Bookbinding Tips & Tricks - 14 Helpful Hints - Things I Wish I Knew When I Started

Hi everybody, welcome back to the bindery! I first began bookbinding in 2018 and in those early days I had more enthusiasm than knowledge and so of course I made a lot of mistakes. I've learned a lot since then, and though I still make mistakes, I tend not to make the same ones.
This video is a collection of some of the techniques that I wish I'd known in my early days of this craft. Some are things I've learned from other bookbinders, others are just things I picked up through trial and error. This is in no way an exhaustive list (more like some random things I jotted down over the last few weeks), so perhaps this could be the first of many videos like this. The tips are arranged generally in the order in which they might come up in the process of making a book. I hope you find the video interesting and informative, and if you learn something new then I'm happy to have been of some help!
Thanks for watching!
Dennis
________
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[@TheJemmaGrl]

I'm a filthy home-taught bookbinder (lol) and I use 'easy' supplies - like I use an outdoor thread for stitching my textblocks and I found a paper I love from Staples that is the exact weight and color I've been looking for for YEARS. None of it is what any *actual* master bookmaker would use...but you know what? I love the books I make and people love getting them. This has been one of the most rewarding hobbies I've ever had.

[@KarolOfGutovo]

Mastery is more in how you do it than what you do it with imo, I've seen masterful microsoft paint art, and I wouldn't say using such a non-masterly tool takes anything away from that.

[@katyushax1375]

Relatable I take my sisters crochet yarn to stitch books

[@janiez4394]

I don’t know why it’s taken me 20 years to revisit my most favourite class in college -bookbinding. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed watching this. My prof. actually gave us each a homemade book press(Two pieces of plywood, 4 long bolts with wing nuts, and a handle)

[@colin781]

What is the handle for?

[@nedkelly8495]

I very much admire your skill. Watching the gentle & patient process of bookbinding brought back sad-sweet memories of my elderly father; he would be in his own tranquil world when engaged in bookbinding in his little corner of our basement. When I ocassionally passed by, I'd see him, alone, totally engrossed, in the warm yellow glow of the desk light, bent over his workbench, folding the pages or sewing the spine. Now he is not here. He passed away 18 years ago. Thank you for your video presentation. (Frm NZ)

[@kitelinks]

I haven't been finding much joy in anything lately, but book binding, or at least thinking about it, until I can get enough stuff to start again, has. Watching your videos is bringing me joy, sir. Bless you!

[@industrialtumbleweed3849]

Great video! I’m a paper crafter and have lightly delved into junk journals and most of these tips will help me. Your work is beautiful, thank you for sharing your experience and skills.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nanakinsz]

That was AMAZEBALLS! Thank you! My fav two tips: End of the thread and closing the holes back up. Eye opening stuff!

[@paperkraftd1]

Totally agree!!

[@Fyreye]

I've seen you mention some of these tips in your longer build series but having them all together in a nice shorter form is super helpful!

[@user-gp4jb3op4g]

10:28 lmaooo i love how your videos are informative and fun at the same time!

[@bloochoob]

Fascinating and super helpful. I wouldn’t have ever thought of wetting to find paper grain

[@BallDestroyer3000]

Absolutely GOATED video. Much appreaciated man!

[@FiveTrackTape]

My favorite was running short on thread at the last hole. Masterfully handled sir. Your fingers are healing nicely too, yay!

[@simpleton_dc2149]

Yes!!! All the clamps. A Macintosh Color Classic works too...

[@CanalLass]

Videos like this take a lot of time and your dedication to sharing your skills is a lovely gift to all of us out here!

[@vintage6346]

Thank you for giving us this information and for doing it in such a kind way. I had wanted to take a book-making course when I was in college, but because I had to switch from a major in fine arts to a different major, I didn't get to take the book-making course. I suspect that what you have shown us is BETTER than what I would have learned at that college.

[@discohandgliding]

A few I already do, but there are a lot of tips I never even thought of, thank you for sharing

[@sarahcowan1489]

I so enjoyed your comment about the beauty of folding paper, in and of itself. I'm a tactile person also. Just measuring folding and cutting paper...sigh. Thank you for this video and your work is inspiring. The joy of materials, hands and quiet time...

[@carlpeberdy9086]

Excellent tips - and attractive filming and a nice voiceover as always - I always look forward to your videos.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks!

[@mags8014]

Fascinating video. I don’t do bookbinding but love watching and your needle/sewing tips help when I am doing “ordinary” sewing. Thank you!

[@negotiableaffections]

Thanks for taking the time to show these tips. Hopefully many frustrations avoided. That 'bunched up corner when folding' tip was a eureka moment, so obvious once seen and yet previously so illusive. I'm more of a woodworker, where grain is everything but it never occured to me that paper also has a grain, thanks again for the illumination.

[@carlafeeoryne3102]

I love your instructions and sense of humor! I too use some weights from my past workout days! Love your videos and your nice voice and I appreciate your clear diction!

[@louiselill1528]

I made my first book a couple of days ago, not perfect, but I'm proud of my self thank you for these amazing tips

[@charleyh.553]

I have used the tip for running out of thread when sewing before while doing cross stitches - it works when needed!

[@blueasphodel1]

I especially love the knot tip. Thank you for all of it!

[@deborahbarlow4309]

This is so helpful! The needle knot especially!

[@winniewu8581]

Thanks for sharing! I frown so hard when the hole is broken open when pulling the thread in wrong direction😂😂 such 'heart breaking' moment

[@sarasynfox]

No idea how I came across this, but I do a lot of hand sewing with linen thread. Wax is such a lifesaver, but I may see if that needle trick works for my sewing. No more needles falling off! And I so don't need another hobby, but I need to try this out now. I did book binding in school years ago and I've wanted to try again. Now I may have to!

[@noniefuss]

Those were all great tips. I will definitely put them into practice. I had never thought about going over the sewing holes to close them prior to glue up. Genius!

[@skluke4]

Pulling thread one is so helpful! I tear my paper all the time and didn't even know there is a way to prevent it. Thank you!

[@aicnerolf]

i've been binge watching bookbinding videos to get into the hobby and this one has been the most helpful so far! thanks

[@bryanwetherell3761]

It's a great hobby to get into! I've been doing it for over 3 years now.

[@anitadavidson1266]

I love your videos. They have everything I want - beauty, education, humour (where appropriate) and the fact that handmade books such as yours are an art form in themselves. Out of interest, do you make artist sketchbooks in this way, and/or watercolour 100% cotton paper books? If you don’t, I can assure you that artists appreciate beautiful things, along with the price tag that must be attached to a hand crafted item. I live in Scotland, and having watched your channel since you started it, it makes me wonder if there is a hidden traditional bookbinder in my own country. If there is, no doubt, like many of us, they will live in the middle of nowhere surrounded by sheep/cattle/deer and of course, mountains and heather, and I’d need OS map and some sturdy boots 😂 at least that is the image Scotland has in many eyes. It’s beautiful, and empty, but we do have roads, even if they are single track!! Many thanks for making these videos. I never miss one, but I tend not to write, but enjoy reading other comments and clicking like on both the video and the comments, so I guess I am doing my bit in helping the dreaded algorithm to notice you and allow you to grow your channel, giving pleasure to many more. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙌🏻

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I do try to find a balance in my videos between being eye-appeal and information, with a bit of my personality creeping in around the edges, for better or worse! And there is a very long history of bookbinding in Scotland to be certain; my big book press, which I have nicknamed Mr. Ritchie, was made in Edinburgh sometime in the mid-1800's. I haven't visited Scotland since maybe 2006 but when I come again I'll be on the lookout for other bookbinders for certain! Thanks again for sticking around and helping with all those likes!

[@anitadavidson1266]

@@FourKeysBookArts Now when I watch Mr Ritchie being put to work, I can feel some pride in his lineage! My daughter lives in, and loves Edinburgh, but I’m very much a country person. As I am apparently approaching decrepitude, she wants me to live in Edinburgh too - all those people and traffic!! I love to visit as culturally, it’s astounding, but actually live there? We will see…

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

🙏

[@thefunbot]

the last one with the glue drying was sweet!

[@yukoroyston7449]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge so generously! I appreciate so much!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are so welcome!

[@janilledutton139]

You're a fantastic teacher. Your tips are so helpful and practical. Thank you!

[@jbkhan1135]

Really useful info! My wife got me several books on bookmaking and the requisite supplies and so I'm starting out on my journey of making books. I'll keep these tips in mind while starting my first project! Thanks again and you've earned a subscriber!

[@carolburns8667]

That was really interesting thank you. Recognize the rubber finger tip used it for years counting cash. Love your channel👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇦

[@Leo-lz7ow]

This is such a sweet, helpful, and well made video. I will rewatch it not only for the tips but for the vibes. Thank you!! for both the knowledge and the peace

[@Nellabellabest]

Great tips. Thanks for making it easier for a beginner.

[@camilapierin9508]

Your voice is so relaxing, I was absolutely mesmerized

[@lisam9233]

Great tips! Thanks for taking the time to share them. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@rachelgoldbeck1995]

This video is amazing ❤ thank you for sharing your process and knowledge

[@user-oo5ry3tk5n]

Finger cot, I don’t know why I knew that but it popped up in my mind when I saw yours. I am always amazed at the trivia hidden in the brain.

[@richardsorge-]

Thank You, thank You , thank You. I'm just learning, and I find Your tuition immensely precious. It brings me back to when I was learning woodworking, and I learnt from more experienced people. If today I am a decent woodworker, and I can help others, It's because of them. The wheel turns. Thank You.

[@minerva5025]

Hi , so very happy I have found you , I am just starting so can use all tips I can get, today ,going to run my first test on a notebook for myself , I write everyday and journals are getting to expensive for me to buy so decided to make my own I like them big and with well over 600 pages so cant wait to try it out, thank you for sharing your knowledge, kind regards

[@tinychaos8848]

This video is amazing, thank you for sharing! Can't wait to see the beholder video

[@goldenboy5500]

I worked in printing for more than 20 years. Most printers don't do this in house because it's not practical. But I remember going to a place called Nickels Bindery owned by at the time a older couple that did this in there garage the signatures has been allready pre folded, but the art of putting these books was stunning to say the least it not as easy as it looks you have talented hands and do a beautiful job

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Great tip video. Thank you. I use that too short thread and needle trick sometimes with my leather work.

[@soloalpinist]

Superb video! Thanks for the the pointers!

[@tomparkinvlog]

Just discovered this wonderful channel. Thanks for uploading! Very keen to start, but for a long time thought it was too expensive/too much equipment involved. You've made bookbinding much more accessible and thank you for that.

[@lilythebassetpuppy]

I didnt even know what bookbinding was, until this video. Ive heard the word, but never knew what it meant. Its quite literal, isnt it? 😂❤Thank you

[@anggo2604]

Excellent tips!

[@Hania_L]

Oh how I like youtube's random suggestions :) Great tips and nicely edited video!

[@petalandpen]

Thank you for a great video. To the point, extremely helpful and great demo/footage! Looking forward to trying the needle trick!

[@cospittner3526]

Really great tips that I never would’ve thought of. Thank you for sharing - love the channel.

[@hawaiixia225]

Your videos are so great! I am so exited for learning a lot from your videos. Thank you for sharing so much useful tips and skills!

[@paulklee5790]

Could watch this kind of content for hours…. Thanks!

[@debcox7839]

Loved your video! Worth a watch!!! Helpful tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@HM909]

This is so helpful! Really great

[@asemicwriter]

Excellent video! I'm taking a book art class at my local University, and I have always loved books. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I make art books too, but use print-on-demand printing. But I am also interested in the history of books, since they are such an essential technology.

[@vinayakonimani7628]

Halfway watching the video, i asked myself atleast thrice- did i like this video and subscribe this great skilled guy? Great video.

[@user-rs6bi5rq1f]

Love this tutorial!!! Thank You

[@BachirKhalfaoui]

amazingly helpful, thank you

[@musondajoel1431]

very educative and composed video, stay blessed teacher. 💯

[@sergiovasconcellosocriativo]

Thank You, master! For dividing your experience and knowledge... Cheers..

[@fosterbeigler9454]

Thanks for the tips! I am a newbie checking out the various methods creating books via You Tube. I am envious of the two types of book presses you are using.

[@DASBookbinding]

Great tips!

[@WorldOfWonder66]

Thank you for sharing these tips

[@NicoSmets]

Very nice tips. Thank you for sharing.

[@KateT847]

Great tips and a wonderful sense of humor!

[@TheGingerNinjaJournals]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@l.nelson3093]

So many great tips thank you!🎉

[@ThePhanomas]

Great tips. Thank you

[@iwondery1725]

Some of these I'd never thought of - thank you! Thanks too for your humor. :)

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Wonderful work. You are blessed.

[@profshwetaanand6619]

Brilliant tips 👏 👏 👏

[@cantycanvas4150]

This is most helpful! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@paperkraftd1]

This is a fabulous video! Thank you so much.

[@Dariya77]

Very helpful video 😊 thanks

[@kreamailcom2146]

Great work ! Wonderful, il like it ! 😍

[@kathleenweedon1356]

Thank you for a very helpful video.

[@Ms_Ink]

Thank you so much for these incredibly helpful tips! This was an easy subscribe for me!

[@Hannashome]

Great video. Thanks

[@gandomd7350]

sooooooooo helpfull🥺🥺thinking that you give your experience from years of hardwork for free..ty so much ❤❤❤❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤❤❤❤

[@BIGACORN]

Great tips, this vid really helped me out on my project

[@ArteoMixedMediaArt]

Amazing video, amazing tips!!! GRAZIE!!! ♥️

[@penelopepennington3838]

I have just found your great channel, THANK YOU.

[@-johnny-deep-]

That was brilliant!

[@deniz7942]

Wonderful. Thanks for teaching. This video i like so much

[@celifur]

This is so helpful. I’m making all mistakes you’ve mentioned

[@vintopin]

nice work mate

[@lynette.]

Great tips

[@props2go2you83]

very informative thank you

[@daphneus69]

Mille mercis pour toutes ces astuces et conseils 😃👏👍

[@ABaumstumpf]

beeswax as a lubricant? In general it is more on the sticky side. For leather-working you use beeswax or some mixture of beeswax and resin to make the thread more sticky. The rough outside of twine catches on paper and there are many ways to make it glide more easily. Singing the outside (hard to do with thin cords), burnishing, or applying wax/oil. Reminds me off - i need to get some resin.

[@ngahinamcgrath7876]

This is so helpful. I wish I knew tou personally I have so many questions about bookbinding. Thanks anyhow.

[@afsdesign]

Obrigado por compartilhar seus conhecimentos, o resultado ficou incrível.

[@rebeccagroves5218]

Really useful tips! Thanks 😊

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You're so welcome, thank you!

[@Eli.K115]

👍very helpful video！

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Great and wonderful work. I envy you.

[@evahedstrom8789]

really interesting and many good tips for me, a beginner

[@katelovell625]

You are a very good teacher