Basic DIY Bookbinding Demonstration with Hot Glue Gun

[@ariannahernandez.]

please never delete your videos!!!!!! it helps so much ❤️

[@NeurospicyJenn]

I'm a little sad that they don't post anymore

[@NeurospicyJenn]

7 years after you posting this video and I'm here to learn! Thank you for creating this content!!

[@RachelRobinson44]

I learned book binding in art school. Used PVA glue. Never thought of the hot glue gun. So much faster.

[@toniosuccs]

This has to be the most straightforward book binding tutorial I've watched, thank you.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Tonio Apologist , I'm glad it was helpful. You are welcome. ~Andrew

[@dottielove8071]

OMG Andrew, you've just saved me a TON of work! I'm designing an 80 page book of poems for an artist using the evil diva InDesign. It'll be printed "for real" 100 copies--about $900!--but I need a few copies for an art opening in two days--eek! Just got back from the store with 3 brands of PVA glue, binding thread, beeswax. Sitting here agonizing about time I thought, "Hmmm, does anyone use hot glue?" All I can say is (DEEP sigh of relief!!) I learned a LOT from the comments also, and your replies. Too many KZbin tutorial makers just upload and abandon!

[@DIYBookbinding]

Glad I was able to help! I try to keep up with the comments as best I can. $900 for 100 copies seems a bit steep. Are you doing color pages or case bindings? I'd love to see a photo of your finished book. ~ Andrew

[@ClintonWBlackmore]

This was amazing. I've been studying up on how to make books for a few days, and haven't seen anything this simple! Man, I don't need hard covers -- this is perfect. Almost wish I hadn't ordered some PVA glue.

[@maissa1983]

Do you print the covers on an A4 or A3 pages and take off the excess

[@odycmboden3580]

@@maissa1983 its easier to make it bigger then trim it down

[@jackiegfeller]

You might just be my hero of the week~ I needed to do a recipe book for just a few family members and didn't want to spend a fortune~ Thanks!

[@DIYBookbinding]

You're welcome. I love that you are creating something to share with family!

[@Wehiremonkeys]

"If you find yourself having some small lumps or irregularities in your spine, you can use a hot iron." I'll remember that when I next get back pains...

[@bioblade]

good one

[@timothywyatt722]

InstaBlaster...

[@ared18t]

LoL

[@andrewfrankovic6821]

This was good. I myself haven't much finesse with hot glue so I do this with the PVA glue, using three coats. Also, when you get to that last step trimming the cover you do not want to make a mistake. Andrew did recommend a metal straight edge and said he was just eyeballing iT, but I would stress that is risky. After all you go thru there is no point in rushing the finish.

[@MKANDRESTINPEACE]

This is man Bookbinding style 101 . No BS stright to the point. 💪🔥👌

[@lachaniaj8739]

😊😂

[@WillN2Go1]

Thanks. Good tutorial. I've been doing this for a few years (but a bit sloppily). A couple of things I've learned along the way. A hot clothes iron can be used over the spine if you want to make the glue flatter or smoother. The cover separates the glue from the iron, but a few passes can scorch the paper or make it shiny. Teflon ironing sheets or the ones for the oven are very cheap and you can place them right against the glue on one side for ironing. The cut/trimmed edges-- paper cuts! I run some sand paper across the edges, let it 'fan' a bit. Takes no time at all. An emery board works (the orange side is about 280 grit). It doesn't take much and your sand paper lasts forever. Anything between 150 and 320 grit should do. I do this when I buy a box of file folders. (If you don't have sandpaper, just find some concrete, take the whole pile and just brush the edges in both directions. ) I also rough up the edge of the pages on the spine before hot gluing to give the paper more 'tooth' for the glue to grip the page. Once the pages are clamped criss crossing with a utility knife. If single pages ever come loose this should help on the next one you make.(This year I began using Tomoe River paper 52 g/m^3, very thin, very 'slippery', I used to just use 20 lb laser print paper which is easier to glue). And I just bought some Pad /Book Compound, but unless I find more information I think this is primarily used for note pads where you tear off one sheet at a time. I also bought some melt strips that are used for the hot glue binding machines. (This whole business is a bit of a scam. If you need to make 200 bound booklets all the same size with cheap plastic covers, great! anything else and DIY Bookbinding hot glue method gives you a lot more flexibility. ) Hot Glue gun glue I think is just a bit too thick. So I'll give one of these strips a try with a hot iron. ( I have a more costly hot glue gun that has temperature settings. If I do use it I think I'll crank the heat setting very high. Now I'm just thinking out loud.) Take none of this as 'expertise' just experience. I've made about 15 DIY Notebooks, most 100 sheets 20lb laser paper, and 200 and 75 sheets Tomoe River. But I still get the occasional loose page. Tomoe River is much lighter weight and thinner, it doesn't bleed (I use a fountain pen), but you can see a bit through the pages. I still write on both sides. Really good paper. For the covers I just use file folders (not at all archival). This is so I can tuck them into plastic pocket folders. These are the simplest ones, just two pockets. I have to trim about 1/4" off the inside of the pocket, otherwise the pockets bulge when I close them. If you do this, be careful, 90% of these folders won't work at all. There are zero better folders for this, no leather, or vinyl, nothing. (Every single 'cover' like this is for pads that are glued along the top.) Not one anywhere, (I think there is one in Australia, but it's about $100 and doesn't seem worth it). I've looked online, in Japan and in the UK. (Japan has the best office supplies and student materials on the planet. I don't think there's anything in the UK that isn't also in the U.S. If you see something really interesting on Amazon, but it comes from Japan-- meaning you wait a month for it and it costs more than it should? If the reviews aren't bad, just buy it. )

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thanks for sharing your process. There is always room for experimentation and improvement - which is one of the reasons I like binding my own books! ~Andrew

[@utubepunk]

Wow. That's a really thorough comment. Would you add or subtract anything from it since the 4 years years you posted it?

[@WillN2Go1]

Thanks for the compliment. I now drill or poke holes with a needle and sew the binding. Doesn't impede opening and keeps the pages from falling out. When I travel I always wind up with a small cheap note pad in my pocket. They start falling apart before I fill them up. My last trip I sewed the binding. They don't fall apart. @@utubepunk

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

Years later and this video is still very useful.

[@csldc]

You just saved me HUNDREDS of dollars. Thank you.

[@mattoni553]

Thank you very much for this video I used it to repair a used book which spine was broken. Peeled it off and glued it on again it worked perfectly!

[@bradpool127]

I looked at a few videos and I liked this one the best mainly because of you showing the scoring of the cover to make the folding easier and better finish. I mean if someone wanted to use PVA instead of the hot glue form of PVA there's nothing to stop them and overall I think I'll be using this technique when I bind my pages I printed from a PDF on my old sewing machine that didn't come with a manual. Thankyou so much!

[@DIYBookbinding]

You are welcome! I'm glad you liked the video. You are absolutely correct about switching glue to PVA. The primary reason for EVA is speed. I still use PVA regularly for the increased working time when I am only creating a single book. ~ Andrew

[@bradleypool4187]

DIY Bookbinding Yep I used PVA and so far so good. I'll know the results tomorrow but it's looking really good so far. 👍

[@bradleypool4187]

Turned out beautiful. Neat edges, tight spine everything holds together. Thanks bud.👍

[@xvidcap]

Thanks! This will save me about 80 bucks for binding my bachelor's thesis, which will be left to rot in the library anyways.

[@DIYBookbinding]

You're welcome. Congratulations on finishing your thesis! ~Andrew

[@naseemakpnaseema2783]

Adi Poli

[@dianeguerrero2574]

Sorry, i had to laugh. Is it still in the library? All the same congratulations.

[@showlottathings]

This is what I did. It ended up being cheaper to purchase my own laser printer, paper, and bookbinding supplies than to send it to a printer. Plus you learn something new!

[@ewigginton1]

Bachelor’s thesis? Is that a thing? Never had to do one in college in the 80s.

[@mensamoo]

Big like. Might have saved me a lot of money. One suggestion; I would use a plastic spatula to spread the glue as metal takes the heat out of it, and clean it straight away.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful. One of the reasons I stick with metal is because you can heat the spreader before you start (with a heat gun, small butane torch, or electric hot plate) and it will extend your working time with the glue. If you don't plan to do that, the plastic option is a good alternative. ~Andrew

[@richardwebb2348]

@@DIYBookbinding - worth mentioning in the video, as are several other of your helpful comments.

[@avigail5356]

We-r-memory keepers just came out with a new cinch hot binding machine, it works similarly, but costs… you need to buy the glue strips, and it is limited in size. I like your method better! I was thinking of using a thicker card stock, just as wide as the paper, and fabric for the spine, you just gave me so many ideas, thank you!

[@nursyahdzani1887]

Thank you. Thank. You. Please never stop making videos.

[@erikev]

Great! I did this and the result was solid. Printed front page; glued and lacquered it with acid free clear spray paint.

[@eevagirl]

Brilliant way to recycle old calendars, etc. Thanks so much!!

[@ajcobbs]

Nice job. I've done everything but glue binding. I'll try it soon. Thanx.

[@Outchange]

Thank you . Very useful. Will be using this process for my textbook.

[@WiseFlyAiDesign]

Very straight forward.. thank you for helping feel more confident befor my first bind

[@repanovicigabriela268]

Thanks for the video! It’s really helping if you have pages from books that are no longer glued

[@ontothetop]

WOW....Lord knows I needed to see this years ago. I'm making my own from this day forward. THANK YOUBonnie Burgess

[@DIYBookbinding]

Bonnie, you are welcome. I appreciate the kind words and am really glad you found this helpful. I have more videos in the works. If there is anything you'd like to see covered in the future, let me know! ~ Andrew

[@randolfdumbledore8635]

Love your videos and I am learning a lot here. i am a old man did not think i could do it. but you still can teach an old dog new tricks, LOL thanks again for the videos. i liked and joined your channel.

[@DIYBookbinding]

I appreciate the kind words and thank you for subscribing. There are so many cool things to learn out there (I love KZbin for that.) I'm glad this video was encouraging and hope future ones do the same. ~ Andrew

[@allenduncan2008]

Very nice. I haven't read the comments and see this was done a few years ago so you probably have had this suggestion before. Heat your putty knife and keep it warm somehow to make the spreading of the hot glue a little easier.

[@gpturner0924]

You could leave the flap on and glue on some velcro, a few snaps, or add an elastic cord and make it a sealing/locking notebook.

[@lyllydd]

One tip I would offer. It's worth it to get an Aleene's glue gun. It's dual temp so you can get a good flow, and it comes with a variety of tips includng a 'ribbon' nozzle that allows you to lay down a flat strip of glue. That would eliminate the need for the metal paint scraper. I've put a lot of mileage on mine over the years.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thanks for the recommendation. I hadn't come across the Aleene's product before. Surebonder also has a gun that uses interchangeable tips and offers a 'ribbon' tip as well - but the alternate nozzles are a separate purchase and run about $25 for the set. AdTech also makes an inexpensive gun that comes with a wide nozzle, but it's not built as sturdy as the Surebonder. ~Andrew

[@lyllydd]

I think my Aleene's was in the $20-25 range for the whole thing - glue gun, all the nozzles, silicone mat, variety of glue sticks, and case.

[@djsolomon]

thanks for suggesting the type of glue gun!!!

[@alinedeleandro123]

Thank you so much for this very helpful method of bookbinding. I'm drowning in bulky plastic ring-folders that take so much space or folders from which sheets o paper always fall out as I look for the page I want to refer to. Absolutely great! I think I can make a jig as well. Thx.

[@minitoast01]

This is really helpful ! I am scared of my teacher who does book binding and stuff because she always seems annoyed with me. This really helped me continue working on my project.

[@DIYBookbinding]

You're welcome. I'm glad the video helped.

[@EmanDeMoan]

Your teacher sounds like a douche

[@natalielambert4378]

How did you do with your project?

[@minitoast01]

@@natalielambert4378 It was meh. Teacher didn't really like it so I gave up xd

[@petrfiddle]

You can actually get that hand book binding machine pictured near the end for less than $1000 (Cad) online. ( I did and I'm a printer and use it for short runs up to 200 books) One quick point about the center fold is that the two centre creases should actually be a tiny bit narrower than the thickness of the book as it should be squeezed together for a tight fit.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Petr, I'd love to get my hands on one of those binding machines, but that's more cash than I am willing to spend (if anyone in the area of Birmingham, Alabama has one they will let me use - get in touch and let's make a video together!) I only do low volume projects myself. Anytime I have a project where I am printing larger runs, I focus my efforts on the design work and outsource the printing and binding. You make a good point about the creases on the cover. I usually line up my straight edge that guides the bone folder so the open side is on the spine edge. That causes the folder to ride a little bit inside the line when making the inner crease.

[@squatch545]

Hi Petr, I am in Canada. I have a few questions about book binding. Is there a way to contact you?

[@utubepunk]

Cool jig! Thanks for sharing!

[@bobbertbobby3975]

that jig you used...tons of improvement. to make it fully adjustible would be easy. and even have a brace to hold it for working it. making plans for it would be easy. so i might impove it for when i make one for myself. am wanting to start making books and skecthbooks and stuff. lol great video tho.

[@DIYBookbinding]

My goal when I made the jig was for it to be super simple to make. Since almost every book I make uses the same paper size (folded US letter-size paper), adjust-ability was not a major concern. I am working on a design for a new jig that is a bit more complex but will be more efficient and allow for a range of page sizes. Not sure when I'll have time to get that done - I'm backlogged with videos needing editing right now!

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Thanks. Where can I find the plans for your book binding jig you mentioned?

[@molliedove1]

Thank you so much for this, my husband is making me the Bookbinding Jig and I cant wait to get started.

[@DIYBookbinding]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful. Please share a picture of the jig once your husband finishes it and I'd also love to see your finished project too! ~Andrew

[@molliedove1]

My Jig is finished and now to make a test note book! I had to change the measurements slightly to fit an A4 folded, in Australia that is the standard size.I love all your videos they are so easy to follow. Where do you want me to post the pictures of both my Jig and project? Once again thank you so much Andrew

[@DIYBookbinding]

Mollie, I setup a user submission page over at my bookbinding website: www.diybookbinding.com/showcase-your-book/ I just recently setup the submission form, so please let me know if you have any problems with it. I'm really glad you like the videos. I have several more planned in the coming weeks and am working on a design for a slightly more elaborate binding machine that I hope to build in the next few months (and document - of course.) I can't wait to see your photos!

[@molliedove1]

Hi Andrew I have had problems submitting my Jig and Book. I get a Error: Post category required

[@molliedove1]

I am still unable to upload my Jig and first book still getting the same error

[@sskywisp191]

wow! am happy watching this video , hope this binding is strong

[@shimmeringlight4036]

Worked amazing well. Surprised by how great it turned out. Thanks for the clear and simple instructions!

[@2002budokan]

Don't fight with drying-time of the glue, and don't use a (cold) spreader.. After I put the glue on the spine, I put the cover on it and use an iron (obviously without vapor). Ironing evenly spread the glue. For perfect binding scratch the spine surface with a saw (don't cut it, just make micro fibers on the spine)

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thanks for sharing your process. I find that using a high-temp glue gun gives me enough working time to spread the glue without needing to apply additional heat. But, I've used the iron trick before myself. Roughening the spine to open up the paper fibers is part of the commercial binding process. When I do it, I use a course wood rasp. I've used course sandpaper as well, but that can sometimes leave grit on the paper. ~Andrew

[@marcelagomes]

This is a great idea to make little notebooks to sell :)

[@chrisknerr9455]

This was exactly what I needed. Demystifies the process. And exactly what I need to bind and customize review copies of my novel. Thank you!

[@sheiclackum5482]

Thanks greatly for sharing! I think I will use the excess to make a nice fold over closure instead off cutting it off.

[@DIYBookbinding]

You're welcome. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@Phobelia]

ahh I like that

[@tedcarlin8157]

Love It. With coronavirus I can't take the bookbinding class at community college. This is better ( I started the college one then had car trouble and couldn't finish).

[@cohall46]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@MariaRevArt]

This was a really well explained tutorial. Definitely feels doable.

[@english.boost25]

Thanks Andrew. I followed ur instructions and made a few books. They look great!

[@DIYBookbinding]

Abdul, I'm glad the video helped and I would love to see pictures of your books. ~Andrew

[@n.eliana3933]

Im definitely trying this, like to do my own sketchbooks for fun

[@michaellyne8773]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Andrew, this I found very interesting and useful, I might improvise on this and make a photo book, thank you again.

[@slima11]

Melhor tutorial do KZbin! Parabéns.

[@jordanlotus188]

Very grate! Can you please make similar jig for layflat binding type and show how to do it video. Thanks in advance!

[@elainegarcia4405]

Nice and practical technique. thanks for sharing. and by the way, that thing you called "spreader" is a scraper.. just sharing:)

[@solusihemat]

hi. im from indonesia. nice to watched your video... two thumbs up

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thank you!

[@michaellyne9601]

Thank you for your tutorial, I found it very interesting, and it has gave me an idea in making a photo album. Watched your tutorial loads of times and can't stop watching it lol.. Great work thank you.

[@squeeshygaming]

simple and straightforward

[@jude1515]

That looks nice and clean.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thank you! ~Andrew

[@MsCraftyWPB]

Cool!! Glad I found this! Thank you for sharing.

[@dddPetey]

I would like to see the end result more specifically You opening the book and see whether how sturdy it actually is after leafing through it 5-20 times.

[@DIYBookbinding]

I may do a dedicated 'stress test' video showing the overall strength of this binding along with some additional techniques designed to increase the durability (like roughening the spine.)

[@tonyaosier1678]

@@DIYBookbinding Yes please, new at this.

[@MaudeJulia]

Very useful tutorial with precise indications! Thanks

[@ras4884]

What I didn't like much about those thread stitched books are the threads showing in the middle every after a few pages. But it was really really durable. Now I'm watching this to see if this is worth to be a substitute.

[@natchifloro3033]

so I'm new to bookbinding and I find your videos very helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@DIYBookbinding]

I'm glad you like the videos. There are more on the way. If there is a specific topic you'd like me to cover, let me know.

[@raymacdonaldcreations505]

I'm interested in creating my own printed coloring books locally as a back up plan as well as selling downloadable pages online. I thought a book binding club would be cool for my small town. I'm sure there are other artists who might make their own coloring books or sketchbooks as well as authors, or whoever would like to learn this as a potential hobby or extra income.

[@backintheworkshop954]

Great video, clearly explained, this will be useful

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words. ~ Andrew

[@immortaldragon7735]

Wow great video, I was wondering how to make my own books and voila stumbled on you! Thank you! Very good video 😇

[@sanguboris3611]

I like your leather binding

[@Babyjohn8170]

Great video! ☺️👍

[@aadsideas]

Nice video. Polytetrafluoroethylene or teflon sheet on top of the paper may help in the reheating process without damaging the cover. Thanks. Shalom.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thanks! That's a great tip about the Teflon sheet. ~Andrew

[@foxtrotdesigns6051]

Clearly explained .. thanks. Your video gave me info that was missing from other videos on this topic.

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words and I am glad the video was helpful. Let me know if there is anything you'd like to see covered in more detail on a future video. ~Andrew

[@caiorabbi3001]

Sometimes I make books for a small editor I know, but I always did it with with glue and the process is slow and boring. I'll try this, I always wondered if it was possible.

[@tomvarley4344]

Thank you, great demonstration

[@CRMayerCo]

Nicely done, Andrew. 👍🏻

[@tara2494]

Great video! Very simple and to the point

[@chauphammatser3011]

Awesome! I have these tools at home!

[@mohdakirjokey7964]

Very good tutorial. Thank you

[@DIYBookbinding]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful. ~Andrew

[@thewatchers325]

I have a book of Enoch tge book ancient old falling apart thank you so much will make that surely I really love that book and this jig thing what you made , made me smile thank you again

[@Learner-t9r]

Very helpful! How would you rate the strength compared to stitching? I’m making a book of glossy pages. Would it still be OK to glue? I don’t want to stitch.

[@rollosinternet1853]

You could use the cover excess to make a pocket at the back.

[@KJ-zr2ko]

I want to staple my book spine together for better stability before I glue on the cover. Will this work?

[@egglyph]

Trying to learn me some book binding can't really figure at which point do I need a pelixglass cage in my basement? And what kind of mallet do I need?

[@abrahamgiliana]

good video. have you posted the video about building that jig yet? i cannot find it.

[@nieshamae]

Thanks this helps me not to buy a adhesive glue online. I can do this alone. 👍👍

[@thestoicsociety5961]

Really enjoyed the tutorial. And that sends my mind back at the Fourah Bay College Bindery Department.Thanks so much.

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

at step 9:15 you should be using a hot-air gun (paint remover) on low. Will work a charm. You can do away with the gun and use hot melt powder or pellets. 👀

[@michaelb5740]

This was really useful

[@glittergrandma]

Excellent video. Many thanks!

[@DIYBookbinding]

You are welcome! I'm glad it helped.

[@I967]

Excellent content, super useful. Thank you for making this video.

[@wagstaffphilip]

What paper or card size and weight did you use for the cover. The best book binding video. I really like the double crease.

[@antonioj.bungcagjr.6392]

What if you use a thermal binding strips instead of hot glue? How would you it ?

[@michaellyne9601]

Thank you Andrew, I enjoyed watching your tutorial and found it very useful indeed, thank you again for sharing you skill. Stay safe. Michael

[@bgdavenport]

Thank you! I have some book projects that need binding.

[@rainriderpnw6259]

Great job man !

[@FlipMacz]

Just phenomenal. HUGE Ty! Subscribed. On my way to find your jig directions.

[@luckylinda7777]

Just found your channel....thanks for the great info.

[@theredroadeast723]

Great vid. How much does the heavy duty hot glue gun cost?

[@Beanser]

Oh excellent tutorial, thank you for sharing!

[@DIYBookbinding]

You are welcome. I'm glad it was helpful. ~Andrew

[@miracle-relaxation.yeangeor]

Hi, I found this helpful. Can you make that bookbinding you use to bind books if I order from you? Because I am not skilled to do it and I need wooden boards which I have not as well. I need one. Thanks

[@kierrahines6010]

That was so good

[@pradeepmedhi3210]

I tried this. I get a problem that hot glue does not touch pages in the middle portion. Any tips to make glue touch all pages?

[@DIYBookbinding]

Using the metal spreader to press the glue into the paper usually takes care of that issue for me. You might try roughening the spine before gluing. Use a course wood file or rasp (sandpaper will also work) and go across the spine at an angle. This will break open the fibers of the paper and create more surface area for the glue to adhere to. You might also want to slightly loosen the press bar on the binding jig so the glue can get around the edges of the paper a little easier. I hope that helps. ~ Andrew

[@jennythomas3208]

Thanks so much for sharing. Much appreciated.

[@MichaelSmith-uf1cp]

Hi Andrew, Thanks for a great video..magic stuff very well presented..Michael

[@DIYBookbinding]

Michael Smith you are welcome. I'm working on a new one right now that I hope to finish next week.