DAS Bookbinding

Starch #paste is one of the main types of adhesives used by bookbinders. In this video I'll demonstrate making paste on the stove with a double boiler and a hi tech version made with a Thermomix

An understanding of #paper #grain is essential to successful bookbinding. This video will demonstrate the common ways used to determine the paper grain direction.

The video demonstrates how to bind a single section #pamphlet or book using simple materials and tools.

Part 1 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. The first step in making this book is to fold the sections and punch the holes for sewing.

Part 2 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video will cover sewing the sections, also called gatherings, together to form a text block. To do this kettle stitches and weavers knots will be used. This video covers sewing the sections.

Part 3 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. In this video endpapers will be added to the text block, the spine will be glued, and the text block trimmed.

Part 4 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers rounding the text block, backing and lining the spine.

Part 5 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers making the case; the cover of the book.

Part 6, the final video, in a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book.

Can you trim a text block with just a knife and steel ruler? I thought no, but decided to give it a go and see what I could do.

This video describes how to put an archival cover on a book dust jacket to protect it. I will use Brodart Just-A-Fold III covers.

It's exciting getting a new book. If you're a book lover it might be brand new large hardcover book. Did you know it's really important how you open the book for the first time? This video will demonstrate how to open a new book for the first time which will keep the book in the best shape and the best chance of lasting a long time.

Bookbinders use three basic #knots for most of their work. The square knot joins the first two section together. Of course it has heaps of other uses. The kettle stitch connects all the other sections together after the first two. Finally the weavers knot is used to add thread once you run out.

This video demonstrates the construction and attachment of #made #endpapers. This endpaper design is very useful for use with decorative papers such as hand marbled paper or thin paper. In Arthur Johnson's book they are example number 7. The attachment method is all-along sewing and tipping on.

In this video three different ways of treating the corner turn-ins of cloth bindings are demonstrated. The first method is the standard method used on the majority of books. The second, known as a library or universal corner, is used where durability is required. The third is the tab or tongued corner for covering thick boards such as used in stationary binding.

This is a short video showing how I cleaned and sharpened a small board cutter.

The Queensland Bookbinders' Guild sells a small multi-section square back book kit at events such as the Lost Trades Fair held annually in Toowoomba. This is a video demonstrating the construction of this book to supplement the included instructions.

In this video I look at two cheaper options for backing hammers. The first is a Chinese made French pattern cobblers hammer, while the other is the US made C. S. Osborne No 66 cobblers hammer. I don't think either of them are ready to use as received and I show how I prepare them for use.

In this video I demonstrate unsupported French sewing, also known as link sewing. This sewing style is useful for thin and small books.

In this video I demonstrate using a skein of linen for bookbinding by plaiting it to keep it tidy and cut to a convenient length.

In this video I demonstrate how to make starch paste in a microwave. Starch paste is one of the main adhesives used by bookbinders.

In this video I demonstrate sewing an A4 text block on 4 tapes using a #sewing #frame.

This video demonstrates tipped-on #endpapers. This is the most basic form of endpaper which Arthur Johnson describes as "the cheapest and weakest". However, it is fast and uncomplicated which makes it useful for work where budget is important and for learners just starting out. In Johnson's book it is example number 3.

This video demonstrates sewing a book using two-on and three-on sewing on tapes. Two-on sewing, or the full name most commonly given to it being "two sheets on" sewing, is sewing two sections on at a time. This technique can be used on cords as well as tapes. The early use of this technique was most likely for speeding up sewing. However, for craft binders it is mostly used to reduce the swell in thick books with many sections.

This is an alternative method of doing a half binding cover style. Instead of diagonal corners it uses a fore-edge strip. I think this approach looks less dated and can be used in an overall design which can be modern in style.

This video demonstrates making the case for a full binding. All the other steps are the same as for a case binding and can be followed in my other videos on the subject.

This video demonstrates the construction of #zigzag #endpapers, which were made popular by Douglas Cockerell through his book Bookbinding, and the Care of Books, first published in 1901.

This video demonstrates the construction and attachment of hidden cloth jointed #endpapers. This endpaper design is very useful for robust bindings such as library bindings or any book that will receive a lot of use. In Arthur Johnson's book they are example number 9. The attachment method is all-along sewing and tipping on.

This video demonstrates a square back #Bradel binding based on instructions published by Peter Verheyen. This binding is particularly suited to small books which can't, or difficult, to round and back. It is also one of the easier case binding techniques.

Part 1 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. The first step in making this book is to fold the sections and punch the holes for sewing.

Part 2 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video will cover sewing the sections, also called gatherings, together to form a text block. To do this kettle stitches and weavers knots will be used. This video covers sewing the sections.

Part 3 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. In this video endpapers will be added to the text block, the spine will be glued, and the text block trimmed.

Part 4 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers rounding the text block, backing and lining the spine.

Part 5 of a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book. This video covers making the case; the cover of the book.

Part 6, the final video, in a series on binding a rounded and backed case bound book.

This video demonstrates the construction of #endpapers for #stationery binding, which in the trade was any book designed to be written in. In particular this design is used for #springback bindings. It is also appropriate for 19th century English library style binding, which are also designed for robustness.

This video demonstrates sewing a text block on recessed cords. This technique is used for hollow-back leather bindings. By recessing the cords into the text block a hollow tube can be adhered to the spine, forming the hollow back. The hallow back binding provides a smoother spine for finishing and the resulting spine does not undergo the same flexing of a tight-back binding. False raised bands are often attached to the spine.

This video shows how to bind a book which can be used as a journal, notebook, or sketchbook using #coptic style binding. The project uses basic tools and materials that can be obtained from an office supply or craft store.

This video demonstrates how to reinforce the #sewing of #springback bindings. Other considerations regarding sewing springback bindings will be discussed.

This is part 1 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered #springback notebook. This video includes fold sheets, punching holes, sewing, making and attaching endpapers and edge sprinkling. The clothing (spine lining) will be done with buckram and the cover will be full bookcloth. No leather skills are required for this project. The second video will pick up at constructing the spring and lever.

This is part 2 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered #springback notebook. This video includes clothing (spine lining) with buckram and construction of the lever and spring. No leather skills are required for this project. The third video will cover completion of the lever, attaching the spring, and covering and pasting down.

This is part 3 of 3 videos showing how to bind a basic cloth covered springback notebook. This video includes attaching the spring and split-boards, covering, forming the headcaps and pasting down the endpapers. No leather skills are required for this project.

This is part 1 or 2 on making a cloth covered #slipcase. It is based on a technique I was taught by June McNicol, and June based it primarily on the instructions by Arthur Johnson in the Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding.

This is part 2 or 2 on making a cloth covered #slipcase. It is based on a technique I was taught by June McNicol, and June based it primarily on the instructions by Arthur Johnson in the Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding.

In this video I demonstrate two different models of book ploughs in a fairly standard manner. Ploughs are used to used to trim the edges of books. In England they were used from the very late 15th century, and are still used in specialty binding today. However, the guillotine was introduced about 1840 and has replaced the plough in trade binding.

This video demonstrates sharpening 2 different book plough blades. Book ploughs are used to trim the edges of book.

This video will demonstrate how to tune a new English style paring knife, used for edge paring leather for bookbinding.

In this video I will modify a Stanley 151 #spokeshave to pare leather for bookbinding. I will start with a neglected spokeshave which is probably about 30 years old (I would recommend not using tools pre WW2 as these quality tools should remain in original state) and lower the blade bed angle, the bevel angle on the blade, and clean, polish and paint the spokeshave.

This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This first video will cover preparing the text block, making and attaching endpapers, and cutting and sprinkling the edges.

This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This second video will cover backing, lining the spine, and attaching the split boards.

This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This third video will cover cutting the leather pieces, paring the edges and attaching the corners.

This series of 4 videos will cover the construction of a robust half leather binding used for library books in the 19th and early 20th century in England. The design is a combination of techniques covered in 3 books, Advanced Bookbinding by J. Kay (1932), The Thames and Hudson Manual of Bookbinding by Arthur Johnson (1978), and Bookbinding by William Matthews (1929). The characteristics are split board attachment, tight-back binding with tape supports, a wide French groove joint, minimal edge paring of leather and no paring of the joints. The minimal paring make it an excellent introduction to leather binding. This fourth video will cover covering the spine, covering the boards with cloth, and pasting down the endpapers.

In this video I'll demonstrate lining cover boards with thin strong paper to counter the pull of a full leather binding. I'll go on a bit of a detour and experiment with materials and adhesives.

In this video I'll demonstrate how to put solid #coloured edges on a book. I will do a basic #edge preparation with a final brush burnishing and a more thorough edge preparation with final burnishing with an agate burnisher.

In this video I demonstrate how to put a burr on the edge of a card or cabinet scraper so it can be used to smooth the edges of books in preparation for edge decoration.

The video demonstrates #sprinkling #gold leaf onto the prepared #edge of a book. It is based on a method documented by Peter Geraty.

This video demonstrates a #Double-Fan or #Lumbeck binding with a #Bradel case.