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book binding

Handmade books leave a lasting impression. Whether the content is
blank sheets of handmade paper for
a journal or a scrapbook filled with reminiscences and souvenirs, you’re offering a glimpse of yourself with
every page. Binding a handmade book can be a challenge, but Coptic
binding offers an ideal solution.
When carefully done, the chain-stitched look is attractive and allows the book
to be opened flat without damaging the spine.

Gather the supplies:
Book board:
Also known as millboard or binder’s board, you’ll need two pieces – one for the front and one for the back. Buy board that’s thin enough for you to cut with a box cutter and punch for the stitching, but strong enough to make a good cover. Look for the board at specialty and craft shops.

Binding thread:
The standard for Coptic-bound books is a waxed linen thread, but you can use chord, ribbon, twine or even shoelaces. Be sure that you select material that’s strong yet small enough to thread through a large needle.

Needle:
Paper needles and bookbinding needles are usually available at craft stores. If you can’t find one, look online. The needle must be sturdy and large enough for you to work with comfortably, plus have a large enough eye for the binding thread you’ve selected.

Hole punch:
There is a specific tool called a book drill, but you can also use a screw punch, an electric drill – or even a hammer and nail in a pinch. Remember you’ll also need to punch holes in the inside pages, so have a smaller punch size available too.

Grommets:
Protect the holes with grommets, available at hardware stores and some craft shops.

Decorative items:
Use bright colors or silver/gold leaf pens plus other decorations to create unique cover art.


Step-by-step instructions:

1. Create the cover: Cut your book board to be about ¼ to ½ inch bigger than the inside pages on the top, bottom and unbound sides. If the edges of your board are rough from being cut, sand or smooth them. Cover your boards with paper, paint or fabric.

2. Make a template for punching the holes: Cut a sheet of paper the same length as the cover, but about half as wide, and draw a straight line where you want your holes to line up, about ½ inch from the edge. Place evenly spaced dots where you want to punch your holes. Usually 4 – 5 holes is plenty. The top and bottom dots should be at least 1 inch from their respective borders. NOTE: This is a critical step that will ensure your binding is straight and strong. Be sure your dots are aligned properly and evenly.

3. Punch the holes: Attach your template to the board covers with a paper clip or clamp and mark the spots on the board using a pin. Remove the template and punch the holes carefully. Attach a grommet to each hole.

4. Cut and punch your inside pages: Be sure the holes line up with the covers and that all the edges are neat. Fold heavy paper or card stock into “signatures” each with a valley fold. Be sure the center valley holes line up with each other and the holes in the covers.

5. Cut the binding thread: Be sure to cut a very long piece of thread or chord so you don’t run out as you stitch.

6. Start stitching: Put the needle through the top hole in the valley of the first signature. Then poke through to the cover. Go around the outside of the cover to between the cover and the first signature. Cross under the thread and create a chain stitch. Go back through the first hole in the signature and wind up where you started in the center signature. Pull the stitch tight. Take the thread down the center of the signature’s valley and poke through the second hole, repeating the process. Continue down the valley until the first signature is secured to the front cover. Add the rest of the signatures, one at a time, in a similar way. Be sure not to stitch back through other signatures as you proceed. Attach the back cover to the last signature as you did with the front cover.

7. Tie it up: Be sure each stitch is tied securely and snugly. Tie off the end pieces into neat knots.

8. Decorate the covers: Don’t forget you can decorate the back cover too!

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