Bookbinding Tools & Materials - beginner friendly

Here are the tools and materials I use to make a book! There is no correct or one way to make a book, but I hope this video can be a launching point to figure out what works for you.
Within the video I demonstrate how I cut a book block by hand and how I make glue on endbands.
Note: at 4:37 I forgot to mention that you can tape the edges of your pressing boards to prevent the book block from sticking
Tools used
✦ self-healing cutting mat
✦ bone folder (shop my vegan bone folders here: www.bittermelonbindery.com/sh...)
✦ utility knife - I use the OLFA knife
✦ metal ruler
✦ awl
✦ curved needles, AKA upholstery needles, mattress needles (get the right size for your thread, straight needles work too)
✦ rotary cutter
✦ scissors (one for paper, one for fabric)
✦ glue brushes
✦ homemade book press - • Bookbinding Studio Vlo...
Materials used
✦ Crawford Irish Waxed Linen Thread - 2 ply
✦ Archival quality pH neutral PVA glue
✦ 70 lb sketch paper for text block/book block
✦ 80 lb sketch paper for endpapers
✦ 30 ply 0.10" chipboard for covers
✦ 80 lb cardstock for spine stiffener
✦ homemade book cloth - tutorial: • How I make bookcloth f...
✦ grade 90 cheesecloth for super/mull (spine lining)
✦ unryu tissue paper for reinforcement
✦ endbands, AKA headband and tailband
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:33 bone folder
0:53 sketch paper
1:09 utility knife & metal ruler
1:36 awl
2:17 thread & needle
3:12 book press
3:52 PVA glue & glue brush
4:27 light duty awl
4:47 endpapers
5:05 cutting bookblock by hand
7:12 chipboard
7:25 bookcloth
7:35 spine stiffener & spacing
8:16 rotary cutter
8:41 spine lining
9:21 endbands
10:22 casing in
11:19 pressing
11:37 finished book
12:26 review
Other Bookbinding KZbin channels:
Sea Lemon - / sealemondiy
DAS Bookbinding - / dasbookbinding
Nik the Booksmith - / nikthebooksmith
Bookbinding blogs and resources:
paperiaarre - www.paperiaarre.com/blog?cate...
Paper Craft Panda - blog.papercraftpanda.com/
iBookBinding - www.ibookbinding.com/blog/
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FAQ
✦ Where can I buy bookbinding supplies? your local art supply store, Blick Art Materials (US), TALAS (US), Hollander's (US), DeSerres (CA), Etsy
✦ What adhesive are you using? Archival quality pH neutral PVA glue, there are multiple brands that sell this
✦ How do you make your book cloth? • How I make bookcloth f...
✦ Where did you get your...
guillotine cutter - amzn.to/3UFSnS9
book press (made it myself) - • Bookbinding Studio Vlo...
30 ply chipboard - Blick Art Materials
✦ What brand is your...
thread - Crawford Irish Waxed Linen Thread
corner rounder - Akiles Diamond-1
✦ What camera & lens do you use? Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX85 with MEIKE 25mm F/1.8 standard fixed focus lens
✦ Where is your music from? I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here: share.epidemicsound.com/asrshm
✦ What is your dog's name? Lucy 🐕
Produced on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Learn more: native-land.ca/

[@bittermelonbindery]

If you want a comprehensive guide on beginner bookbinding, my new book is coming out on December 5, 2023! Every preorder gets a bonus ebook with extra content. Go to my website for preorder links: www.bittermelonbindery.com

[@miriamyakubov9554]

Hi, I would like to know how to get these tools and there cost and also how much is you book?

[@Jah_LEASE_yah]

Another tip from an amateur book binder, if you want a book that lays flat, the kettle stitch and coptic stitch are the best binding methods, and mod podge is my favorite glue for the spine. It dries quickly and very flexible but sturdy so that spine fully folds when you open the book but won't break or fall apart.

[@dillaarts2]

Thank u 💙

[@lightyagami1634.]

Can I use them as a beginner in 2024?

[@Jah_LEASE_yah]

@@lightyagami1634. the stitch methods? Absolutely. Sea Lemon is another KZbin bookbinder who does really easy to follow tutorials.

[@Jah_LEASE_yah]

@studioboswelliaThere are a bunch of different kinds of Mod Podge. Mod Podge paper I know for sure is acid free, (it's glue, not actual paper, it's called that because it's for paper), but I can't speak for the rest of the different Mod Podges. I almost always use Mod Podge Matte which I don't think is acid free, but my whole thing is that the point of acid free anything, like acid free paper and acid free glue is that it doesn't yellow over time. But the glue used in casebound books is not visible. Its only applied places that won't be visible when the project is complete, so it really doesn't matter if it yellows. Thats my opinion anyway. Some others might disagree but if acid free glue is important to you then your best bet is Lineco Neutral PH adhesive PVA glue. Its book binders' favorite glue for every part of their projects.

[@bittermelonbindery]

@@Jah_LEASE_yah Acid in glue and materials will not only yellow, it can transfer and will break down the material over time (in 50+ years). So if you're not concerned about longevity, white glue not labelled acid-free, pH neutral, or archival quality is OK for practice.

[@idlewildwind]

Awesome tutorial! Tip for others: If you can find pieces of wallpaper somehow, those make great cover material instead of bookcloth! They're sturdy and resistant to last for decades on walls. (I've walked into several paint shops and asked if they have any samples of retiring wallpaper that they were planning to throw away, and have obtained a variety that way!)

[@asmrmaroxa]

great idea! so they give them to you for free?

[@idlewildwind]

@@asmrmaroxa Yeah, if they have some! Many times I've asked they didn't though, so it's a gamble ;)

[@asmrmaroxa]

@@idlewildwind ok thanks!

[@tiredfrog308]

This is a great idea, thank you! 😊

[@chanellepeoples6190]

That's a great idea! Wallpaper designs are so beautiful as well

[@jessicawicher]

Absolutely clear without unnecessary chatter. I really appreciate it, and learned a couple of new things. Thanks!

[@stepgingerly6056]

A cost-saving tip for any adults who want to bind books with kids... Unflavored basic wax dental floss works really well for sewing signatures. (My students hand-bind their 7th grade memoirs every year.)😊

[@kitterzy]

My only tip is for your use of your rotary cutter. They’re designed ergonomically to be pushed forward to cut. I’ve been quilting for decades, so when I started out I tried to use one like you. Didn’t work well in the long run. If you have hand fatigue or use a rotary cutter a lot, try push cutting forward. Works great for paper too. Just have to be careful to use separate blades for fabric and paper (zapper dulls rotary blades fast).

[@daveturnbull7221]

All in all a very nice demonstration of a minimial bookbinding kit Chanel. The biggest problem I had when starting was trimming the block and yes, I ruined a few just like you, but I persevered with it and now only rarely have to start again. I'm only a hobby binder though and can't justify the expense of a guillotine. My tip would be to put some greaseproof paper between the bookblock and boards when gluing up the spine. It stops the boards getting stuck to the block and the risk of damage when trying to remove them.

[@ArielBissett]

What a gorgeous video.

[@BlueDudette]

I just found your channel and love it, I worked for years in a commercial bindery when I was young and have such fond memories. We had giant machines etc for most of the tasks but the results were the same. It was a lot of fun to create or rebind books. I still think about it 30+years later.

[@asheirahs_nook]

A tool I've come to love is my punching cradle in tandem with handmade punching molds. It saves you so much time if you need to punch a lot of signatures of the same size ❤️ you can easily diy one out of greyboard or wood you have lying about 👌

[@Pandamomentum]

I really like the endbands made with the same fabric as the bookcloth! A very cohesive look

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Awesome tutorial. So simple and aesthetically pleasing too. Now I can make my own types of covers. Thank you.

[@DyanWandi]

Your tutorial is very clear and meticulously done. So calming and I enjoy watching it. Thank you 🤗

[@user-gt3pd5li3h]

Thank you for sharing and giving the specific materials that you use. Some other tutorials just say things like "thicker paper" but you give us the specifics! Thank you!

[@taosartbooks]

Beautiful tutorial; and great reference for anyone wanting to explore this art form. Well done.

[@janelane505]

I Love how clean and comprehensive your vids are. Very helpful!! I'm learning a lot. Thank you for making them 😊

[@ellesaurus]

I've been watching you for quite a while now (first, because the bookbinding sounds are incredibly soothing, then because I got fascinated by the craft), and I finally dared to think about starting the hobby myself. This video was incredibly helpful because I got rather overwhelmed by the amount of information out there on the internet, so this helped me build a list of the first few tools and items I'd need. So, a huge thank you!!

[@ALangston35]

Thank you so much! This was an excellent video for a beginner. i'm looking to get into this as a hobby myself and can't afford to spend a ton of money on it. Excellent work! This seems like such a calming hobby.

[@Kdmud]

Love this instructional video! Thank you Channel, this really helped me with some of the steps I wasn’t too clear about. Plus, your book was so beautiful 😻🌟👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@bittermelonbindery]

sweet, glad it helped! I'm working on more of these books for the next shop update 😊

[@Kdmud]

@@bittermelonbindery so glad to hear that! I keep missing out on your gorgeous journals, because the ones that I want, sell out so fast😳 But, I’ll keep trying 🥰 Thanks so much for putting out such beautiful videos and products!!!!

[@gabrielhound]

I don't think this is the hobby for me but watching this video was so nice and relaxing. Your work is fantastic!

[@bu3asalli]

The book looks phenomenal. Great tutorial!

[@zachariahboss]

This is really helpful! Your videos are always so calming and pleasant, they really help me wind down in the evening

[@user-jn1cn5fg9w]

Your tutorial is very clear and meticulously done. So calming and I enjoy watching it. Thank you

[@catsonnets]

This was so helpful! I’m just getting into bookbinding and this video was so well explained and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@sherylvalentiner6115]

Thank you for the very thorough, easy to follow instructions. 💜

[@Seyir_Kanali]

The respect for the tools is impressive.

[@mplcreative]

You did such a good job with this video. It's easy to understand and has good details.

[@mechsistah2395]

The book press you made is a great idea, thanks for sharing that!

[@christineewing3492]

Lovely watching you do this. Your shop website is very impressive, too.

[@InevitableUniverse]

This was so therapeutic and relaxing to watch 🥰 I want to start bookbinding too, and this was excellent information. Thank you!

[@jennifersmith9420]

This is so amazing and you did such a beautiful job❣️Thank You for sharing with us❣️

[@syedalishanzaidi1]

Beautiful tutorial. I am going to resume after a long gap, just to book bind hard copies of my books to give printers and publishers to print in bulk. Many thanks. ❤

[@bryandonahue8302]

Thank you for the lovely tutorial, a recommendation I would make is to try and stick with etched steel rulers. The etched marks make it much easier to register to a specific measurement, and even softer metal rulers (like aluminum) and be cut/nicked fairly easily.

[@JojosCraftyLove]

Cutting book block by hand.... knowing me, my left hand with the ruler would slip and I would stuff up the entire block. lol! Thank you for such a wonderful video! It looks like a lot of fun! :)

[@lindaharris2607]

WOW--and thank you for a wonderful video with such relaxing music! Brilliantly made tutorial!

[@familydog2218]

This video came at exactly the right time. I was just watching your other videos and trying to figure out what to get to start!

[@linl344]

What a beautiful job! I am hoping to try book binding ... I can see I will need lots of care and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing your skilled work ❤

[@bbg5000]

This was a great video. Informative, inspiring, relaxing. Now I feel like binding books. Thank you!

[@piotrszymczak5772]

A beautifully done tutorial, thank you so much.

[@captainciz]

Your craft and videography is beautiful. Well done!

[@agalyaganesh4209]

Good work as usual.I love your style of books.It has inspired me to make such beautiful books 😍

[@yasmeenalrumaidh339]

One of the best tutorial videos I have ever seen. Thanks a lot!

[@tiredfrog308]

Thank you so much for this video! I reply appreciate your clear, concise explanations. Also, your voice is so relaxing and you edited this beautifully. I intend to make a sketch book and fill it with art for my mother. It will be my first time bookbinding so I’m a little nervous, but I love how personal it is. My mum has always appreciated handmade gifts, and with her fourth round of chemo taking place just before Christmas, it’ll be nice to present her with a gift made with love. Thank you helping me make this a reality! 🥰

[@sarahlawrence599]

this is a really lovely gift idea that warmed my heart to read about. handmade gifts really do mean so much. praying for your mother.

[@carlbernard7615]

Read Deejay D's comment at the top about acidic products if you're planning on doing this, some great advice specifically for people in your situation.

[@plants53]

It turned out beautiul. Love your video, precise, not too much chatter. Thank you

[@ayadaya_dah6433]

Esto es muy probablemente el mejor vídeo que he visto en la semana, dayani de futuro, cuando veas esto, recuerda como te sentiste, esto fue reconfortante, fue hermoso volver a valorar las preciadas cosas y técnicas que son hacerlas a mano, quiero intentarlo, el mejor video sobre encuadernación, realmente impresionante y tan bonito.

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗🤗appreciate your tutorials and this one is simply wonderful. Your books are a piece of art to greatly enjoy.💞💞💞

[@katiehanrahan5293]

A wonderful and clear video. Thank you!

[@user-tx7gs4wd6m]

Thank you very much. I suffered from this matter and threw many bad notebooks that I made because I have little experience, but this video helped me a lot in reaching the wonderful result

[@kalirossi920]

Love! The book came out so nice ☺️💕

[@madnessintomagic]

Thank you for this. Well done and beautifully clear.

[@myaespaara]

Super satisfying video🫶☺️

[@giulias.5104]

Nice choice of music (and lovely explained and very useful explanation, thank you!)! 💖

[@TissavandeWege]

I love how you explained everything and I wil try your method. Thanks for the video.

[@EnuelZ]

One of the best videos of Bookbinding I ever see.

[@hiddenwaves4772]

Perfect explanation. Thank you so much!

[@peterobazuaye1991]

BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION, NICE JOB.

[@Khalia333]

Wonderful tutorial! Thank you!

[@helenaveloso2808]

amazing, simple and distressing, thank you so much

[@_missingtornado]

This is so relaxing and, at the same time, so interesting!

[@marlonkigera]

Thank you for the well made, detailed tutorial 💯

[@cynthiavickers8099]

Wonderful video! Just what I've been looking for. Thank you sooooo much. Also, your work is beautiful. Cheers!

[@dbdcrafts6542]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[@liatuchka]

One of the best tutorials, thanks

[@patriciarodilesguzman5576]

Gracias... Muy bonita explicación....y muy profesional su trabajo ... Felicidades..! 👏👏👏

[@rvvanlife]

Thank you so much for sharing your gift and skills

[@1221Midori]

Watercolor sketchbooks are usually really expensive in Brazil, so thank you for your video. I'll definitely do one at home.

[@debclark7839]

That is lovely! Thank you for sharing your tips!

[@YahwehsSetApartArt]

You’re reallyyyy nice for sharing this! I look forward to watching more of your videos soon and possibly supporting you with the product(s) you make. Todah rabah! (Thank you a lot) Deborah🍯🐝

[@rowan8133]

This tutorial/showcase of materials has been so helpful! It definitely reduced my anxiety to start bookbinding ^^

[@photom3]

Very well done. Adding this to my tools.

[@xioa9026]

I love your video, so useful and so calming too. thank you

[@graceepstein3113]

Thank you Chanel - if I could make a book even 10% as well as you I would be happy. You are so patient, honest, skilled, neat and precise...yowsers!

[@artxlife7236]

Love this video! You can create feathered edges that blend out seamlessly on the tissue paper by using the ruler and a simple wet line to tear the paper instead of cutting it ❤

[@lauraweiss7875]

Wow! I’ve been struggling with the concept of having to spend $200-300 on a heavy duty guillotine. Thanks to you video, I can have clean edges on my text blocks while I save up for that purchase!

[@RadeonArch2437]

God bless you, Thanks for saving the hand made works and sharing it.

[@kurenaiuzumaki1584]

i've been waiting for this. thanks so much!!!!!!

[@moonxie]

What a lovely tutorial,thank you so much for this. 🙏✨

[@toolkatlofi]

even your voice is relaxing. Sometimes I'm just listening to your videos while binding my own books :)

[@BexMcInulty]

I've been binding books for a couple of years now and I have a neat little hack: stick some wide packingtape around the edges of your bookpress. you do not need the chipboard when you glue the textblock. the glue gets onto the tape and the textblock doesn't really get stuck to anything. you can remove the tape after a couple of uses, or peel the glue off when it's all dry Personally I also mix my glue with water depending on what i am gluing different consistencies are better. you have to be careful though or find a way to deal with the extra moisture. for the space between the spine and the coverboards I found that no matter what i used 9mm was somehow always perfect (and if you add 1/4 inch to the height of your covers it gives you and even overlap on all sides). it also took me some time to figure out. but instead of redoing the cover i simply cut my textblock smaller because my covers were usually too short.

[@chrismechery]

Thanks for sharing this tutorial! It was really helpful 😊

[@davidjmaggs]

Thank you for the great video, it is a great introduction to book binding.

[@isabelsocarras8421]

Muy buen trabajo. Y muy útil. Enhorabuena! Saludos desde Panamá

[@jaime922]

Wow I think your videos are amazing and your instructions are perfect! They really do help you understand the process. I think I prefer your videos with audio (talking). Keep up the great work! 😊

[@Barb.u]

This was amazing! Thank you so much 😊

[@themacroqueen289]

Thank you ever so much! This video was both helpful and inspiring. 💕

[@MarAswang]

Buen trabajo, gracias por mostrarlo.

[@danielgrigoriu8563]

Thank you very much. It's nice to learn new things. All the best. 😃

[@syedalishanzaidi1]

Excellent. I watched your video at 70% speed to have more time to follow what you were saying and doing. But when you came to stitching the signatures together, I would have liked you to stop and explain each stitch slowly from one end of the book to the other. That was the most important and difficult part to follow.

[@jlmendez1983]

Remarkable!!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thank you for this video

[@elioneloredo3063]

Lindo e perfeito trabalho. Obrigada por compartilhar. Moro no Sul do Brasil. Abraços... 👏👏👏💓😘

[@juanalfonsoortizdiaz2967]

Thanks. These is the video I was waiting for!!!

[@giacintasinibaldi4884]

Thank you Chanel to share

[@mandybeeler5431]

Thank you for this wonderful video, especially the part where you console all those that try to cut the bookblock... In my case, the bookblock looked as if chopped off with a blunt axe 🙈 and, as you mentioned got smaller and smaller the more I tried. I'm looking forward to more of your videos❤

[@chillkalangtv]

What a very satisfying video 🥰👏

[@douniaknowledge7373]

Excellent explanation thank you so much I am so grateful ❤❤❤

[@WoodlandInspired]

Hi Chanel🌸 Enjoyed your video, you do beautiful work! Thanks for sharing💜

[@gambarimas]

Beautiful ! I love books with hard cover. Now I know I can make mine at home, thank you. Subscribed.

[@sassimom1mom895]

BEAUTIFUL! I want to do this for my oldest son & his new fiance' for a wedding album of photos of them that they have through the years!

[@normalopez8470]

Excelente manera de encuadernar, muy ordena y precisa, me gusto el tip de usar papel para acuarela 👍🏻

[@benjaminsart9195]

I love this tutorial... This video help me a lot.