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

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

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

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

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
Long Stitch Binding by Shihui Yang

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