Step-by-step case binding tutorial

Join the Practicing and Aspiring Binder tier on Patreon for weekly bookbinding tips and behind-the-scenes content: / bittermelonbindery
bitter melon bindery discord server: / discord
The discord is the best place to ask about where to get supplies!
Beginner bookbinding videos:
• Bookbinding Tools & Ma...
• My favourite stitches ...
• How I make bookcloth f...
Endpaper options:
Scrapbooking patterned papers
Lightweight cardstock
Nepalese lokta paper
Chiyogami and other heavier weight Japanese papers
Hand marbled paper
Note: It's not necessary to wax your thread, if you can achieve decent sewing tension with the thread you have. Waxing helps the thread easier to handle and knot.
0:00 overview
1:15 tools & materials
4:15 fold signatures
4:58 make punching guide
5:14 punch holes
6:10 cut and wax thread
6:39 lock thread on needle
6:58 sew french link stitch
8:29 sew signature 2
10:06 sew signature 3
11:46 kettle stitch
12:06 sewing tips
13:35 finish sewing
14:03 makeshift lying press
15:01 glue the spine
16:25 tip on endpapers
17:34 trim the fore edge
18:30 sand the fore edge (optional)
18:52 make endbands
19:19 line the spine
20:53 measure and cut cover boards
21:43 cut spine board
21:58 hinge gaps comparison
22:29 test fit hardcover case
24:14 apply book cloth
26:36 turn in book cloth
28:04 casing in book block
31:48 repositioning endpaper
33:27 press book
34:08 taking book out of press
34:59 seal the ribbon
35:13 completed book
35:37 closing
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Filming Equipment
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with Canon 24-105mm F/4 lens
Editing Software
DaVinci Resolve Studio www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
FAQ
✦ What tools and materials do you use? • Bookbinding Tools & Ma...
✦ 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 PVA glue, there are multiple brands
✦ How do you make your book cloth? • How I make bookcloth f...
✦ Where do you get dot grid writing paper? • How I source dotted wr...
✦ Where did you get your guillotine cutter? amzn.to/49O6VmY
✦ What brand is your...
thread - Crawford Irish Waxed Linen Thread
corner rounder - Akiles Diamond-1
✦ What is that laser cutter? www.xtool.com/?ref=IJ2xikCBlQ...
✦ 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 Tongva people. Learn more: native-land.ca/

[@user-vq5pv2dx3p]

There is nothing more satisfying than opening your handmade book for the first time!

[@CarolynsArtAdventures]

"It's good luck if your thread knots at least once" really made me smile....

[@suewegert2323]

I appreciate your demonstration using common objects that a beginner can find affordably. Great tutorial.

[@jcline147]

I have one of Chanel’s books, and I can tell you that it is exquisitely made. There is such attention to detail that you will never be disappointed. I’m looking forward to getting a couple more of her books in the future.

[@iwondery1725]

"Warm up the spine" - good way of putting it.

[@KatPadmore]

I honestly think this is your best tutorial yet. There isnt a single step here that i thought needed more explanation or clarification. I'm already through the signature step, and so excited to make my hard cover using your papers!

[@bittermelonbindery]

That means a lot Kat!!

[@Coral256]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Your voice is so soothing, and the instructions concise and easy to follow. I've been following you for a while and always learn something new from your videos. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us 🥰

[@GKahla]

That hinge gap demonstration is precisely what I needed to see to get the feel of their widths - thank you very much for your effort in creating the video. I'm looking forward to doing more case bindings, and your video will help my confidence with it. Cheers!

[@merawalarj1679]

I am very fortunate to have a teacher like you, thankyou 😊😊

[@Ace-du7vw]

i found your channel through your first case binding tutorial. it's so wonderful to see how your technique has improved and how much knowledge you've gained since then. i like to think i've been improving along with you but i'm yet to make a book as clean and crisp as this lol. thank you for this, it's always great to get another video from you

[@shirleyjones4857]

This video is marvellous. I love how you share every single item you use, and the gsm of paper. Your bookbinding skill is amazing. I am going to have fun trying the french sewing method. I totally love it. Thank you so much for your superb tutorial. Blessings 💜 x

[@ChantelleArts]

you always make the most beautiful books 🥰

[@tericollier8637]

Excellent video! Highly recommend her book! It’s one of my favorite bookbinding “how to” books I have. I go back to it all the time. ❤❤❤

[@GinDasCreative]

As always, such a delightful tutorial. And the best part is actually when you do make a small mistake and then show us how we too can fix it. It shows you are human and makes us feel that it can happen to anybody. Loved this tutorial! I have made my first hard cover journal via books and other KZbin videos but this one was the best. I look forward to making my next one using your helpful tips❤❤❤❤❤

[@katewillett4316]

Excellent tutorial! Am a beginner, only having made 5 book so far over several months. Needed a refresher to make a hardcover case & learned a lot more from your video as well. Great instructions and easy to follow.

[@iamdawt]

Beautifully done!

[@dawndeluca]

I started with case binding (I've made three so far) and I found this video very useful along with your book. I've decided to work my way through your book 😊

[@vintagetechno]

This tutorial is perfect. Thank you so much! I've watched a lot of casebinding tutorials before so I'm familiar with the process but my main issue was figuring out how to get things to lay flat. Now I know in my past projects I didn't have enough of a gap around the spine. I am excited to give this another try!

[@Amanda.Jayne.]

Such a great video! I really appreciate seeing the mistake on the casing in, it is totally the hardest part of making a cased book for me. This really helped show some tips to look out for that I'll definitely reference again come casing in time! P.S. I also have your book right on my table to reference whenever I need, you've created such wonderful resources for us, thank you Chanel! :)

[@shilo6914]

Thank you so much for posting this!! So excited to try it out🥰

[@giovannascotti488]

Great job! I love your books❤

[@corrinemccarty425]

Excellent. Nice job with a clear concise tutorial.

[@user-ys6lt8zd1k]

Вы великолепны! Как всегда - всё идеально! 😍

[@rochestermanagementservice6082]

Excellent tutorial! Thanks for leaving in your mistake. So helpful to learn how to correct errors. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience so your viewers can learn from them. From Cheryl in AZ.

[@wernerschmidt4481]

Thank you for this fine tutorial!

[@hyukanchovy13]

love this tutorial, simple but detail. thankyou~ i'll try it when i've free time

[@karenherrerasequeira4314]

I'm a nicaraguan people, I'm studying english and you videos help me beacuse I love everything you made.

[@annajavier5712]

This was very helpful thanks for showing it all

[@RockScissorsPaperPress]

It looks wonderful!! ❤❤❤

[@KarensTinyCarCamper]

I hadn't been here in awhile. Your content is really great! I mean, i always liked it, but it feels like you're really tuning it up. Great tutorial!

[@esthervillarreal8905]

Muchas gracias por tu clara explicación. Felicitaciones un excelente trabajo

[@taiybahshaikh1524]

Thank you so much for the wonderful video ❤

[@chaoskitteh]

This was so helpful. Thank you Chanel!

[@melmel9928]

Thanks for this amazing tutorial ❤❤❤

[@janiemoltrup8138]

very clear instructions

[@TheFishingExperience916]

Thank you this is awesome a great project for my daughter and I to partake in 👍

[@3Pazza]

Thank you so much for this. I have your book. The video is very helpful and makes the instructions complete and easy to follow. Your quiet voice and lovely demeneor is enjoyable. ❤

[@andreiaquitian]

Gracias por tu video. Transmites mucha calma.

[@anthonykinrade8642]

Fascinating, always wondered how this was done....

[@CrystalAura07]

You explain very well and your voice is solft and pleasant. Thank you very much.

[@tingdavidson]

Successful first attempt - thank you! It cost me $2 besides things I had on hand at home :)

[@bittermelonbindery]

Ahh that’s great to hear! Thank you for your contribution 😊😊

[@mscupcakedreamson36]

It’s absolutely stunning. ❤❤

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

You are the best and I love your work ❤😊

[@GladysHunnam]

Next time I'll be trying this method to attach the end papers to the case because I'm not satisfied with my current method 😮‍💨

[@PhanThomasTheGhostBoy]

Thanks for the video!! It will be useful

[@MarianaRibeiro-yx8op]

Muito obrigada por nós ensinar esse belo trabalho.

[@mehdibouznad9314]

This is perfection !!!!!

[@fiorellavargascampos3335]

Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷, hace unos días te encontré y estoy encantada con tu trabajo. También hago encuadernación 📚 espero algún día que mis libretas lleguen a verse como las suyas ❤

[@kantilalshaha3220]

I can't stop me to commenting that "you are so beautiful"💮

[@dahianamonzonmartinez3614]

This is so pretty! I kinda want to try doing it 😆 but mine would probably look horrible 😂

[@illiyanahabtamu6501]

omg u helped me a lot thank you!!!!!!!

[@anaxagoreplaton1223]

thank you very much.

[@khaledmohamed-qm6cg]

Thank's good job

[@griselvazquez5279]

Gracias por compartir saludos 😊😊😊

[@Claudia-js5re]

Hermoso gracias

[@BarbaraWaddell-sw3db]

First time seeing this done. Cant wait until I can try this, Need to know what products to use and purchase.

[@said199785]

Ramadan Mubarak sis congrats for the 100k i remember you go for the 10k and now look where you are so happy for you

[@bittermelonbindery]

Thank you for your sweet comments over the years! 🫶💕 Ramadan Mubarak

[@nackyvlogs2457]

I love your voice 💓

[@neviopinto4945]

Bravissima.

[@jfredmuggs3586]

Another fine and informative video. I will eventually give case binding a try - not courageous enough yet! I am sure the amazing Lucy was just resting but still guarding up a storm! Paper expansion sounds like wood expansion in some woodworking projects. I am so glad I have your book to refer to.Thanks for another excellent video!

[@TheLazyArtist]

I love this! the first time I attempted a case binding book it was a all a bit wrong, like the spine was loose, the measurements weren't correct.... It's a good thing i got more watercolor paper recently, guess I'll make another sketchbook! 😇 btw, if using watercolor paper, how many sheets per signature do you sugest? 🤔

[@bittermelonbindery]

2 sheets per signature! Ideally it's not super heavy weight because the spine and pages will be too stiff to turn. I experimented with this recently, it's best to add a few more layers of glue to support the binding, line the spine lightly (only mull ideally), use a thinner board (1.5 mm or cardstock) for the spine, and try a wide hinge gap (1 cm should be good). When opening the book, the signatures will be a bit stuck together, open them carefully and there may be a gap between them because the paper is thick, but hopefully there is enough glue and mull to keep the binding intact.

[@TheLazyArtist]

@@bittermelonbindery oooohhhh!!! Thank you!!! ❤️ I'll definitely do that, these are the tips I wish I had the first time I tried case binding 😅

[@bittermelonbindery]

Good luck! I only made mini ones with homemade book cloth and a cardstock spine, you may have to figure it out through trial and error. Hope you’ll find a combo that works, I know how valuable watercolour paper is!

[@TheLazyArtist]

@@bittermelonbindery I can't wait to start it! Thank you ❤

[@carmene.rivera8384]

Salufos desde Puerto Rico, cada dia admiro su talento y trabajo. se que mensualmente hay un kit en venta pero no se como comprarlo y si hacen en ios a Puerto Rico

[@christinechapleau1275]

Hi Chanel. I'm from Québec and I was wondering where did you buy your bookboard when you in BC? Thanks for your help and looking forward to your next video. I've been learning so much watching your channel and your personal thoughts and questioning yourself about your business.

[@bittermelonbindery]

Hammond Paper! Looks like they released graphic board since I've left, I would inquire with them if it's acid-free. I got their regular chipboard to test but would def go for graphic board.

[@erikagrishchenko8140]

Большое-большое Спасибо! От просмотра получила огромное удовольствие. Я искала, как сделать книгу. Работаю надо проектом - кукла в руках держит книжку. Но как сделать, не знала. Благодаря Вам я смогу завершить свой проект.

[@meiko3-yf9ts]

how long do these take? i love your videos:3!

[@stellashandmade]

Brilliant tutorial, thank you. I did get confused, however, once you did the kettle stitch and the camera angle changed. Did you do kettle stitch across left to right, then the french stitch from right to left with the next signature?

[@bittermelonbindery]

Kettle stitches are at the head and tail, french links in the middle of the spine on every signature. Doesn’t matter which way you do your kettle stitches, as long as you’re consistent!

[@carlosrene5097]

❤❤❤

[@user-cb4yk8ln7e]

What is paper you used?and am what is cloth used?

[@ariela_]

A couple of questions- Where do you get most of your supplies? What are basics every beginner should get?

[@bittermelonbindery]

Check out the beginner videos linked in the description! I get my bookbinding supplies from Colophon Book Arts, TALAS, and paper from Blick, Paper Mill Store, and Paperworks.

[@LIA-qm2mr]

brasileiros vendo o vídeo deem um salve aquiiiiii

[@emmaandrews459]

Any suggestions for fixing a Bible cover where the inside cover is separated from the book pages?

Sorry, I meant to also ask if you stick chiyogami paper to some card stock to make it thicker as it's quite a thin paper isnt it.

[@nackyvlogs2457]

Whay Do you post this video after so long time ❤😅

This isnt really relevant to this particular video but could you tell me how you fix the chiyogami cover paper to your soft journals....the ones with the coptic gathered stitch you took to your market in the cellophane wrapping please. Would love a tutorial in those soft cover journals...they are stunning.❤

[@bittermelonbindery]

I just glued them to cardstock with PVA! And wrapped them around the edges like I would with cover boards for edge and corner protection.

[@tamaragrottker7677]

I haven't made books in a long time. But, I remember that when I tried to sew the signatures together, they would always move and so at the end they were not quite even. Any suggestions?

[@bittermelonbindery]

Shifting signatures during sewing is normal! Ensure that the signatures are of equal length, and more importantly, the sewing stations (punched holes) are lined up before sewing. If sewing tension is even throughout, the book block should be neat and tidy.

[@yessssi]

Wait, so the spine isn't supposed to be glued as well??

[@animemans-]

What type of thread is being used here?

[@bittermelonbindery]

25/3 linen thread that I got from TALAS

[@user-ki5yc6do7u]

Thank you sp much for the video tutorial. 🩷