How to Host: Bookbinding Workshop
Workshop Description
A book-binding class where you can rebind your favorite book! Learn how to take any paperback, hardcover, or block of test and create a custom cover.
If you have a book you would like to rebind, please feel free to bring it. If you don’t, list your favorite book in the RSVP form and we will try our best to purchase it for you for the workshop.
This event is limited to the first 20 sign-ups. Please fill out the RSVP form to secure your spot.
Original Newsletter Ad
Logistical Information
The workshop was hosted in two sessions and set centrally on the 3rd floor of the Hive Makerspace with attendees gathered at the round tables.
Location and Setup for Workshop
Workshop Part 1 Materials and Table Setup
For part 1, a few tables can be prepped with equipment for different parts of the process.
- Table 1-Prepping Textblock: Sandpaper, trash can, and pencils.
- Table 2-Making Endpapers: Varieties of colored cardstock, x-acto knives, cutting mats, rulers, and writing utensils.
- Table 3-Gluing Endpapers: Scrap paper, glue, and brush for glue.
- Table 4-Adding Book Cloth: Book clamp, ribbons, book cloth, x-acto knives, circular cutter, cutting mats, headband pieces, glue
Workshop Part 2 Materials and Table Setup
For part 2, end users focus more on designing their covers, so less setup was required. On a few tables, these materials were spread out: Book/Chip board, tape, x-acto knives, cutting mats, rulers, bone folders, cloth and glue.
People
Number of Attendees: 20
Volunteers Requested: 4
3 Volunteers: Individuals with previous exposure to book binding or who have time to meet with the host to learn the process.
1 Volunteer: Individual who can take pictures throughout the workshop. Must make sure the camera is charged ahead of workshop time.
Materials List
In House Equipment
- T-Square
- Rulers
- X-Acto Knives
- Circular cutter
- Scissors
- Cutting Mats
- Clamps
- Vinyl Cutter
Consumables (need to be ordered/restocked)
- Sandpaper
- Genuine Bone Folder
- Cardstock (larger than standard 8.5”x11”)
- Lineco Glue
- Silicone Painting Brush
- Ribbon set
- Lineco Bookbinding Super Cloth
- Binding Headbands/Endbands
- Book Board
- Iron-on Vinyl
- Wax paper
BOM (01/24/2024)
| Item | Description | Quantity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lineco Glue | Book binding glue | 3 | Primary |
| Lineco Bookbinding Super Cloth | Cloth for book spine | 5 | Primary |
| Genuine Bone Folder | Creasing tool | 20 | Primary |
| Silicone Painting Brush | Brush for applying book glue | 5 | Primary |
| Lineco Neutral pH Binder Board | Material for Book cover | 10 | Primary |
| Binding Headbands Endbands | Material for book spine | 1 | Primary |
| Cardstock | Material for end papers | 6 | Primary |
| Ribbon set | Material for book mark | 1 | Primary |
Presentation Equipment Required
None required. A hands-free mic may be helpful for the introduction and general instructions
Host Feedback Post Workshop
Technical and Logistical Obstacles
“The volunteers helping didn’t have previous experience with the book binding procedure and were unable to help effectively.
Coordinating a two-part workshop is difficult because attendees are not always available for the next workshop.”
Suggestions for Future Iterations
“I would allow more time to learn basic arts and crafts skills. Many people did not know how to use x-acto knives, T-Squares, or basics rules of arts and crafts. I think giving more time for those fundamentals would help.”
Helpful Links to Learn Book Binding
Step-by-step case binding tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jabgWTJV6DQ
Video shows book binding process from start to finish. Also includes how to assemble your own text block with blank paper and thread.
How to make the book cover: https://youtu.be/NwqhMbblpYQ?si=saFBRyRy1Zle9egl
Video shows how to make the case/cover of your book using book board and fabric.