Workshops

This binding is based on a widely available commercial notebook, mentioned in Wirecutter’s 2023 article, “The Best Notebooks and Notepads!” There’s no secret to its utilitarian construction. Cardstock covers are sewn in with the rest of the text block, making it a quick and useful book. Its decorative paper spine is an opportunity for customization and provides additional support.

Tools to Gather:

Bone Folder
Awl
Pencil
Bookbinding Needle
Olfa/X-Acto Style Knife
Cutting Mat
Straight Edge/metal ruler
PVA or other similar glue
Small Glue Brush
Waste sheets for gluing
Punching Cradle or scrap of foam core or cardboard for punching sewing stations
Bit of beeswax for the thread
Dividers or Paper Rulers (scrap strips of text paper used for measuring from the book)

Optional (not required, but useful if you already have them):

Square Thing (could be a footed machinist square like this: https://tinyurl.com/5f36eea4 or square weight like this: https://www.talasonline.com/Solid-Brass-Weights)

Finishing or lying press (This is to hold the book when measuring and lining the spine, two bricks, or two boards and clamps could be used in place of a press.)

Nipping press

Materials to Prepare:

No. 25 linen thread or similar (2-3yds)

Text Paper: 36 sheets, 8.5” wide x 6” tall

Cover Weight Paper: 2 sheets, 5’’ wide x 6’’ tall

Spine Lining 1: Japanese tissue, roughly 2’’ wide x 7’’ tall (will be cut to fit the book)

Spine Lining 2: lightweight decorative paper, roughly 3’’ wide x 7’’ tall (will be cut to fit the book)

Scrap of cardstock: 1, 2’’ x 6’’ (grain direction doesn’t matter)

Scrap binders or mat board: 2, @ 2’’ x 6’’ with packing tape folded over the 6’’ side

*all sheets grain direction parallel to the 5’’ side"

Adults all levels

What to Expect at a Workshop
Instructors
Our Facilities

Instructor: Syd Webb