Create a Custom Sketchbook with Ordinary Craft Supplies

In this class I will be teaching you a method of book binding with a kettle stitch using ordinary craft supplies. No need for expensive professional tools that will break a budget. Because of this, some parts do become tricky, but I will be there guiding you along the way with tips and tricks that I learnt from my own experience.

Book binding can be a tedious task, and it takes a bit of patience, so please spare a day where you’re free, so you can complete the project in your own time. I’ve divided the methods into smaller lessons, and you can pause or take a break in between whenever you need to. I personally like to divide the tasks over a few days, so it doesn’t get overwhelming.

If this is your first-time book binding, please take your time and maybe watch the class first to get an over view of the project before starting it straight away. Having an overall idea of the project will help you visualize how project will go.

In my class, I will be making 2 sketchbooks. One will be a watercolor sketchbook using 200gsm and 300gsm watercolor paper, and the other one will be a multipurpose sketchbook which I have combined a few different types of paper so I can alternate between mediums. All the tools and measurements will be available in the downloadable section but I will also be showing them in the lessons so you can also take a screenshot of it.

CLASS OVERVIEW

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Materials (including options)
3. Introduction to signatures and organizing your paper
4. Measuring the paper accurately
5. Cutting and folding the paper
6. Optional: How to bend and curve a needle
7. Puncturing Holes into signatures
8. Threading the needle
9. Stitching signatures together
10. Tips for using a straight needle
11. Gluing the signatures
12. Attaching end pages
13. Leveling
14. Adding ribbon and spine support
15. Cover materials
16. Cover: Using faux leather cover
17. Cover: Using a plush liner under cotton fabric
18. Closing and class project

If this is something that you’ll be interested in, come join me, and let's begin!

 

*For more works by me

Youtube: Nianiani

IG: @ig_nianiani

 

** Music by Aakash Gandhi, Shattered Path

• OPENING
• TOOLS AND MATERIALS
• INTRODUCTION TO SIGNATURES
• MEASURING PAPER
• CUTTING AND FOLDING PAPER
• OPTION: DIY CURVED NEEDLE
• PUNCTURING
• THREADING THE NEEDLE
• USING THE KETTLE STITCH
• TIPS FOR USING A STRAIGHT NEEDLE (OPTIONAL)
• GLUING THE SIGNATURES
• ATTACHING END PAGES
• LEVELLING THE TEXT BLOCK
• ADDITIONAL RIBBON AND SPINE SUPPORT
• DIFFERENT COVER MATERIALS
• USING FAUX LEATHER FOR COVER
• USING A PLUSH LINER UNDER COTTON FABRIC
• CLOSING