BOOK IT: JAPANESE STAB BINDING
(-# (.# (/
(+# (,# (0# )'
(# )# (*# )(
+# ()
,# -# ('# ((
AB
.# /# 0
=ifek m`\n f] Yffb
9XZb m`\n f] Yffb
C D
Fig. A: You probably already have most of the supplies
needed for bookbinding. Fig. B: Follow this diagram to
keep track of which hole to sew through next.
Fig. C: Using a cutting board with a grid and a cork-back
metal ruler will make cutting the paper much easier.
Fig. D: Use a clamp to keep the paper from sliding
around while creating holes with an awl.
Materials
» Decorative paper for the cover
» Paper (any kind) for the insides
» Embroidery thread or any kind of
thread that matches the cover
» Cutting board A grid is very helpful
for measuring. If you don’t have a
board, use an old piece of cardboard.
» Scissors
» X-Acto knife or utility knife
» Awl or mini hole punch or the sharp
end of a drawing compass
» Bone folder or a big popsicle stick
» Sewing needle with large eye
» Ruler A cork-back metal one is best.
» Clamp
» Pencil
NOTE: You can adjust the measurements
in this project to make any size book you
want. You can even customize the size to
fit perfectly into your tote or purse.
1. Make your cover.
Pick decorative paper for the cover of the book.
Cut 2 pieces of cover paper 5½"× 7½". Using your
bone folder, fold a flap on each cover that is 1" deep
so that the cover now measures 4½"× 7½".
2. Create your pages.
Cut a stack of paper 4"× 7½" with as many pages as
you like. Be creative and pick a variety of different
colors, textures, and patterns — paper you might
not traditionally see in a book. I chose to cut up
notebook paper, tracing paper, an old ledger book,
a few brown lunch bags, used manila envelopes,
and an old orange and white envelope.
3. Prep and punch your holes.
Draw a template for where your holes will go. The
top and bottom holes are
2" from the top and bottom edges, and about
2" from the left edge. You’ll
also have 4 holes in the middle; these are ¾" from
the spine and about 1¼" apart from each other.
Clamp your cover and inside papers together with
the template on top. The clamp might leave a mark
on the cover, so it’s a good idea to slip a piece of
scrap paper between the clamp and cover pages.
