Lesson 1Cutting, folding, and punching tools: knives, bone folders, folding sticks, ploughs, sewing frames, awls, and punching/marking gaugesGo over cutting, folding, and punching tools vital for hand bookbinding. Master safe, spot-on use of knives, bone folders, ploughs, sewing frames, awls, and gauges to get sharp edges, true folds, and even sewing holes.
Choosing and maintaining knives and bladesCutting mats, straightedges, and guidesBone folders, Teflon folders, and folding sticksPloughs and guillotines for trimming blocksSewing frames setup and support alignmentAwls and punching templates for sewing holesLesson 2Paper types and weights: properties of 90–120 gsm uncoated papers, fiber content, and behaviour when foldedCheck out uncoated papers from 90–120 gsm, looking at fibre content, surface feel, and how they fold. See how grain, sizing, and thickness affect toughness, show-through, and fit for various binding styles.
Wood pulp vs. cotton and mixed fiber papersBulk, caliper, and stiffness in text blocksInternal and surface sizing and ink behaviorFolding endurance and repeated opening testsOpacity, show-through, and print legibilitySelecting papers for sewn versus adhesive textsLesson 3Adhesives overview: PVA, wheat starch paste, methylcellulose, starch pastes — properties, open time, penetration, reversibilityDive into everyday bookbinding glues, comparing makeup, working time, soak-in, flex, and undo-ability. Know when to go for PVA, wheat starch paste, methylcellulose, or mixes for solid, fixable bindings.
PVA types, flexibility, and aging behaviorMixing and cooking wheat starch paste safelyMethylcellulose uses, viscosity, and reversibilityBlended pastes for controlled tack and open timeAdhesive penetration and paper sizing effectsStorage, labeling, and contamination preventionLesson 4Grain direction: identifying grain, why it matters for folding, sewing, and casing-inGet grain direction in paper, board, and cloth, and why it's key for folding, sewing, and casing in. Pick up easy tests to spot grain and align it right to cut down on warping, rippling, and spine strain long-term.
Simple grain tests: curl, tear, and wet lineGrain direction in text paper and endpapersBoard grain and its effect on warpingCloth grain and weave orientation on casesPlanning imposition and cutting for grainConsequences of cross-grain constructionLesson 5Boards, cloths, and cover papers: thicknesses, stiffness, bend radius, and selection criteria for books handled frequentlyLook at boards, cloths, and cover papers for books that get lots of handling. Learn how thickness, rigidity, bend curve, and surface toughness shape comfort, safety, and lifespan, and match them to your project's needs.
Comparing board types: millboard, binder’s boardSelecting board thickness for book sizeCloth durability, weave, and backing papersCover paper weight, strength, and opacityBend radius and hinge performance at jointsMaterial combinations for heavy-use volumesLesson 6Safety, workshop ergonomics, and preservation-friendly material choices for archival durabilityPick up safety tips, comfy workshop setups, and materials that last for archive work. Covers tool handling, posture, lighting, airflow, and picking steady, low-odour stuff that holds up well and safe.
Knife safety, cutting habits, and first aidBench height, seating, and body alignmentLighting, magnification, and eye comfortVentilation for sprays, solvents, and dustChoosing pH-neutral, buffered materialsAvoiding off-gassing and unstable plasticsLesson 7Finishing materials and protective coatings: acrylic sprays, waxes, size mixes; pros and cons for cloth-covered hardbacksCheck finishing materials and coatings for cloth hardbacks. Weigh acrylic sprays, waxes, and size blends for shield, shine, and touch, balancing lasting hold, undo-ability, and daily use.
Acrylic sprays: film formation and aging risksWax finishes: application, sheen, and slipSize mixes for cloth: recipes and dilutionTesting coatings on offcuts before useBalancing protection, feel, and appearanceReversibility and retreatment considerationsLesson 8Measuring and layout tools: templates, spacing calculators for spine width, grain allowance, and cover overhangsLook at measuring and layout tools for spot-on case making. Use rulers, squares, templates, and spacers to figure spine width, grain extra, squares, and cover flaps for steady outcomes.
Steel rules, squares, and dividers in layoutReusable templates for common book formatsCalculating spine width from text thicknessPlanning cover overhangs and board squaresAllowing for swell, linings, and endpapersRecording measurements in project worksheetsLesson 9Threads and sewing supports: linen thread, waxed vs. unwaxed, tapes, cords, and sewing tapes characteristicsStudy threads and supports for hand binding. Compare linen thread gauges, strands, and wax, plus tapes, cords, and sewn aids to grasp their effect on bulk, bend, and strength.
Linen thread grades, ply, and tensile strengthWaxed vs. unwaxed thread: pros and consMatching thread size to paper and section countCloth tapes, paper tapes, and their behaviorCords and raised bands for traditional stylesControlling swell with supports and tension
