Bookbinding at Home: Stitching A Coverless Journal | Tutorial by Peg and Awl

[@perryann6946]

I just have to tell you what an amazing teacher you are...I have ZERO questions!! Thank you so much!!

[@Bluebirdhouse]

This was excellent! Thank you!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

My pleasure - thank you for finding us!

[@mjrtla]

Oh my gosh I was so excited when I saw Peg & Awl post this bookbinding video! This is hands down the best coverless stitched book video I have come across in my journey of bookbinding. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this tutorial for all of us especially during this difficult time in our lives and I just want you to know, I APPRECIATE YOU!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you Tami! I am so pleased that you are following along and enjoying the process! YES! Now is the perfect time to make a book and start filling it. I appreciate you!

[@darlenewilliams2014]

Tami can I add my thanks and appreciation to Tami’s. This has filled so many hours. I’ve made 3 and want to do a bigger one for watercolors.

[@margauxkent4038]

@@darlenewilliams2014 Thank you Darlene! So peased you are enjoying making books!

[@relationalityco]

Had real fun making my own version this weekend. I will give it to my wife for our wedding anniversary. Thank you :-)

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

I'm late to comment, but i love this! I hope your wife did too!

[@margaretallen1082]

I love your books and thanks for this tutorial!

[@monamockmf]

Beautiful work 💗 Thanx for sharing!!

[@jackisalisbury2222]

I have watched a shed load of tutorials for this style of book making, I have to say that this is the easiest to follow. Many thanks for your time and clarity.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

This is so nice to know! So happy this worked for you!

[@maggiemacmillan9265]

One of the best turorial videos I've ever seen-- thank you!

[@victoriatexasgal8130]

I know this is older but I just found this channel... WOW!!! LOVE these videos and your content in general! Thank you for sharing your experiences and journey of bookbinding. Absolutely Awesome! 😁

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

My pleasure Victoria! So happy you've found us!

[@Lauragld]

Thanks so much....have been looking for a tutorial on a simple but strong journal for watercolor/sketching/gouach :) This is great!

[@marilynfrazier8599]

Excellent video, will make some today. Thank you.

[@katpaints]

This is a wonderful video, @Peg & Awl!! I'm a new discoverer/subscriber but I've been looking for this kind of binding instruction for years! You make it so simple! I have not been able to even follow others. It seems like they emphasize how it should look more than just how to do it! Needle under the prior signature's thread in the direction you are going... or maybe I need to review before I actually do this! LOL! I could have your videos in a loop because you are so easy to listen to!

[@lynnenicoletti678]

This is such a pretty binding and your instruction is brilliant… thank you.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you, Lynne!

[@paperpuddles]

I am so excited to try this technique. I'm 68 years old with eyesight that is no longer as clear as it used to be. A little arthritis in my hands and slower in my movements but you did such a good job with this tutorial that I have no doubt I can follow your directions. Thank you! 🌹

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you for this message! I hope you enjoy the process and your finished journal :)

[@moragnoffke3330]

I think you are a really good teacher. So clear and specific. Thank you. I am inspired to try this.

[@margauxkent4038]

So happy you are inspired to try this, and thank you for your kind words!

[@cathyhorner3751]

Thank you for sharing. I am so excited about trying this myself. I learned so much!

[@nwpaleather]

Very nice job explaining everything

[@susanstover7178]

I bought your Anselm Bookbinding kit and used your KZbin tutorial- it went perfectly because you’re an awesome teacher! Love your product❤️

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you, Susan!

[@michellejohnson6346]

Incredible video! Total fan, subscribed! I will share my journal on IG and tag Y'all in it! Thank you!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you Michelle!

[@theresarowe1656]

Big thanks. I finally ordered the kit, and the materials and instructions, along with video, were perfect for the craft challenged like me. I’m now making my own sketchbooks.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

So wonderful to hear! I hope you enjoy bookbinding and making your own unique sketchbooks. Thank you for sharing, and for your feedback, Theresa!

[@jacqcollin]

Great pace, thorough and patient instruction!!!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you for your encouraging words! I am so happy that you are enjoying it :)

[@kschickle916]

I’m so excited to see this. The whole tutorial was mesmerizing. Excitedly I will subscribe and see what other wonderful exercises I can learn. You are a GREAT teacher.

[@margauxkent4038]

Thank you for this feedback - it is so nice to know!

[@elizzievb]

Oooooooo, thank you for posting this! I bought a kit for a little book from you several years ago and I love that little book. Will definitely be making these. ❤

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you!! I hope you enjoy the process over again!

[@marioneveshepley7325]

I LOVED this video! Very easy to follow, and it was a fantastic way to be meditative, present, creative and keep my mind off the current events, PLUS having a nice journal I can personalize and give to a friend to keep as a bit of a historical document of this unique and scary time. Thank you so much for sharing! I will continue to practice this, as accuracy was not my strong point...

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you for this Marion! I am pleased that this adds some positivity to this crazy time we are in. Making books 'accurate' as you say takes many hours of practice - you will get there is you are enjoying it!

[@pearldiver66]

Thank you so much for posting this little tutorial it’s beautiful! I made my first little cover less journal for my daughter today and enjoyed every minute of it. I put a little closure and can’t wait to give it to her. I appreciate your paying it forward attitude and imagination xx

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you for your kind words! I am so happy that you enjoyed this tutorial and bookbinding. What a special gift :)

[@sophieanais4762]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I love bookbinding, I will definitely use your technique to make my sketchbooks from now on!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

So happy that you've found it helpful!

[@cynslay8386]

I just wanted to mention how much I adore your bookbinding videos. The most annoying thing I encountered was finding you amidst the plethora of numskullery available on this subject. I look forward to further videos from you, Bless.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Haha. Thank you! I am happy that you are enjoying them!

[@matthewknight5105]

I can not wait to try to make one this weekend! I feel so inspired to make something for the collages and watercolors I make. You have inspired! Your channel is also my first subscription... Thank you for producing these.

[@margauxkent4038]

Wow - thank you Matthew! Have you made your book?

[@rachelchan2215]

Thanks for your sharing! ❤

[@cjjacobs1000]

I just finished my fourth Anselm Journal and I’m so inspired to create more hand stitched journals. Thanks for this clear tutorial. When I started watching Anselm video I was concerned that I would have difficulty following the directions because I’m left handed. I discovered that stitching left handed made no difference in the direction of stitching and the outcome. Thank you so much!

[@margauxkent4038]

Oh this is such great news! I haven't considered Lefties - so sorry but so happy it worked out!!

[@alixchristian2330]

I'm on my #4 journal. 3 sizes. So fun. Thank you Peg and Awl. On to planning my content.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

So exciting! Thanks for sharing :)

[@lauralu4175]

I love this tutorial. Thank you sooo much! 🌺🌸💖💐🎨🎉🤗🧚🏽‍♂️

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you, Laura! I'm so happy you enjoyed it and I hope it is useful :)

[@postalorphan]

Squeee - thank you so much for this! I love this binding style, and this was an amazingly well done tutorial. Now I know what I did wrong with my first attempts - getting that explicit detail about which stitch to pick up over the "straps" was exactly what I needed!

[@margauxkent4038]

This is great to read - thank you!!

[@tiffhop3544]

Absolutely LOVE this video💖..it is 5am and I can't stop watching your creations..just beautiful!!! 😍😍Thank you so much I am definitely giving this a try today..I want a journal to track my natural dyes journey💃💃

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

You are so welcome and thank you for your kind words! This is lovely - best wishes on your bookbinding, journaling, and journey!

[@sopapiaSEM]

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! I made my first book (I made a compilation of sheet music) as a gift, and it came out great, especially for a first try, and that is totally thanks to all the little tips you gave throughout the video. I think I've got the bug now, and will continue experimenting:) You've got a new fan! Thanks again!!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

This is so wonderful to read! Thank you for your kind words, and I'm so happy to hear that you will keep making and experimenting :)

[@graciehart1001]

Fabulous tutorial I tried doing a book without direction haha I’m so excited to have a go thankyou.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Haha! So happy to hear - I hope you enjoy the process :)

[@liz-annawaugh955]

Great tutorial! Just waiting for my Sendak Art roll to arrive.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you! We would love to see pictures of your Sendak in use if you would like to share :)

[@ginaburgess9759]

New to your channel. Thank you so much for your clear explanation of this lovely rechnique

[@margauxkent4038]

My pleasure! I am kind of new to my channel too, hence the ULTRA slow response. Apologies and thanks for following along!

[@paranoiaxoxo2471]

Absolutely love this!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you!!

[@janine5008]

These are great tutorials! Is there a particular or ballpark length of thread you use? Just trying to avoid running out mid-bind!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Hi Janine - Thank you for your question! I measure the thread along the length of the journal’s spine, plus an inch or two, just to be safe. Then 1 length of thread per signature in my journal, so if I have 13 signatures, then I’ll measure 13 lengths of thread. If my journal is about 8 inches from end to end, then each length will be around 9-10 inches. I also leave about 3-4 inches for the tail, after your end knot, so you have room to knot that into the book when you’re finished. I hope this is clear! You can also watch it in this video, at timestamp 5:25 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGjNY5Kmfb97p8U

[@janine5008]

@@PegandAwlBuilt Thank you so much, that's helpful!

[@janine5008]

@@PegandAwlBuilt Okay, part 2 sort of question. You said "I'm pulling the needle making the length of thread I'm working with almost half"...does that mean we measure as you described, then fold the thread so we're working with essentially 2 strands that are knotted together? In the coverless tutorial it looks like the thread is doubled, but this one it looks like it's a single strand when you're putting the tapes in. Could just be my eyesight and lack of a finished cup of coffee, ha!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

@@janine5008 Good question - this would be most clearly explained with a video! In the meantime, the doubling of thread is only for ease of sewing with a long piece of thread in the case of a longer journal. So you would measure to book size and signature number as described, then knot one end, and then (optional, and if your thread seems very long!) fold in half, essentially putting your needle in the middle of the strand of thread, but with the unknotted end slightly shorter than the knotted end. This last detail is so that you are always pulling the unknotted end completely through each hole - when you're fully through one hole, there should only be one strand of thread holding the stitch. I hope this is clear! Let me know if you have any other questions. :)

[@madratrubber2935]

Wow wonderful 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 thank YOU

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Great tutorial, thank you. Another idea if your needle is too sharp, is to lead worth the other end. Push the hole end of the needle through the holes and under the stitches.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Good point! Just have to be a little more aware not to poke yourself. :)

[@viviennebolton4358]

A beautiful video and one I absolutely loved as was so different from the standard stich I have used for my signatures. The only problem I experienced was a few gaps between one signature and the next which I found annoying. I thought I had kept the stitching tight but maybe I wasn't as consistent as I believed I had been. Is that the reason for the few gaps do you think? My signatures were two sheets of 130gms paper.

[@penpaperleather]

Thank you so much. Very well explained!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you!

[@emmagardner5907]

Father Sleep in the background makes this video 10x better

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

YAAAASSSSS!!!!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Also, do you know Jared?

[@emmagardner5907]

Unfortunately I don’t :( I’ve just been a fan girl of his for years now haha

[@francesmalone8793]

I have read all the comments which are so encouraging that I am on the right track. 2 things: I used a really heavy watercolor paper and a lighter one for each of the signatures which makes the V really pronounced. What is the thread you are using? I have vintage button, carpet, utility tread. Hoping that works but the thread is really fine vs what you demonstrate. Thank you for your video and all the tips.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Hi Frances! We use waxed thread - it is a 3 ply waxed Irish Linen thread. However, any thread will do. If it is super thin, double it up. I'd encourage you to watch this video that we made walking through our bookbinding materials, including thread: pegandawlbuilt.com/blogs/journal/bookbinding-at-home-part-4-materials-and-meanderings

[@minkaf4243]

Thank you!❤

[@dcollins91989]

Hi! This is an incredible tutorial. I wish I had found you during lockdown! Is there a specific size of Strathmore 80 lb drawing paper you recommend that tears down easily to this size? They offer it in so many dimensions! And would you recommend the smooth or medium surface for fountain pens? I'm thinking smooth. Thanks so much!

[@trishmillard2958]

Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial ! Any tips if I wanna add a watercolor paper cover?

[@margauxkent4038]

Hello Trish! I think I will make another tutorial showing how to work in a cover like this or another type of single sheet front and back cover that differ from the inside. This is a tricky thing to explain with just words!

[@larissagudino5291]

I also would like to know how to add a cover please!

[@Pentrove]

Thank you for the video. I really liked the pen. Can you give more details is it home made?

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Thank you! It is vintage - flea market finds!

[@erintanner4025]

Needing some real trouble shooting help. The holes keep ripping no matter what I do with less tension on the string. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[@BlastFromYesterday]

You mentioned using a little glue on the knot in the thread if not using waxed thread. Is the waxed thread self-adhesive and prevents the knot from being undone? I would have assumed, due to the wax, that would not be the case.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

The wax does make it more difficult for the thread to loosen on its own!

[@samuelturner2997]

Hello, why do you use the piece of fabric between each stitch? Can i go without?

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Hello! It reinforces and strengthens the spine of the book, so that the stress from opening, closing, etc. isn't solely on the thread. Since the fabric is just threaded underneath in the first stitch, it is easy to add. That being said, you can go without!

[@viciouscricketprods]

This tutorial is amazing. I just finished my first one and after letting the glue on the linen strips to dry I noticed a loop on the center stitch of Sig 5. It got caught up on page 3 of Sig 1. The thread goes over the corner and keeps all the pages in between together. Is it possible to fix this? Not sure if getting rid of the slack and pulling it tight would work nicely. I'd have to tighten the last 5 sig's. Wondering if the stitches on the binding would survive. I don't want to start fussing with this as it's a gift that I'd like to deliver looking nice. Help!!

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

If I understand correctly, this is something I've done plenty. If there is enough thread, cut it and tie it, trim the excess and glue the ends for secutiry (in case you cannot make a double knot). If there is too little thread, it must remain and serve as a reminder to check tension and hang ups!Hope this helps.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

And thank you! So happy you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@nestfeathersbyjoanna416]

What are these stitches called in this binding? I’m trying to learn as much as I can

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Hello! This is called the French Link Stitch :)

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@pokemonmaster201212]

Hey there! I was just wondering: Where do you buy your paper? I've been looking for the paper you mentioned, but I can't really find any results like yours, (The kind with nice frayed looking edges, I don't need it to be thick). Has anyone got any suggestions for where to find good paper for this? I really want to make my own journal, but I don't really know where to start.

[@PegandAwlBuilt]

Hello! You can find the paper we use at most craft stores - if you google "Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper" you should find lots of results, including some local shops that may carry it. The original sheet of paper will have clean cut edges - hand-tearing the paper to size for the journal creates the frayed edges.

[@pokemonmaster201212]

@@PegandAwlBuilt Awesome! Thank you so much! I honestly don't know why I didn't start with that...

[@melissaschaefer854]

I’ve seen bookbinding videos where they knot each kettle stitch.

[@trishmillard2958]

What size book is this your making?

[@margauxkent4038]

I believe it is 4x6 Trish!