Lesson 1Cutting, folding, and punching tools: knives, bone folders, folding sticks, ploughs, sewing frames, awls, and punching/marking gaugesReview cutting, folding, and punching tools essential to hand bookbinding. Learn safe, precise use of knives, bone folders, ploughs, sewing frames, awls, and gauges to achieve clean edges, accurate folds, and consistent sewing stations for professional results.
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, fibre content, and behaviour when foldedInvestigate uncoated paper types in the 90–120 gsm range, focusing on fibre content, surface, and folding behaviour. Learn how grain, sizing, and bulk influence durability, show-through, and suitability for different binding structures in your projects.
Wood pulp vs. cotton and mixed fibre papersBulk, caliper, and stiffness in text blocksInternal and surface sizing and ink behaviourFolding 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, reversibilityExplore common bookbinding adhesives, comparing composition, working time, penetration, flexibility, and reversibility. Learn when to choose PVA, wheat starch paste, methylcellulose, or blended pastes for stable, repairable bindings that last.
PVA types, flexibility, and ageing behaviourMixing and cooking wheat starch paste safelyMethylcellulose uses, viscosity, and reversibilityBlended pastes for controlled tack and open timeAdhesive penetration and paper sizing effectsStorage, labelling, and contamination preventionLesson 4Grain direction: identifying grain, why it matters for folding, sewing, and casing-inUnderstand grain direction in paper, board, and cloth, and why it is critical for folding, sewing, and casing-in. Learn practical tests to identify grain and how correct alignment reduces warping, cockling, and spine stress over time in your bindings.
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 frequentlyExamine boards, cloths, and cover papers used for frequently handled books. Learn how thickness, stiffness, bend radius, and surface durability influence comfort, protection, and longevity, and how to match materials to project demands effectively.
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 durabilityLearn safety practices, ergonomic setups, and preservation-minded material choices for archival work. Topics include tool handling, posture, lighting, ventilation, and selecting stable, low-emission materials that age predictably and safely in your workspace.
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 hardbacksReview finishing materials and surface coatings used on cloth-covered hardbacks. Compare acrylic sprays, waxes, and size mixes for protection, sheen, and feel, while weighing long-term stability, reversibility, and reader handling needs for durability.
Acrylic sprays: film formation and ageing 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 overhangsSurvey measuring and layout tools that support accurate case construction. Learn to use rulers, squares, templates, and spacing calculators to determine spine width, grain allowance, squares, and cover overhangs for consistent results every time.
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 sewing supports used in hand binding. Compare linen thread sizes, ply, and waxing, and examine tapes, cords, and sewn-on supports to understand how they influence swell, flexibility, and structural strength in your work.
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 behaviourCords and raised bands for traditional stylesControlling swell with supports and tension
