5 Easy Bookbinding Ideas | One Sheet of Cardstock Each, by Bookbinding Studio on YouTube. 16 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes per book
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Set out one sheet of cardstock per book, plus a ruler, pencil, bone folder, scissors, glue and a needle and thread for the stitched version. Work on a flat, clean table.
Make the fanzine. Fold the sheet in half one way, open it, fold it the other way, then fold it in half lengthwise and push the ends together so the pages collapse into a booklet.
Make the accordion book. Cut the cardstock into two or three equal strips, fold each strip into even panels in alternating directions, then glue the end panels together into one long fold-out book.
Make the saddle-stitched booklet. Fold the sheet in half, pierce three or five holes along the fold with a needle, sew through the middle hole and back, and tie off the thread inside the fold.
Make the zigzag book. Score and fold the sheet into equal panels, alternating mountain and valley folds, then glue a card cover to the first and last panel so the book stands up.
Make the pocket notebook. Fold the sheet into a cover with an inside pocket, then slide a folded page block or loose sheets into the pocket so notes and cuttings stay in place.
Press each finished book under a heavy flat object for a few minutes so the folds sit flat and the glued panels bond.
Tips and common mistakes
Score every fold with a bone folder or the back of a spoon before folding, so the cardstock creases cleanly instead of cracking.
Keep a scrap sheet or cutting mat under your work when using a craft knife, and always cut away from your fingers.
Sew with waxed thread and keep the stitches snug but not tight, or the paper will tear along the fold.
Write page numbers and a short index on the last page if you plan to use the notebook for reference notes.
Questions
What weight of cardstock works best for these books?
Around 160 to 250 gsm folds cleanly and still holds a crease. Thinner paper makes floppy books, and very thick board is hard to fold by hand.
Can I make these books without a bone folder?
Yes. A ruler edge or the back of a metal spoon scores a fold just as well. Press firmly along the line before you fold.
How long does one book take?
About 10 to 20 minutes once your folds are scored. The saddle-stitched booklet takes longest because of the sewing.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
