Book Arts – Learning Resources

Pamphlet Binding

This binding is ideal for small booklets, zines and notebooks.

From left to right, pamphlet binding, tools and bookbinding step-by-step guide
Pamphlet Stitch BindingDownload

Dos-à-Dos

Dos-à-dos means back-to-back in French.
The binding has two separate sections combined within one cover.

From left to right, Stab binding, Coptic binding and Dos-à-Dos Binding
Dos a Dos BindingDownload

Japanese Stab Binding

Stab bindings are ideal to sew together single sheets of paper.
The variations of sewing patterns are endless.

Traditional Japanese Stab Binding
Japanese Stab BindingDownload

Simple Slip Case

A paper slip can combine a set of books or act as protection for a book, leaving the spine exposed.

Example for a paper slip case, combining multiple book structures
Slip CaseDownload

Coptic Binding

The coptic binding has an exposed/sewn spine and there is no glue required. In coptic binding the covers are sewn in conjunction with the pages.

Contemporary Coptic Binding

Watch step-by-step Coptic Binding here:

To access this video please email Rahel Zoller: r.zoller@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Articles

For further reference follow the articles below:
The Architecture of a Book
Alternative Bookbinding Tools
Paper and its Properties
Print your own Design on Book Cloth
POD (Print on Demand)

External learning resources

Punching Cradle

Image of a punching cradle
Punching Cradle by Miriam Brüggen
Download step-by-step guide here: Punching CradleDownload
Long Stitch Binding by Shihui Yang
Download tutorial here: Long-Stitch-TutorialDownload

Books
Free online (and downloadable) version of:
Boxes for the Protection of Books: Their Design and Construction
from the Library of Congress

Bookbinding
A step-by-step guide by Kathy Abbott

Making Books
A guide to creating hand-crafted books
by the London Centre for Book Arts