 2 given surfaces but use vinyl alone.

[@Diana-zi5yx]

Newbie here, thank you for the advice.❤ very useful.

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Based on comments here, I subscribed to DAS. Today I learned the correct way to remove staples. It was fascinating. Really.

[@sharonaolsen705]

So, so helpful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@staceywilson5232]

I'm a beginner and this really helps. Thank you!

[@ForEverKath]

Haha, I have hundreds of coffee stiring sticks from all caffee houses in my country! 😃😁

[@OmerMD]

Haha I really like the cute sewing thingy and the gluing on both sides is a pretty helpful advice really appreciate it! (Also at one moment your wrists blended with the background which of course didn't scare me for a moment thinking you don't have an arm bruh)

[@ngtskynebula]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much for the content! 🥺💘

[@sandikalin636]

You always are a wealth of information, I get very excited when I see you’ve posted a video. Thx Nik. ( I wish I could get the $$$ back that I’ve spent on things I thought I “had to have”. Needless to say so does my husband 🤣🤣.

[@apple369]

How did you know I was about to dive into my very first book-binding attempt? Are you psychic? Awesome timing. Thanks.

[@Soul_Watcher]

One way to see what grain direction your paper is in ( because many do not stipulate the grain) is by cutting two strips at the corner of a piece of paper. One cut horizontally and the other corner vertically. Wet them. When one of those strips of paper fold and curl you found the short grain. That means the opposite is the long grain. Still complicated. I know. When you bend your paper one way and then another, bowing them, the short grain will resist less. The long grain resist more. So if you have a 8x10” piece of paper and you bend it from the top and bottom and fold them towards each other and it’s more resistant that’s the long grain direction. It’s hard trying to write an example instead of showing one. Cheers

[@TheAlohaStudios]

So helpful! Loved the icepick and brick ideas ;-) Fun edit, too.

[@melissabenito1376]

Thank you very much for this beautiful video

[@shirleyb2896]

When I’m using lightweight chipboard for book covers I glue two pieces together, making sure that the grain runs in opposing directions for stability.

[@JH-oz6pg]

Two pieces on each side of of each cover? So totaling 8 pieces?

[@shirleyb2896]

@@JH-oz6pg no. Tow pieces of chipboard for each cover, one with the grain running vertically, the other grain running horizontally. The opposing grains create a sturdy substrate. This is very effective even when using flimsy chipboard like cereal boxes.

[@carolinesmercantile4290]

You did a beautiful job on that Oliver Twist redo! This type of craft makes me fall in love with book binding all over again!

[@KYATKAT]

Thanks for these tips .. have a great weekend

[@southbridgefarm8795]

Do you have a video on how to sew pages?

[@ChautonaHavig]

Thank you! One thing I'd LOVE to know is why I ALWAYS end up with a spine that is too big no matter how carefully I measure.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I hear ya, Chautona, spine width can be a tricky, tricky beast. I'll have to start some notes for a video about calculating spine width.

[@ChautonaHavig]

@@NiktheBooksmith My hero!

[@lori88ish]

Thanks for the great tips much appreciated. Take Care Hugs and Smiles

[@germainwdesjardins6573]

Thank you! Very good information ❤️

[@suecox2308]

Super helpful Nik, many thanks.

[@junepatterson7928]

Thank you so much for the review.

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Very informative video, Nik! I've made a few books, but it's always good to have the advice of a pro! XXX

[@JannyHaak]

Thanks, Nik! ❤

[@caroltanzi29]

Excellent info video! Carol from California

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

I always learn something from you. And I’m always inspired by you. Thank you! 🤗❤️❤️

[@daniellehalfacre3613]

Can you use gulf wax for the thread?

[@tripletgirl2484]

Thanks so much! All very helpful!

[@TheStephsayshi]

Thank you! What a great video!

[@elinordrake9716]

So useful, thanks!

[@barbmartz3174]

I'm a beginner and this was so helpful and you are an excellent teacher. I'm totally ignorant on all of this and I'm esp ignorant when it comes to how to tie and properly sew the book holes together. You can tell I'm a beginner becuz I'm still learning the language so forgive me. Can you help me learn how to sew in the proper order all the holes? Thanks so much, Barb

[@tharp2499]

Oh, sure...NOW you tell me.🙄 Bahahahahaha! I knew most of these things, even that paper had a grain, because..."I learned it from YOU, OK?...I learned it from watching YOU!".😁(I know you got that😉) But, I did NOT know that folding against the grain for your signatures could/would add so much stress. Which sucks. 'Cuz I like to fold a letter/A4 size in half for 6x9-ish journals. Saves paper, & money's always tight. But, it makes absolute, crystal clear sense. Thank you for the demonstration, and advice.💖 To quote Dash of Dave, "Thank you for being you"...tho, I do think I said it first.😁💗

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Thanks so much! Yes, as a child of the 80's, I do get that reference 😄 Just an fyi, I'll explain how to easily source paper that can be folded with grain while not being wasteful =)

[@briankhrisjackson9088]

Thank you for the tips.

[@Justme_247]

Thanks a bunch. I'm terrible at corners.

[@giovannascotti488]

Thank you very much❤

[@margaretcomella3318]

Thanks Nik!!! Really helpful tips! 😮❤

[@vickiefowler1429]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@myah1018]

Hi Nik ( and the entire bookbinding community!) I am just starting my journey into book binding with the intent to rebind all of my current paper backs ( many of which are old and have been read so many times I wouldn't even try to count ) However I feel like I am continually struggling with even the basics no matter how many times I watch and re-watch some videos. My replacement hard covers always seem to be the wrong size, and my spines always feel out to lunch. This leads to end pages not fitting properly and not being able to open properly. Is there ( because it feel like everywhere I look it's different ) a ball park formula to at least getting my bookboard to the right size? Also tricks to seating the end pages into the cover so that the book can lay 'flat' while reading? Thank you so much for just reading this! Mya

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! Please don't be too discouraged. Bookbinding is an advanced skill that takes time to learn. You may already be doing this, but I suggest practicing on cheap thrift store books that you don't intend to read until you feel more comfortable with the process. Not sure if you've seen this video or not. Maybe something in it might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/ramXamuYaJaenKM

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

thank you Nik - this was very informative xx

[@dammitjim5037]

Thank you so much for the great tips!

[@amyrugala246]

Very informative and useful. Thank you!!!!!!

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

These are extremely helpful tips. Thank you so much! ❤ SayessDesign

[@angelinamichelle8474]

Brilliant. I think my covers are warping despite same grain as I have been letting covers dry before casing in etc. Couldn't figure it out!!! Ty so much!

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

enjoyed this vid a lot! good advice and well presented!🦌💌❤️📚

[@rizzat]

Did you make the needle holder?

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Good video. Thanks!

[@TheLeoGoddess88]

The opening is my experience trying to leather tooling lol

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Thankyou!

[@kellycameraman]

Look up Kelly Willauer Lay Flat Binding Patent

[@NorthlightsStudio]

Great advice Nik! You da bomb!

[@susanmiller7028]

Great tips!

[@tanahaines1043]

I recently bought a very old volume of lord Alfred Tennyson at an estate sale. The binding is in pretty bad shape. Would you recommend taking it to a book binder shop or try to do it myself?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Tana! It's hard to say. Whatever you decide, I'd suggest researching a bit to make sure it's not a super rare copy. There have been some pretty crazy things found in charity shops and estate sales!

[@tanahaines1043]

@@NiktheBooksmith thank you, I will be sure and do that!

[@linda9731]

Yes, I loved your video! Waxing my own thread is a game changer. Thank you for the tips!❤

[@annajavier5712]

This was helpful thanks

[@BarbaraCJ]

Anybody can tell me by turning a paperback to hardcover if I should add Oxford Hollow or chipboard to the spine? Thanks! Good tips Nik!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good question, Barbara! There are a few videos here on KZbin about that very subject. If you ask me, I'd say check some out and maybe it will help you decide which direction you want to go. :)

[@HaliaLOVESMac]

Not for nothing you’re the Booksmith! I just wish you had videos more often (maybe 3 a week!) 😉 BTW I want to make a watercolor journal with few signatures. Do you have a tutorial I could use as I’m planning to thrift and repurpose an old book cover for that?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Halia! There's a couple of videos, the 'making a packrat book' videos. It uses an existing book cover, maybe those would be helpful.

[@HaliaLOVESMac]

Thank you, Nik 😉

[@matildagentle3816]

Wow! You are pro!!!! 😮

[@AnjiFranseen]

Nik - Thank you for this info, it's truly helpful! Alos, at approximately 11:32 in this video you show the embroidery floss on a very attractive floss bobbin - did you make that?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! Yeah, its just cut out of some patterned cardstock =)

[@bobbyd1961]

can you use white school glue? is it like PVA?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

@@bobbyd1961 it's similar, not as concentrated, but it should work!

[@bobbyd1961]

@NiktheBooksmith is not as concentrated? Maybe if I heat it low and slow, it will evaporate some water hmmm. Thanks

[@NiktheBooksmith]

@@bobbyd1961 I see where you're coming from, but heating even slightly may reduce the bond strength. It'll work as it is, it might take a little longer to dry is all :)

[@bobbyd1961]

@@NiktheBooksmith Thank you for your advice. I can buy school glue relatively cheap but PVA is a bit pricier but if I get into it enough buying the better one will be better.