Handmade Book

By Spotlight

Inspired by Hilary Peterson... we’ve created our own handmade book.

Final Result

Materials

• chipboard sheet (Bella! Chipz 12” x 12” chipboard sheets)
• decorative scrapbook paper for cover
• white copy paper & decorative scrapbook paper for pages
• awl
• ruler & pencil
• scissors
• guillotine or metal ruler, craft knife & cutting mat
• pva glue
• paint brush
• darning needle
• perle cotton thread
• fabric & trim (optional)
• waxed kitchen paper/ baking paper

Step 1

The text block

Create the text block by cutting the papers 15cm x 21cm each then folding in half. The text block has 5 signatures with 6 folded sheets in each so 30 pieces of paper in total. Use the copy paper and decorative papers. Nest 6 folded pages together to form one signature and repeat until there are 5 signatures in total.

Step 2

Signatures

To create a template for the stitching holes cut a piece of scrap paper 15cm x 8cm and fold it down the centre. Place the ruler along the fold and mark at 2cm, 4cm, 6cm, 9cm, 11cm and 13cm write the word TOP at the end near the 13cm mark. Open up one signature and nest the template inside along the fold. Using the awl create a hole at every pencil mark through the template and all pages. Repeat for all the signatures stacking them together to make sure the TOP of the pages are all at the same end. This will ensure all the holes match up for stitching.

Step 3

Stitching

Cut 2 pieces of paper 20cm x 1.8 cm, these are tapes and will be held to the spine with the stitching. Stitch the pages together following the diagram using the perle thread and a darning needle. Sew into the first hole from the outer edge of the fold leaving a 10cm tail of thread. Place one tape between the second and third holes and continue sewing along, the stitch will hold the tape in place. Repeat placing the second tape between the fourth and fifth holes. Hold the second signature next to the first and sew into the first hole then continue sewing along catching in the tapes as before. At the end of the second row of stitching tie the thread and the tail together then continue sewing the third signature, at the end hook the thread under the join between the first and second signatures. Repeat this at the end of each signature. Once all the signatures are in place, hook the thread under the previous join and tie off securely with a knot.

Step 4

The cover

Measure the spine of the text block to determine how wide to cut the chipboard. Spine size will vary from book to book depending on the type of paper used. Cut the spine piece approximately 2mm wider than the text block, no more, it has to fit as tightly as possible. The front and back covers are cut the same size as each other, slightly larger than the text block on THREE sides. For this book 11cm x 16cm. When gluing big pieces of chipboard it is best to glue from the center out toward the edges as this helps reduce any warping. Apply glue to the cover and spine pieces and attach to the chosen cover paper leaving a space between the covers and the spine of approximately three times the thickness of the chipboard. Cut the corners of the paper leaving a small space between the corner of the board and the cut edge. Apply glue to the top and bottom edges and fold over to the inside of the cover. Repeat for the sides. Wrap the cover in some waxed paper and press under a heavy weight until dry. Once dry attach a strip of fabric along the spine area and finish by attaching some decorative trim if desired.

Step 5

Insert text block

Place the text block into the cover to get a feel for how it will look. Take it out and apply glue to the tapes then insert the text block back into position inside the cover making sure it is jammed into the spine area. Place some waxed paper under the first and last page of the book to protect the rest of the book, apply glue to one page and attach the page to the inside cover over the tapes smooth it down once you are happy with the placement, repeat for the other page. The completed book can be pressed under a heavy weight at this stage if desired, making sure the spine sticks out a little and is not crushed. Protect the book and any wet glue areas with waxed paper before pressing.

Note

Step 3 Digram - Stitching