Whether you’re looking for a new way to bind your collection of scrapbooks, or are creating your own journal or personal appointment books, you’ll want to know about book binding that you can do yourself. Here are a few tips and suggestions for making sure that your books look professional and presentable - even if you’re binding them at home.
One of the best and
most stylish ways to bind your books is to use mechanical binding. Mechanical
binding provides a sleek, modern line for your books, and prevents bulking no
matter how many pages you have. Mechanical binding can also accommodate books
that have several sections or tabs.
For smaller books,
or books with thinner paper for pages, you may want to try plastic combs or
spirals. This way, you can still create a new look for your scrapbooks, and
make allowances for new pages with having to use paperclips or staplers.
Plastic spirals will also add more security to the pages when the book is
opened, so you won’t have to worry about chasing missing pages every time you
look through your favourite scrapbook or journal.
Basic stitching
techniques for book binding include the Kettle Stitch, which is the basic link
stitch you will use to connect your pages. You should also become familiar with
how to stitch in between and within the cords of the book cover or pages, as
well as sewing split leather or double cords together. Tools that you’ll need
for book binding include a drill (depending on what material you’ll want to use
for the front and back covers of your book), tapestry needles, a utility knife,
a pencil, and a clean, flat surface to work on.
Before you start
the book binding process, it may be a good idea to learn the basics about book
binding from a few professionals, so that you’ll know what to do at home.
Printing companies and bookstores often have tips and pointers for those who
want to bind their own books at home, and you’ll also be able to learn which
materials and techniques work best for the style of book binding you want to
use on your books. With a little practice, you can give your books an authentic
feel, with Renaissance and Gothic styles, and you can even find instructions
and visual aids online that will help.
Once you get the
hang of book binding, you’ll want to create a number of different books for
your personal or home office use, and you can even make photo albums to store
family memories. Book binding is a great way to make sure that your most prized
materials are preserved in a way that you would be proud of. You may even want to have your books
embossed, so that you can label them in an appealing way. Many of the supplies
that you’ll need can be found at your local craft store, or even at certain
thrift or consignment stores in your area.
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