The Indigo Bookbinding Challenge

PROJECT OF THE WEEK #1: Saddle Stitch Binding

Welcome to the first project of the Indigo Bookbinding Challenge!

Today I will show you a very basic binding technique, which I think is perfect for making small book projects, like a handy pocket journal. I will teach you step-by-step how to make a variation of the Saddle Stitch Binding, how to make a sewing template, punch the holes through the paper and sew the book.

Ready? Let's go!

STEP 1: Get Your Tools & Materials (*)

  • 8 sheets of white plain paper in A5 size for the inner pages
  • 1 or more sheets of coloured paper in A5 size for the endpapers
  • 1 sheet of hand-marbled paper in A5 size for the cover
  • 1 sheet of paper in A5 size for the template
  • Bamboo paper folder
  • Bookbinding awl or similar
  • Bookbinding needle or similar
  • 1m of waxed cotton thread
  • Beeswax (just in case the thread isn't pre-waxed)
  • Pencil, ruler, scissors, cutting mat, foldback clips

(*) These are the materials I used for this project. Feel free to use any similar materials and tools you already have at home. Or check the Indigo Shop for high-quality bookbinding supplies.

STEP 2: Make a Sewing Template

Making a sewing template will help us to define the exact position of the holes. Everything is possible: You just have to make sure to keep the same separation between each hole.

There are many variations of the Saddle Stitch Binding technique, e.g. with 3, 4 or 5 holes. And also depending on the direction in which you start sewing the book, e.g. from the inside to the outside or the other way around. We will learn the 3-holes technique with a slight variation.

STEP 3: Punch the holes

Now that you have your sewing template ready, it's time for punching the holes through the paper!

I like to use a bookbinding awl, but if you don't have one, you can use a push pin or a nail and a hammer. Fix the papers with foldback clips, so they don't move while you are punching the holes. It's also important to punch holes big enough, so you don't have trouble later, trying to pass your needle and thread through them.

STEP 4: Sew Your Pocket Notebook

As I mentioned at the beginning, we will make a slight variation of the traditional Saddle Stitch Binding technique. Instead of start sewing from the inside of the book, we will start from the outside. In the end, we will have a long piece of thread left to wrap around our pocket notebook.

Did you like it? I'm sure once you master this technique, you won't stop making your own pocket journals and notebooks!

Your crafty fellow,
Karen

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