The minimum basic tool requirements
The absolute basic equipment you need for bookbinding is very minimal and can be found around the house! Here’s a list:
- Paper: This is the foundation of your book! Any type of paper will work for your first try, but thicker printer paper or watercolor paper will create a sturdier book.
- Needle and thread: You’ll use these to sew the signatures (sections) of your book together. A large needle (like a tapestry needle) and strong thread (like embroidery floss or waxed linen thread) are ideal.
- Scissors or craft knife: You’ll need a way to cut your paper to size. Scissors are fine, but a craft knife will give you more clean cuts.
- Folding tool (optional): A bone folder is a traditional bookbinding tool that helps you fold paper evenly and crease sharply. You can improvise with a blunt table knife or a credit card in a pinch.
That’s it! With these few items, you can create simple pamphlet stitch books or signatures for more complex bindings later on.
Here are some additional tools that can be helpful as you progress in your bookbinding journey:
- Awl: This tool makes punching holes in paper much easier, especially for thicker papers or multiple signatures.
- Ruler: A ruler will help you ensure your cuts and folds are straight.
- Cutting mat: This will protect your work surface from being damaged by the craft knife.
- Clamps: Clamps can be helpful for holding your book together while you sew it.
- Glue: Glue can be used for attaching endpapers (the blank pages at the beginning and end of a book) and other decorative elements.
With a little creativity and these basic tools, you can get started on your bookbinding adventure!
Here are the basic book binding terms that are useful to know
Signature – A group of folded sheets that form a section of the book.
Leaf – A single sheet of paper, folded in half to create two pages.
Spine – The edge of the book where the signatures are sewn or glued together.
Head (or Top Margin) – The margin at the top of the page.
Tail (or Bottom Margin) – The margin at the bottom of the page.
Fore Edge (or Outside Margin) – The margin on the outer edge of the book, opposite the spine.
Gutter Margin – The margin at the fold of the book, next to the spine.
Sewing Station – Holes punched into the spine of the signatures for sewing.
Awl – A tool used to pierce holes in paper for sewing.
Bone Folder – A tool used to fold paper smoothly and create sharp creases.
Binder’s Board – A stiff cardboard material used for making book covers.
Endsheet – The blank pages at the beginning and end of a book.
Case-making – The process of creating the separate cover for a book.
Casing-in – Attaching the book block (text) to the finished cover.