5 tips for beginner bookbinders ✦ trimming smooth text blocks, cheap pressing equipment, and more

[@knowmatter]

So a tip I learnt somewhere along the line for trimming book blocks or cutting bookboard by hand is to doing standing up and to lift the foot from the same side you hold the cutter, this puts greater and steadier pressure on the hand holding the ruler. Nothing worse than being half way through trimming and the ruler moves!

[@quench100]

I bound a 480 page user manual and trimmed the edge with a stanley knife, but did it in stages, 40 or so pages at a time, by putting the cutting mat inside the text block, trimming those 40 pages, and then gathering the next lot of 40 pages, moving the cutting mat below them, and using a few pages from the previous trim to position my ruler for the next cut, and so on. I've used this technique a few times now and it turns out surprisingly well. The hard part with a knife is the top and bottom edges because of the spine swell.

[@RsJaneP]

Tips from a fellow creative (moi): Use isopropyl alcohol to clean gooey stuff off scissors, such as double-sided tape residue. I use a folded over paper towel so I don’t cut my fingers on the scissor blades whilst wiping them. It works well and evaporates fast so no worries of rusting. If you wash any tool with soap and water, don’t soak them and be sure to dry thoroughly in case there’s parts of the tool that could rust. Baby wipes are also good to keep nearby to clean small areas or your hands (you never want to smudge a beautiful journal you’re creating). If you work with glitter or anything similar, Swiffer sheets are great for quick cleanups as they really grab and contain those tiny bits. I also keep a Crafter’s Toolkit Glue and Residue Eraser (it’s a flat square in a honey colour with a bumpy texture)…in a non-aggressive rubbing motion, these work great for removing small areas of dried glue smears, rogue paint marks, inks, etc from without damaging the substrate (especially paper or cardboard). You can find them via amazon for only a few bucks. If you use a glue-gun for any crafting, once completed, quickly zap the pesky glue strings with a hair dryer or heat tool and they will magically vanish. Chanel, I’ve been an crafter and professional instructor for many decades and love sharing info. I hope you and your followers find some of these tips helpful. Apologies for seemingly commandeering your comment section! :-)

[@nwgibbons3037]

Chantelle- If you wrap your 220 sandpaper around a small block of wood, it’s easier to sand a flat and level surface. Also easier to grip and less fatiguing on your hands

[@bittermelonbindery]

Good tip!

[@RsJaneP]

I’m a p.t. woodworker and this is what I was also going to recommend. Another option is to purchase firm sanding blocks instead of sheets of sandpaper. They’re easy to hold and get the job done quickly. As a papermaker and card maker (more often than woodworking), I always have a few different grits on hand.😊

[@melinie17]

really appreciate how this video is direct and to the point, thank you for all these helpful tips!

[@caileancampbell7498]

I am jack of all Trades and I'll give another few tips. If you happen to have a bench vice and/or hand plane, you can use those too. The vice can be used as a book press while sowing the binding onand glueing the spine. The plane can be used to cut the pages to plane while in the vice. You use sharp chisels or leaether knives for the book boardsand cover cloth/leather. Now, I know a lot of these tips may seem odd, but a LOT of wood working tools have moved into the kitchen like the zester for hard skinned fruit and root vegatables. That is a wood working tool. So why not use other tool.

[@susanavenir]

So helpful start to finish! Using sandpaper that way is such a great idea.

[@kathleencunningham7210]

I have trouble with cutting my text blocks; the top edge is nice, but the bottom is almost always wavy! I have currently been avoiding it by using torn deckle-look edges so that they don't have to line up perfectly 😅Thank you for these tips, and for sharing your experiences!

[@bittermelonbindery]

I like the deckled edges for that reason too haha

[@jfredmuggs3586]

Solid, straight forward tool and other materials selections --- with clear explanations. Good video.....

[@87000J]

cannot wait to start my own book binding business! thank you Chanel!

[@yourebeautifulmomlog]

Thank you🥰 I can't tell you how helpful all your videos are. You are so kind and explain things so well, thank you, thank you!!😃 I just received your ebook and look forward to reading and following along as I begin this journey! I'm so excited 😁🥰

[@kreativekymona]

I love all of these tips, especially the last one.

[@Louise_Moura]

The video hadn't even started yet and I had already pressed like 'cause I knew the tips would be 🌟gold tier🌟

[@bittermelonbindery]

😘😘😘

[@sacrebleu1371]

😂 Same here. So excited because this was precisely what I was looking into and needing. I swear she read my mind... and heart! ❤

[@bethcrane5780]

I'm really looking forward to the book! I preordered because your videos have inspired me to make my own sketchbooks and journals. Thanks so much Chanel!

[@bittermelonbindery]

Thank you so much, I'm excited for you to receive it!

[@YahwehsSetApartArt]

Thanks! Looking forward to doing business/supporting your work with you- De’borah-Yah

[@bittermelonbindery]

Thank you so much 💖💖💖

[@deborayarin4562]

Wonderful video, super clear and with Inspiration. Thank you very much. Congratulations

[@DJRandomHajile]

Just found your channel because I'm making some props for a few Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Going to also make some notebooks for my players with some of the tips on this channel. 🙂

[@fabriciomartinsesilva1503]

What weight of paper do you use for notebooks? Thanks. You're my inspiration.

[@bittermelonbindery]

I mostly use 80 lb text weight (118 gsm), I've been happy with 60 lb (90 gsm) as well

[@fabriciomartinsesilva1503]

@@bittermelonbindery Thank you very much

[@ChantelleArts]

these tips seemed super helpful, I'd love to try them one day ❤

[@brendasuemckameyscott7506]

Thank you so much for the tips. You are amazing and cant wait for the book. It is on order.

[@KatPadmore]

your book is in my basket waiting for payday- I can't wait!

[@bittermelonbindery]

Aw that means a lot 🥲

[@wildcaterpillar4825]

The sandpaper really does help, but I think I definitely need a better utility blade because my own novel is over 650 pages long and it’s sooo hard to get the sides trimmed top side and bottom lol

[@bittermelonbindery]

Wow that's ambitious. If you can get the sewing to line up well, the top and bottom edges don't look bad when they're untrimmed.

[@adamanhavengarde]

bro, I had the same experience. by the middle, i'm not trimming the start anymore. it's sliding.

[@carolinelawrie7142]

Great tips thank you 📚📚😁 I really must get a better cutting knife! ❤

[@bittermelonbindery]

It's essential!

[@wildfireswildfires6792]

Sanding ! Thank you❤

[@francinetjones1814]

what weight is the book board you use? Where do you purchase it. Thank you.

[@francinetjones1814]

Just preordered your book.

[@bittermelonbindery]

My go-to weight is 0.08” or about 2 mm and I get mine from Colophon Book Arts

[@bittermelonbindery]

Thank you!

[@richardlucas8849]

Hi I am from the UK and new to bookbinding and I need some advice regarding paper choice for my project. In short I am writing, printing and binding a book of about 250 pages in A5 size. I am fully aware of the implications of paper grain and I will shortly have a source that can supply me the paper I need (Large long grain cut to A4 short grain) My question is simple but just cannot find a definitive answer. My book is Text with some Black & White and some Colour pictures. What paper should I use as in GSM, Matt, coated or not etc. I am printing A4 to make A5 page size on inkjet the bookcover will be on A3 laminated and I have a source for that. I hope you can help or point me in the right direction. Regards Richard Celer et Audax

[@RsJaneP]

Hi Chanel, I want to purchase a heavy duty guillotine cutter (the type that cuts straight down). I need it to trim my text blocks so they’ll have nice smooth, professional-looking edges. Can you please recommend one that is in the $200 price range (I’ll consider spending a bit more if the cutter is highly rated)? Thanks so much! :-)

[@YahwehsSetApartArt]

Thank you Chanel!

[@kerryhoyle7569]

you have been very helpful!

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Tip #5 is very good.

[@E4Alabbasy]

Thank you for the tips 🥰

[@paulominholi5511]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@universelove6163]

Where can I get the metal spacers ?

[@purexorange]

I bought all the basic bookbinding supplies but I just still haven’t gotten around to actually starting!😅

[@curiousarthoarder]

Loves the video very helpfull. What camera do u use ?

[@bittermelonbindery]

It’s in my description, it took a while to learn how to use it but I love it

[@MarleighMathiot]

What brand of knife do you use?

[@bittermelonbindery]

OLFA is the most reliable

[@koalafan1576]

I tried a 3/8” spacer for the hinge gap and that was too big. I had to take it down to about 3/16”.

[@bittermelonbindery]

yeah it can really depend on the binder's style. glad you found a gap space that works.

[@koalafan1576]

@@bittermelonbindery I have no clue what the style is that I’m using. I just did generic text block sewing with the thingies you sew to it. Then I glue on the bookmark ribbon and then the end ribbon thing and the extra thin cheese cloth type fiber. I glue the whole cover on that text block.

[@victoriaculbertson8266]

❤❤❤

[@G65t5]

Хорошенькая :) вот прям милаха