Start bookbinding
Fold paper, sew it together by hand and wrap it in a hard cover to make real books and journals. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first journal.
Space neededA kitchen table
First projectA journal in a weekend
Skill levelBeginner-friendly
Good forAny age, sitting down
The video that hooks everyone
Making a medieval book, start to finish
A bookbinder makes a medieval-style book by hand, all the way from start to finish, ending with a red leather cover, brass corners and a clasp. Press play and see why people can't stop watching.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't.
Starter kit
01Text paperPlain printer or drawing paper for the pages.
02Binder's boardStiff gray board for the hard covers.
03BookclothPaper-backed cloth that wraps the boards.
04Bone folderMakes crisp creases and presses cloth flat.
05Awl + bookbinding needlePunch the sewing holes, then sew through them.
06Waxed linen threadStrong thread that holds the pages for years.
07PVA glue + brushFlexible glue made for books, brushed on thin.
08Metal ruler + craft knifeMeasure and cut board and cloth straight.
09Cutting matProtects the table and keeps your blade sharp.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Folding against the grainPaper bends easily one way and fights you the other. Fold so the grain runs along the spine, and the book opens flat.
- 2Too much glueA thick coat soaks the paper and warps the boards. Brush it on thin and even, out past the edges.
- 3Skipping the pressWet glue warps board. Close the book between wax paper and stack heavy books on it overnight.
