5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Bookbinding

Рет қаралды 101,883

Күн бұрын

Grain Direction: • Using PAPER as Bookclo...
DIY Corner Cutting Jig: • DIY CORNER CUTTING JIG
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0:00 - intro
0:32 - paper grain
3:43 - warping
9:00 - trimming corners
9:56 - sewing thread
12:36 - expensive tools
15:20 - outro

Пікірлер: 175

@ryokomusouka 11 ай бұрын

Just a note about raw materials - if all you're doing is practicing techniques, you can use cereal boxes and inexpensive paper, saving the "good stuff" for projects that are meant to last.

@noelaniization 11 ай бұрын

In the beginning, I used my bank card as a folder. If you have a local hardware store, you can get cheap packs of smaller brushes. Sometimes the bristles fall out after a few uses but I just use pliers to crimp the end smaller. Just helpful tips from a poor college kid who loves making books.

@RamoArt 11 ай бұрын

A credit card! Of course! I've been using things like the back of knives but it hasn't worked well. Thank you.

@noelaniization 11 ай бұрын

@@RamoArt Yay! I'm so glad I could help. I've also used the stainless steel ruler, just depends on how long it is.

@deerafl1979 4 ай бұрын

i used the back of plastic comb as makeshift folder, and empty ballpoint to score. Craft should'nt be limiting!

@MCSEknight 4 ай бұрын

I think the most difficult thing for me to find when I first started was PVA glue (for general bookbinding) and Wheat or Rice paste (for leather work). It frustrated me to no end finding videos for "bookbinding" but turned out to be for scrapbooking and getting recommendations for standard Elmers Glue. Please for the love of all that is good, if you are reading this, don't use Elmers Glue or paste sticks for bookbinding. If it's for your own personal use, do whatever you want, but it's best to not bind or repair books that are for customers with these kinds of glue. It took a while but I finally found suppliers that had Jade 403 PVA. Yes it's more expensive but it's made for bookbinding and archival work. Don't skimp on the glue. You don't have to get Jade 403 specifically, just read the label and make sure it says "dries flexible", and if in doubt, test it out first on some scrap paper. You absolutely do not want to have a spine glued with something that will crack and flake off.

@liza3337 Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@aixot_3073 11 ай бұрын

Grain direction: It's also important for the pages lying flat in a book when opening/browsing. 11:18 Please avoid the thread to be too thin, since it may cut the paper when pulled too strong during sewing.

@ladyflimflam 11 ай бұрын

The quick way to find the grain is to hold your paper by the two corners and observe it’s behavior. Then turn the paper one quater turn and observe it’s behavior. The direction your paper dips more easily while you are holding it by the corners is the grain.

@avarineavee6502 11 ай бұрын

Before I got my bone folder, I've been using just a sturdy metal ruler!! It wasn't working perfect and it was leaving shiny strip on the paper, but it was just okay for my needs at that moment. Also, about an awl - honestly, i still haven't gotten one, and I don't need to. I totally recommend using the handle of an exacto knife, and a needle of your choice (but make sure it's long enough to actually poke holes lol). Put it in like you'd normally do with the blade. Just in the middle of the 'X', and you're good to go. My almost-hand-made awl serves me well to this day, and I'm very happy with it!!

@Jeannette.akaJnett 11 ай бұрын

Excellent depiction of paper grain. So many people don't even think about it or even know about it for that matter. Such great info all the way around. I've made books for myself and for my grands and I think I've learned 99% of what I should do from you. Thank you so much for all your knowledge.

@LedgerAndLace 11 ай бұрын

That whole paper grain thing has a learning curve that I was completely oblivious about. "Why is my paper all springy?!" And the warping situation is really helpful, too. LOVED these tips, Nik! 🙂

@Flat_Earth_Addy 7 ай бұрын

How can you tell paper grain though?

@LedgerAndLace 7 ай бұрын

@@Flat_Earth_Addy To me, it feels springier and harder to fold against the grain. Usually regular 8.5" X 11" paper the grain runs top to bottom. It's easier to fold length wise. Folding it in half the other way, the paper feels springier. It also doesn't lie as flat if you have a a few papers folded to make a signature. Nik has a more in depth explanation in the first video listed in the description box.

@Soul_Watcher 5 ай бұрын

I had a stupid attack about the paper grain situation that I learned decades ago when doing artwork. I then remembered AFTER I already cut, sowed, and glued the spine. 🤦‍♂️ I ruined 400 sheets of Tomoe River paper all because I forgot this rule. Nice and wrinkled. 😕 Well, as they say sometimes you have to make big mistakes to learn a rule. I will never make that mistake again. Cheers

@Flat_Earth_Addy 5 ай бұрын

@@Soul_Watcher I have been working with books for decades, antiques, binding, and so on. And I NEVER heard of this. I don't think it is real. How can it be real? Paper is not like wood.

@LedgerAndLace 5 ай бұрын

@@Soul_Watcher I never paid attention to it until I started making journals. Not such a big deal with Junk Journals, but with proper journals and books, it definitely matters! 🙂

@sittingstill3578 7 ай бұрын

I learned about paper grain trying to make crafts with tissue paper. Because it’s so thin the grain literally makes it impossible to tear across the bias. Tearing strips on the grain is so much more doable if unpredictable.

@emryborge7027 6 ай бұрын

I love how you explain WHY something happens, not just that it happens.

@featherslettersandseeds414 7 ай бұрын

For a curved needle, I bent an embroidery needle in a curve with two pliers. Works beautifully.

@willgrime 5 ай бұрын

Works with a thick needle since it has a core of soft steel, but with very thin needles it’s a very dangerous move: hardened steel will shatter if stressed in this way, and hardened steel shrapnel splinters in eyes or fingers are really no fun.

@jorjanm 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for all the tips! I am a paper crafter (card maker, scrapbooker) and I think knowing the paper grain is going to help a lot. Just started with making junk journals and binding books within the last year. Love your videos!

@broer61 11 ай бұрын

I am glad that I so insecure that I always read instruction manuals and ‘How to..’ books, before I do anything, all your tips were in my first bookbinding book. Just saying. :-) I like how you talk in your videos, about the project andcrambling about other stuff.

@janicereece3842 11 ай бұрын

Nik, good to see you again. You are an inspiration to all of us. Your stories and your miniature works of art are steller.💜💜💜

@carolbeeding4270 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for mentioning tips that haven’t been brought up before and are something that few of us new journal makers even think about. ❤️

@carolinesmercantile4290 11 ай бұрын

You did a beautiful job on that Oliver Twist redo! This type of craft makes me fall in love with book binding all over again!

@alenakhlebnikova6154 7 ай бұрын

I just finished bookbinding a book 2 days ago and only now found this video. Good to know that I failed to do the first thing mentioned. Thanks! Edit: Apparently I also screwed up with the thread choice. Lovely. But, hey! It was my first time and it is 829 pages long, so I'm just glad I even finished it and didn't give up halfway. Turned out wacky, but good enough for the first try. The only thing I regret is trying to trim the pages, cause now they look like a dog chewed on it, but it's ok.

@LindaSmith-vq1br 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for such clear information and hopefully it will make everyone’s experiences in the bookbinding. I really appreciate it!

@joyjournal6157 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this! Working with the grain is what I needed to hear!

@Greg-tj8rg 8 ай бұрын

I really appreciate that your grain direction video linked directly to when you talked about grain direction. I'm making notebooks to carry around and your videos have been very useful

@versterker1981 6 ай бұрын

Super helpful video for a beginner, thank you Nik, can't wait to explore the rest of your work!!

@sharonaolsen705 10 ай бұрын

So, so helpful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

@Macallion 10 ай бұрын

I made a budget book press out of two old bookcase shelves. Drilled matched up holes in all the corners, got some washers, some carriage bolts and some wingnuts. It's a bit messy, since the shelves are chipboard rather than actual wood, but it works.

@willgrime 5 ай бұрын

Chipboard is much better than wood since it has no grain. Wood will split along the grain if your book press is over-tightened.

@jsmxwll 4 ай бұрын

waxing the thread also slows the rate that the fibers of the thread absorb moisture. repeat swelling of some natural fibers can cause them to start separating and weakening over time. this isn't as much of an issue with linen because the threads are so long, but with short staple threads like cotton, it can make a big difference. some of my earliest bindings started coming out at the stitches and the 100% cotton embroidery floss coming apart was the culprit. seems to be a bigger issue on rounded back bindings. all of mine that had problems were rounded back at any rate.

@heathersmith7932 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your posts but this one especially, as an amateur book maker this is wonderful. Love the humor too! 😊

@raestipher9789 9 ай бұрын

🎉🎉Thank you for your teaching teacher 🎉🎉

@janasher4940 11 ай бұрын

Your explenation of paper grain and the importance is excellent. Folding parallel to the grain is very easy to see with your visual aid.

@beckyb4074 11 ай бұрын

Hello Nik, so good to see/hear you. I just wanted to thank you for making these kinds of videos to make important information in one place. I really, really, really appreciate how you explain these kinds of things. And Yes, I'm going to go back and rewatch the video on making your own gig for cutting the paper corners accurately. Hugs to you young lady. Take care and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

@junepatterson7928 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the review.

@sahafiandisheh1746 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for the important points in binding. I have been engaged in binding for many years and your explanations have helped me a lot. God bless you

@wordscrafter 6 ай бұрын

Great info and review. I haven't made books in a few years and am thinking about getting my gear out and playing again. And updated info is extremely welcome. Thanks so much for sharing this ❤❤❤!

@blackcoffeeandwildflowers 11 ай бұрын

I always learn something from you. And I’m always inspired by you. Thank you! 🤗❤️❤️

@JannyHaak 11 ай бұрын

Thanks, Nik! ❤

@TheStephsayshi 9 ай бұрын

Thank you! What a great video!

@Santi-ce2eb 6 ай бұрын

It is the best tutorial I have seen so I subscribe to your channel. My father started bookbinding when he was 15 and I saw in your tutorial some things he said. Good warnings and very well explained!

@staceywilson5232 11 ай бұрын

I'm a beginner and this really helps. Thank you!

@NormaDerr-nv4cn 7 ай бұрын

This is the absolutely BEST video I have seen (and I’ve seen a lot) that explains why covers can warp and how to prevent it.

@margaretcomella3318 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Nik!!! Really helpful tips! 😮❤

@tripletgirl2484 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! All very helpful!

@briankhrisjackson9088 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for the tips.

@janetvisochi-baum7572 11 ай бұрын

thank you Nik - this was very informative xx

@wittleMermaid13 2 ай бұрын

So helpful, thank you! I'm bracing myself - about to take the plunge and start my first ever book binding.

@KYATKAT 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for these tips .. have a great weekend

@suecox2308 11 ай бұрын

Super helpful Nik, many thanks.

@ngtskynebula 4 ай бұрын

This is so helpful! Thank you so much for the content! 🥺💘

@dammitjim5037 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the great tips!

@KatheD 11 ай бұрын

So much helpful information - thanks!

@melissabenito1376 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for this beautiful video

@germainwdesjardins6573 17 күн бұрын

Thank you! Very good information ❤️

@amybaker3551 10 ай бұрын

So helpful! Thank you.

@amyrugala246 11 ай бұрын

Very informative and useful. Thank you!!!!!!

@debjones7006 9 ай бұрын

Hi, this could be a game changer. Smart Vinyl. Cricut lots of colors and possibilities. Thin water resistant. I do not have the CRICUT, but I used this vinyl to cover duct tape and various surfaces. Thin bendable. I do not bond the 2 given surfaces but use vinyl alone.

@Valerie-ut2dk Ай бұрын

Timely information for me. Thank you. And, "pokey thing" is a technical term in my books!

@juliechaud 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Nik; I really enjoyed the thoroughness and logical thinking that this video shared!

@annajavier5712 11 ай бұрын

This was helpful thanks

@caroltanzi29 11 ай бұрын

Excellent info video! Carol from California

@sandikalin636 11 ай бұрын

You always are a wealth of information, I get very excited when I see you’ve posted a video. Thx Nik. ( I wish I could get the $$$ back that I’ve spent on things I thought I “had to have”. Needless to say so does my husband 🤣🤣.

@vickiefowler1429 11 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@TheAlohaStudios 3 ай бұрын

So helpful! Loved the icepick and brick ideas ;-) Fun edit, too.

@giovannascotti488 3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much❤

@melindareynolds7867 11 ай бұрын

Very useful info-thank you!

@susanmiller7028 11 ай бұрын

Great tips!

@happymailmagic 11 ай бұрын

Thank You!!!

@lori88ish 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great tips much appreciated. Take Care Hugs and Smiles

@elinordrake9716 4 ай бұрын

So useful, thanks!

@jenniferwatson7118 11 ай бұрын

Thankyou!

@suburbanyute340 11 ай бұрын

I have an olfa knife, I love it. I use it to sharpen pencils

@DeerheartStudioArts 11 ай бұрын

enjoyed this vid a lot! good advice and well presented!🦌💌❤️📚

@maramakesjournals2319 11 ай бұрын

Good video. Thanks!

@NorthlightsStudio 11 ай бұрын

Great advice Nik! You da bomb!

@Loxalair 6 ай бұрын

I didn't have an awl when I started, even though you can get them for less than $5. What I did have was a pack of finishing nails and a hammer, for the thicker sections, and a really fat, pointy sewing needle, for the thinner ones. And I creased my sections down by rolling a nail polish bottle over them. Now that I'm a few years in and I know more about bookbinding and know that I want to continue, I have a bone folder and an awl and more tools besides. But starting with school glue and a pack of finishing nails is totally fine

@angelinamichelle8474 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant. I think my covers are warping despite same grain as I have been letting covers dry before casing in etc. Couldn't figure it out!!! Ty so much!

@shirleykathan-sayess5764 10 ай бұрын

These are extremely helpful tips. Thank you so much! ❤ SayessDesign

@matildagentle3816 11 ай бұрын

Wow! You are pro!!!! 😮

@glittermama 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for this info!! Note about waxed linen: I always use this. What I discovered is that, over time, it loosens up and the pages become loose. You can prevent most of this by gently stretching the length you cut. I do this after I thread the needle. I have much less stretching after I do this. xxx

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

That's genius, thank you!

@glittermama 11 ай бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith love ya!

@maryjenkins9567 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for that tip! I had never heard that but definitely trying it on my next book!

@glittermama 11 ай бұрын

@@maryjenkins9567 It helps with loosening. I used to be an OR nurse and that's what we did with sutures that could stretch later.

@arlenestanton9955 3 ай бұрын

How do you stretch it out?

@willgrime 5 ай бұрын

I’d add a self-healing cutting mat: superb worksurface, protects table top, can be cleaned of glue easily, helps with measuring and creating accurate angles, worth the expense

@404CameraNotFound 2 ай бұрын

your videos remind me of watching a "This Old Tony" Video but for bookbinding (:

@hopewilkes74 11 ай бұрын

That was good!!!!

@apple369 11 ай бұрын

How did you know I was about to dive into my very first book-binding attempt? Are you psychic? Awesome timing. Thanks.

@mariep-MAPAT 11 ай бұрын

Very informative video, Nik! I've made a few books, but it's always good to have the advice of a pro! XXX

@linda9731 11 ай бұрын

Yes, I loved your video! Waxing my own thread is a game changer. Thank you for the tips!❤

@Justme_247 11 ай бұрын

Thanks a bunch. I'm terrible at corners.

@ChautonaHavig 11 ай бұрын

Thank you! One thing I'd LOVE to know is why I ALWAYS end up with a spine that is too big no matter how carefully I measure.

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

I hear ya, Chautona, spine width can be a tricky, tricky beast. I'll have to start some notes for a video about calculating spine width.

@ChautonaHavig 11 ай бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith My hero!

@Soul_Watcher 5 ай бұрын

One way to see what grain direction your paper is in ( because many do not stipulate the grain) is by cutting two strips at the corner of a piece of paper. One cut horizontally and the other corner vertically. Wet them. When one of those strips of paper fold and curl you found the short grain. That means the opposite is the long grain. Still complicated. I know. When you bend your paper one way and then another, bowing them, the short grain will resist less. The long grain resist more. So if you have a 8x10” piece of paper and you bend it from the top and bottom and fold them towards each other and it’s more resistant that’s the long grain direction. It’s hard trying to write an example instead of showing one. Cheers

@maramakesjournals2319 11 ай бұрын

Based on comments here, I subscribed to DAS. Today I learned the correct way to remove staples. It was fascinating. Really.

@barbmartz3174 9 ай бұрын

I'm a beginner and this was so helpful and you are an excellent teacher. I'm totally ignorant on all of this and I'm esp ignorant when it comes to how to tie and properly sew the book holes together. You can tell I'm a beginner becuz I'm still learning the language so forgive me. Can you help me learn how to sew in the proper order all the holes? Thanks so much, Barb

@southbridgefarm8795 Ай бұрын

Do you have a video on how to sew pages?

@user-yh7hr4eh5e 10 ай бұрын

Nik - Thank you for this info, it's truly helpful! Alos, at approximately 11:32 in this video you show the embroidery floss on a very attractive floss bobbin - did you make that?

@NiktheBooksmith 10 ай бұрын

Good morning! Yeah, its just cut out of some patterned cardstock =)

@myah1018 11 ай бұрын

Hi Nik ( and the entire bookbinding community!) I am just starting my journey into book binding with the intent to rebind all of my current paper backs ( many of which are old and have been read so many times I wouldn't even try to count ) However I feel like I am continually struggling with even the basics no matter how many times I watch and re-watch some videos. My replacement hard covers always seem to be the wrong size, and my spines always feel out to lunch. This leads to end pages not fitting properly and not being able to open properly. Is there ( because it feel like everywhere I look it's different ) a ball park formula to at least getting my bookboard to the right size? Also tricks to seating the end pages into the cover so that the book can lay 'flat' while reading? Thank you so much for just reading this! Mya

@NiktheBooksmith 10 ай бұрын

Good morning! Please don't be too discouraged. Bookbinding is an advanced skill that takes time to learn. You may already be doing this, but I suggest practicing on cheap thrift store books that you don't intend to read until you feel more comfortable with the process. Not sure if you've seen this video or not. Maybe something in it might help kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rd5kbJuTmJfPlnU.html

@TheLeoGoddess88 6 ай бұрын

The opening is my experience trying to leather tooling lol

@kellycameraman 3 ай бұрын

Look up Kelly Willauer Lay Flat Binding Patent

@ForEverKath 8 ай бұрын

Haha, I have hundreds of coffee stiring sticks from all caffee houses in my country! 😃😁

@cb9831 11 ай бұрын

Could I ask what type of glues to use / is premixed better than mix your own & is dry glue better than water based ( PVA ) to reduce warping ! Any help on glues appreciated ^_^ By 'Dry Glue' - I mean Dry Mount !

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

good morning! I'll have to make another video about supplies/materials. But, as a short answer, I usually use PVA or PVA mixed with methyl cellulose.

@margaretcomella3318 11 ай бұрын

When folding across the grain, do you feel it helps to lightly moisten the paper and/or score it? Thanks

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

Hi Margaret! I've only dampened paper when I intend to tear the folded paper. I'm not sure if it would be helpful as far as making the fold, but the problem you may run into with moistening the paper, is that it would be more prone to stretch the fibers out of shape and when the paper it dried, I'm afraid it would be all wonky.

@ritad673 11 ай бұрын

Great video, Nik. Thanks a milliobilliokazillion!

@deepbluetree 5 ай бұрын

Regarding warp, do you have to glue both sides at the same time to combat warp or can you prepare the book cover first and then later glue your book block in? Like, if it warps first and then you glue the other side, does that reverse the warping? I'm not sure if that made sense, sorry

@NiktheBooksmith 5 ай бұрын

Good morning! I've done it both ways. If you prepare your board one way and it does seem to stay flat, try the other and see if that helps or makes it worse. The board will dry curved in toward the side that is pulling more than the other. If that happens you can try to flatten it out by applying (gluing) a thin paper to the convex side. Lordt. I hope THAT made any sense! 🤯

@tharp2499 11 ай бұрын

Oh, sure...NOW you tell me.🙄 Bahahahahaha! I knew most of these things, even that paper had a grain, because..."I learned it from YOU, OK?...I learned it from watching YOU!".😁(I know you got that😉) But, I did NOT know that folding against the grain for your signatures could/would add so much stress. Which sucks. 'Cuz I like to fold a letter/A4 size in half for 6x9-ish journals. Saves paper, & money's always tight. But, it makes absolute, crystal clear sense. Thank you for the demonstration, and advice.💖 To quote Dash of Dave, "Thank you for being you"...tho, I do think I said it first.😁💗

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Yes, as a child of the 80's, I do get that reference 😄 Just an fyi, I'll explain how to easily source paper that can be folded with grain while not being wasteful =)

@rizzat 4 ай бұрын

Did you make the needle holder?

@seameology 11 ай бұрын

The book boards of my very first junk journal were warped when I used them. I could rebind it but, I love my decorations on the cover. Any tips for unwarping a book?

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

Good morning! Its hard to say. Maybe? Depending on which direction the covers are warped. If the covers are warped in the direction that would require an extra layer of material glued to the decorated cover, I guess that would defeat the purpose. =/

@BarbaraCJ 11 ай бұрын

Anybody can tell me by turning a paperback to hardcover if I should add Oxford Hollow or chipboard to the spine? Thanks! Good tips Nik!

@NiktheBooksmith 11 ай бұрын

Good question, Barbara! There are a few videos here on KZfaq about that very subject. If you ask me, I'd say check some out and maybe it will help you decide which direction you want to go. :)