Bookbinding Basics: Chapter 2 - Basic Materials & How To Make Your First Notebook

Hi everyone! In this short series I will be presenting some of the foundational skills and knowledge I've learned while on my own bookbinding journey. In this second part I will discuss the basic materials needed to get started bookbinding, and at the end I'll show you how to bind your first simple book!
If you'd like to skip right to the tutorial go here: 10:20
I hope you enjoy the video! If you do, please consider subscribing to the channel for more bookbinding content in the future.
Cheers!
Dennis
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[@bubblepop3063]

I wish all youtube tutorials were this thorough. No assumed knowledge at all. I appreciated the time taken to explain what the numbers associated with your materials can mean for the end product

[@Erictopus]

Man. I just made my first book. Literally just cut the last edge of the thing. A thank you for the knowledge from Brazil! :)

[@c.kainoabugado7935]

Congrats 🎉

[@lalaraluz]

Finalmente achei mais um brasileiro que tenha esse hobbie!! 😁

[@radniksatrake3793]

you are the best. I am thanking you from all my heart. At last, I can find peace in work and leave my iPhone turned off for the whole day. I am really enjoying it, like a real love it cannot be explained.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

No need to explain. I know that feeling.

[@radniksatrake3793]

@@FourKeysBookArtsthank you, hope many will find joy in crafting like i did. Videos are the best!

[@mrnnhnz]

I love this channel. The bookbinding info is great, of course, but it's not even that (mainly,) it's the wholesome vibe he gives it 🙂

[@omkprintables]

this is by far the most useful. straight forward bookbinding tutorial ever! thank you so much, I was just about to quit my bookbinding dream after watching a few overly-complicated video tutorials, I feel much more confident to try now! thank you thank you

[@fateetee]

Im so happy right now I never thought making a book would be this easy! Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial ❤

[@moonpiemoonpie]

I’m so excited. This is m’y most anticipated hobby!!!💕💕💕

[@premierceramiccoating]

Thank you for your endorsement of the metric system! In the metric system, you don't need to have arcane knowledge about paper weights, and you don't need an "entire video" to explain it. In fact, if you stop this video at 3:00 (red Staples label) you can see how it works. Right next to the "20lb" you can see the metric weight: 75 g/m² - no matter what kind of paper you have in front of you. It's easy to go for paper a bit more substantial, just go with 100 g/m². Different paper type but same weight? Still 100 g/m². Incidentally, you might want to take a look at A format paper (A4, A3 etc.) while you are at it. Its size is not as arbitrary as it seems: First of all, every A format is half the size of its predecessor, so A4 is half of A3. A0 has a size of exactly 1 m². In fact, every format Ax has a size of (2 raised to the power of -x), in m². Second, and more importantly for practical applications: Every A sheet has a ratio of 1:sqr(2). From that is follows that you can half any A format sheet and get exactly two sheets of the following size. So one A4 would make two A5. For book binding, you can get an A3 sheet, fold it over, and it would be exactly A4. It's the metric SYSTEM, not an arbitrary bunch of numbers you have to learn by rote.

[@korosheht5446]

Thank you man youre a life saver I really didn't want to waste the left overs from large papers a bought in bulk and now i can make small sketchbooks from them

[@susanjacquier5358]

I've been making notebooks for years as a hobby...but never have learned So much in such a short time watching this video.

[@sirghostt]

i really appreciate how in both parts you give alternatives you may already have in your house! i want to try out binding but don’t wanna buy too many materials all at once. thank you!

[@KyraK2156]

These videos are equally calming and educational. Thank you!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you are liking them, thanks!

[@caspenbee]

Your directions are very clear and your workspace makes for beautiful video. Thank you so much for making this excellent series available to us for free!!

[@j.s.matlock1456]

Thank you for an interesting and informative video. From the time I was a small child, I've been fascinated with books. Not just an avid reader, I am enthralled with how they are made. Writing, printing, and binding, it's like some arcane magic creating portals into someone else's mind and experiences.

[@billreinhold7579]

These videos demonstrate both a high quality of video production AND great information about bookbinding. Superb production!

[@biblio_mama]

Thank you for making beginning bookbinding accessible and attainable.

[@andrewfrauenpreis5129]

I wish I could like your video more than once, thank you for introducing me to my new favorite hobby!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@AshleyMintz]

Thank you so much for explaining everything, especially the differences in papers. It means a lot when it comes to choosing and taking the time to explain it is greatly appreciated!

[@calvb8349]

Working through these videos one by one, they are excellent! Thank you.

[@maltezachariassen7496]

This has quickly become my comfort channel! Thank you for the wonderful content!

[@paulinemegson8519]

Oh yes!!! I love your videos my friend(I hope you don’t mind the familiarity) They’re grounding and settling and tbh very pretty to look at and pleasant to listen to with a little bit of gentle humour to make me laugh. Thank you so much for taking the time to create these……the tutorial is pretty great too ;) I have made a few tiny books( a couple of cms long) but made with makeshift materials, with cardboard and paper covers(no book cloth) and a few mistakes (like end papers that weren’t quite large enough….ooops) and I’ve always wanted to try it again with a pretty leather binding like your tiny book tute, but I keep getting sidetracked.

[@brianlegg6009]

Simple, practical, drama free instruction. I'm going to use these techniques to repair a 1937 antique 2 volume Mandolin Playing course that's falling apart. Great video. Thank you.

[@justmango_]

Been looking forward to part two ever since the first one released! Really enjoying this series, it's very clear, super informative, and easy to follow! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@arzadu1138]

I'm thinking about getting into book (re)binding, and the Princess Bride clip absolutely sold me on this series. Thank you for this!

[@SueGotCreative.]

Thanks for another great video, and for the explanation on paper weight!

[@liesl3904]

This is the first time I’ve really understood paper weights! I appreciate how thorough your tutorials are, including the reasons for doing things a certain way, the tips for getting results without too many special materials, and your Canadian accent. Feels like being taught by a family member. Thank you for your hard work to share your love of bookbinding.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Happy to help!

[@ultraviolet13881]

Just found your channel and I love it! Being of a certain age, the beautiful, aged wood and tools bring back memories of my grandfather's workbench and using natural materials, etc. I have been making journals (three-stitch pamphlets) for a few years, but now maybe I'll make a book I've never tried before! Thank you for all the wonderful tips and the detail that you give.

[@RoyLopez-w9m]

I love how easy your instructions are to follow! I haven't gotten into actually making any yet but i very much look forward to it. Can't wait for the next in the series!

[@jcortese3300]

Your videos are always a joy -- thank you so much for uploading. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series!

[@th31r0nhand9]

I'm going to give this a shot as soon as I can. Thanks for the video!

[@thiccvicx]

I did an internship in a Museum's bookbindery years ago but needed a refresher course, these videos are perfect. A couple days ago me and my partner made some notebooks following your guide. They turned out beatifully and were a very satisfying creative project. I do all kinds of making (sewing, fixing bikes, woodwork) but getting back into paper was really nice. I love the fact you need only very basic tools to make such nice things. Thanks for all the great videos, Im excited for a part 4!

[@WalburgisLuppus]

Thank you this is so well done. I will share with my daughter who is also interested in bookbinding.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Great video. I can't wait to try this. Hope you are well.

[@scottk6778]

Your explanation are great, particularly with the paper weight confusion. There is a similar issue with thickness of leather, also measured archaically. Thanks for what you do.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

We envy your wonderful, amazing work.👍.

[@subtropical1228]

I found your channel a couple of months ago and have been so inspired. I was just about to embark on my first bookbinding project and then I saw that you uploaded this! Could not have come at a more perfect time!

[@MrPunctual]

Just finished my first notebook and it looks great. Thank you so much for making these types of video. It is easy to understand and easy to follow. I'll be watching more of your video to see how i can make bigger and better books

[@dlrigter1035]

Very nice. I like the grain test. ❤

[@Doxymeister]

I'm loving this. I've loved reading since early childhood, it transports you to worlds you might never otherwise visit. More specifically, I love physical books. My grown children ask me why I don't use my online Google reader or Kindle, and the answer is...they're fine, but there's just not the satisfaction of holding an actual physical book. So when I started seeing "how to" channels on YT on how to make books, I was immediately drawn to them. I hope I'm able to instill the love of books in my grandchildren. Thank you for making these!

[@daveturnbull7221]

A long time ago I read an article that said one of the reasons too much time in front of the TV was bad for us is that it is the wrong type of light. It (and any computer/phone screen) gives out transmitted light which is of a much higher intensity than the reflected light our eyes evolved to handle. I've no idea if it is true or not but I like the sound of it and is yet another reason I also stick to nice books I can hold in my hands.

[@abdulbasit911]

I have just made my first bookbinding by just watching your video. That was really a fun. And I am happy with result. My wife also liked the notebook and now she owns it. 😊

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Fantastic! Congrats to you both!

[@Flatability]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I found it fascinating, and might actually try making a notebook myself.

[@StellasScrappyCrafts]

Great video. Thanks for explaining the grain. (Australia)

[@docschro6847]

This really made a lot of things more simplified for my currently binding projects

[@MattsDT]

I've made several books since I've seen your first videos in like, a year and a half ago. I didn't know about the paper grain til now. Thank you very much for your contribution to my life

[@prospermosesekweny8009]

Wow thank you so much for sharing this fantastic idea am so motivated and influenced to do the same 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mags8014]

Thank you another fascinating video. Watching you work is so interesting and you explain everything so clearly.

[@TheLadyFenrir]

Thank you, I can't believe I went though a whole art minor without understanding the difference between paper weight and gsm

[@DungeonBricks]

Super informative and fun! Thanks so much for this series

[@nile_uy]

Thank you so much for this

[@zemarquitos]

thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart!

[@SeanStClair-cr9jl]

Gorgeous video! Makes me happy to think some people will try this out and make their first book.

[@hyrumdobosz8939]

Excellent video. I love your work.

[@cakeghoul]

A trick I've found out with paper grain, if you hold the paper up to the light, sometimes you can see which way the grain is facing. It wont work for all papers though, probably only thin ones.

[@hpyle5592]

Wow, I've been an amateur artist for decades and I never knew about that discrepancy between how weights are measured btwn art and printer papers. Thanks for a great video.

[@angelgirl1895]

Thank you for doing this! I've wanted to make them for so long and am excited for your next videos!

[@lollyhamilton1710]

I am really enjoying this series. Thank you Dennis.

[@suzanne1797]

The first book I ever made was a little journal for a gift. It came in a kit and was very easy. Years later, barely remembering that journal, I found an art journaler video showing how to make a bigger art journal with several signatures, using heavy watercolor paper and a canvas cover. I fell into the project and it killed my hands after working. on it all night. But it was one of the most cathartic and satisfying things for me at that time where I was going through a lot. I absolutely love making books, though most of mine would be more-so considered junk journals thrown together out of the need of creation, rather than taking time to make them exact. I had forgotten, since then how to properly sew the signatures, and learned some other really awesome tips in this video. Thank you! Yours are worlds above my little creations of madness, I love watching you work and drool over some of your machines. :)

[@the_real_shoes]

I'm so incredibly grateful that I found this channel. I have followed this tutorial and now have a notebook that I made with my own 2 hands! I'm hooked. Can't wait for more in this series

[@CL-kn1rq]

Moving dangerously into junk journal territory with that 3 hole pamphlet stitch 😂 but you're still the only crafter that knows how to make a weaver's knot, on YT. Thank you for the video and great tips thanks

[@HickLif3]

You're like the thisoldtony of book binding. I love it. It's interesting how many tools and methods are similar with leather work also

[@colinsands3809]

We love you Dennis

[@missamo80]

Thank you for the awesome video series. I put together my first little book last night and it was so easy thanks to this tutorial. Amazing!

[@steevemartial4084]

This series is well thought out. I'm excited for the next one. I want to try it myself

[@mareecuree]

watching this to make a notebook project. wish me luck! and thank you for this thorough instructional video.

[@onemoregarden]

Best video on beginning book making ever!!!!!

[@katiemeeker-ti1iv]

Thank you so much for this video! You make everything extremely clear and I appreciate how you present alternatives to buying more materials. Very beginner friendly :)))))

[@DigitalMoonlight]

I like HP Premium 32 paper for home made booklets and letters, it's both inexpensive and fountain pen friendly.

[@jay_cadiramen]

Fantastic, incredibly clear tutorial. Thanks!

[@mialinguia]

Thank you 🫶🏾

[@mobilematthew]

In place of a bone folder I'm using the smooth handle of a cheap mortar and pestle that I got at Hobby Lobby ages ago

[@sussiemikkelsen1764]

Thank you for the Basics Series 🙏

[@JackFright]

Thanks, Dennis! This is another great video. Looking forward to the next one!

[@joey6694]

Thank you for the tutorial!

[@XyerDark]

Very helpful as always.

[@esben181]

Im super excited for the next episode already

[@Aloha-w6r]

Thanks from India 🇮🇳

[@vulpinemachine]

I'm so thankful for this channel.

[@МарянаЗакордонець]

Now after such a detailed and informative video I MUST make my first book 😅 Thanks, that was great

[@meshkol]

Just made my first notebook with this. This was fantastic, thank you for your wonderful and calming explanation of this craft that’s easily followed by beginners! Now to figure out how to do multiple-subject notebooks, with coloured papers splitting the sections. Haven’t seen anyone do that before and I really want to play around with it, since those are really helpful for schooling and work. Probably just glue them in like normal endpapers but I wonder if a single fold can be sown in without tearing. Interested to see how it works.

[@Brigantenz]

Excellent video tutorials. Easy to follow, clearly explained and keep your interest. A lot of university teachers could learn from Denis.

[@thinktank8286]

Fantastic videos! Jokes are good too :) Thank you for your work!

[@NomadMakes]

Thanks for another great, informative, relaxing, entertaining and inspiring video Dennis. Cheers.

[@carolinelabbott2451]

Thank you for the weight and grain explanation. Helped a lot. I just tested the tinted 80gsm A4 paper with the cutting method. I've scribbled on it the grain information, so that explains why my first printed book ended up looking the way it did. Oopsie on the grain not being parallel to the spine. Oh well, its a good learning experience for me. 😁

[@carolinelabbott2451]

I bought some A3 sketch pads and tested the grain direction first. I can finally reprint and bind the PDF book. I have to dye the paper but the test paper went well for taking the dye. 😊

[@ianweetman7819]

Beautifully filmed as always. Love your videos

[@cstz]

Great video as always, I can't wait to try this out!

[@2logj]

Amazing amazing amazing.Thanks a lot.

[@kevenreis224]

Great content and production!

[@Sergio-ef5pz]

Love this so much! Thank you very much sir!

[@GKAriell]

Thank you for being so through and detailsd.

[@boommber30]

Excelent tutorial. Thanks :)

[@Beryllahawk]

Yay!!!!! Well done, this was very easy to follow. Also one of the best and clearest explanations of paper weight I've come across - I'll be able to remember THIS time, haha! Also very tickled about the humorous bits :D I would actually love to see you do a whole video on paper weight, and on understanding paper for bookbinding in a general way. It's fascinating stuff, but for all my reading I still don't "get it" when it comes to certain things. I can make practical use of the papers, and have done, but I know I'd enjoy a deeper dive into things like - what's the difference between Bristol board and watercolor paper, and why (or how!) some paper is better with dry media than wet. Things like a touch of history would be interesting too - like why "onion skin" paper exists, which I've heard no fewer than three stories about from three different grandparents, haha! Thank you for this great video! Looking forward to the next!

[@emilyneudorf1245]

I just made one of these (minus fixing the edges) in like half an hour this is WILD and I LOVED IT

[@AllenVoorEef]

Really loved following this tutorial! Very excited for the next ones. I'll need to buy some thicker string before then, cause mine kept getting tangled up in itself and making little knots... But I'm very pleased with the little notebook I made! :)

[@JustinMercerOriginal]

Really enjoying your channel. Thank you for the inspiration

[@lennoxwilliamsart7387]

Thank you! The lbs paper weight always confused me and even though I always used the metric system. So that explains why that one recommended paper weight was that thin. I just had the lbs number and thought I go a little fancier and take good drawing paper instead of printer paper for my markers. Well ups XD Also paper volume is a fascinating topic :D I have an american and a british version of two books that are about the same size and have about the same number of pages and one weighs almost double. I never really thought about that until I home-printed my novel. The difference even with same weight paper became apparent when I accidentally mixed white paper with that off-white eco paper (kinda love the texture) and creme cloured printer paper. On one the laser print really showed through big time on the other almost not at all. Also how differently it behaves when punching the holes with an awl. One out of 4 sheets in the signature was a different paper and you could feel it! I there any trick/indicators with normal paper to see if A3 paper is short grain before you buy it online? I wanted to make my book right and bought A3 Paper for the grain direction and cut it, but when I became suspicious and tested the grain direction I saw it was A3 long grain and resulted in normal A4 long grain if cut down. :/

[@ivansidorov840]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@subdrvr]

Thank you for this.

[@teddyfitts7538]

I cannot wait for the next part!

[@DowntheBreatherHole]

Amazing video! Thanks for your thorough tutorial. Your channel is the best I've found for bookbinding. Keep up the great work!

[@NorthlightsStudio]

Great videos! I’ve been making journals for a couple years doing online book smith courses and just completed an in person workshop with the Canadian bookbinders guild. Nice to see another Ontario person! Your videos are very informative and well presented!