as requested...the tutorial:)
you will need:*bookboard for covers (i use recycled game boards)
*paper for covers, endpapers, and filler pages
*waxed linen thread (or, i run embroidery thread over a block of beeswax)
*a curved embroidery needle
*paper cutter
*flour and water (or adhesive suitable for paper)
*paintbrush
*ruler
*awl
first, make wheat paste, if using:i like mine thicker, but experiment. combine 1/3 cup plain white flour with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.
heat over medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly 'til you have sticky paste. that's it!
now get all your bookboard and paper cut.
for the cover papers, you'll need a piece for the front and a piece for the back cover, and leave an extra 1/4-1/2 inch along each edge.
for the book shown, the covers are 4 3/4" high x 4" wide.
for the endpapers (these will go on each inside cover), cut them slightly smaller than the cover itself.
for the filler pages, cut slightly shorter than the height of the covers, and (
almost) 2x as wide as the covers, since you'll be folding the pages to fit inside. (
almost twice as wide because the fold itself will take up a little room, and you don't want pages sticking out of the book.)
for the book shown, i cut 10 groups of 5 pages, 4 1/2' high x 7 3/4" wide.
glue away.spread a thin layer on the backs of each piece of cover paper, then press each piece of bookboard onto the paper. spread glue on the inside corners of the cover paper and fold in as shown.
do the same with the remaining edges until the cover is neatly wrapped.
then glue the endpapers in place on the insides of the covers.
now for the pages:each group of pages is called a 'signature'. so, i used 10 signatures for this book. fold each signature in half to make little booklets. crease them well (real bookbinders use a bonefolder; i use my scissors handle or whatevers around).
when they're all folded, stack them neatly so the spines (folded edges) are together (you can hold them together with clothespins if you'd like).
measure however many holes you'd like- i used 4 in my book- and mark lightly in pencil. this is where you'll be sewing eveything together, so, at least 3 for stability, but not too many. use the awl to poke holes in the spines. i like to lay each signature flat and poke against cardboard.
then poke holes along the left edges of the front and back covers to match the holes in the signatures.
sew it all together:here's a better tutorial than i could ever make for the coptic stitch:
http://ideanet.doe.state.in.us/olr/grantprojects/books/Coptic%20Book.htmwell, better, but still not great. it's easy once you get it. not that that helps.
here's another coptic stitch tutorial.and i plan to make a photo tute for coptic stitch asap.
(tying the final knot:)
once it's all sewn, press the entire book under some heavy books and bricks (real bookbinders use a book press).
and there you have it! whew, that was harder than i thought- the tutorial i mean- the book was easy!
