From the Bindery: Top 5 Tools Every Bookbinder Must Have

Here at SB Libris, the bindery is abuzz with activity as our skilled artisans meticulously craft and restore books with unparalleled expertise. As our in bindery and online workshops continue in full swing, it is essential for every bookbinder, whether novice or seasoned professional, to have the right tools at their disposal. Today, we delve into the essential equipment that no bookbinder should be without. Join us as we explore the top 5 tools that are crucial for every bookbinding enthusiast's toolkit. We also have a FREE Essential Bookbinding Tools Checklist that you can download here

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1. Cutting Mat: A cutting mat is essential for protecting surfaces while trimming paper or cutting materials during the bookbinding process. Its self-healing surface ensures longevity and precision in cutting tasks.

2. Ruler or Straight Edge: A ruler or straight edge is crucial for creating straight and precise folds, cuts, and measurements in bookbinding. It helps bookbinders achieve clean and professional-looking edges on their projects.

3. Steel Blade Scissors: Steel blade scissors are ideal for cutting various materials like paper, fabric, or leather with accuracy and ease, making them indispensable for bookbinders who need clean and neat cuts for their creations.

4. Bone Folder: A bone folder is used for creasing and folding paper or other materials in bookbinding. Its smooth, rounded edge prevents damage to delicate papers while creating crisp folds, adding a professional finish to the bookbinding project.

5. Awl: An awl is necessary for punching holes in paper, cardboard, or leather before sewing the book together. It assists bookbinders in creating accurate and evenly spaced holes for stitching, ensuring the structural integrity of the bound book.

If you want more information about setting up your binding workspace, or you would like to know more about the tools you need to get started, we’ve created a PDF checklist. You will probably be surprised to discover that many of the essential tools needed to get started in book binding are things you most likely own already!

Click the image below to download your guide.

Bookbinding for Beginner's: 5 Common Myths Debunked

Working in a bindery, I hear lots of different theories and ideas people have about this ancient craft. In the post today I thought I’d share some of the common myths I have heard related to this historic trade.

Let's debunk five common myths about bookbinding:

1. Bookbinding is a dying art form: Contrary to popular belief, bookbinding is far from being a dying art form. While digital media has gained popularity, the physicality and aesthetic appeal of bound books continue to captivate people worldwide. Bookbinding has adapted to modern times, with artists and crafters using new materials and techniques to create unique and innovative book designs. There has definitely been a resurgence of people craving slower, more mindfully crafted goods. Handmade and made to last! The HUGE and ever growing crowds visiting the Lost Trades Fair in Bendigo each year is a testament to that!

2. Bookbinding requires specialised equipment: While traditional bookbinding techniques often use traditional equipment such as a bookpress, guillotine and hand tools, you would be surprised at how many tools or substitutes for traditional tools you would already own at home. Many professional bookbinders use precision equipment like sewing machines, paper cutters, and presses to enhance efficiency while maintaining quality, however you can get started at home with very little to no outlay on specialised equipment. We have created a FREE checklist of 10 Essential Bookbinding Tools if you want to know more. You can download the guide here.

3. Bookbinding is expensive: While certain bookbinding techniques, such as fine leather binding or decorative gilding, can be expensive due to the high-quality materials used, bookbinding as a whole doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. There are various affordable materials and simple binding methods that make bookbinding accessible to a wider audience. With a little research and practice, anyone can enjoy the art of bookbinding without breaking the bank.

4 .Bookbinding requires artistic and technical skills: Artistic and technical skills can certainly enhance the outcome of a bookbinding project, they are not essential prerequisites. Bookbinding is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. Many beginners find joy in starting with basic binding techniques and gradually refining their skills. With the abundance of online tutorials, books, and workshops available, everyone can embark on their bookbinding journey regardless of their skill level. You can find out more about our workshops and online courses here.

5. Bookbinding is limited to binding blank pages: While traditional bookbinding often involves binding blank pages into journals or sketchbooks, bookbinding extends far beyond this application. Bookbinders create a variety of books, including novels, poetry collections, photo albums, artists' books, and more. They work with authors, photographers, and artists to produce beautiful custom-bound editions of their work. Bookbinding allows for bound creations that not only hold pages but also tell stories, preserve memories, and showcase artwork.

I hope that by dispelling these myths we encourage you to give bookbinding a try! Whether you're a book lover or an aspiring bookbinder, embracing the rich world of bookbinding holds endless possibilities. Share your creations with us on instagram using the hashtag #BindWithSBLibris

We’d love to see what you’re working on!

If you want a checklist of tools to get started with bookbinding, get our FREE essential tools checklist by clicking the link below.

Simple Beginner's Bookbinding

“Have you always been captivated by the art of bookbinding, with its ability to turn an array of pages into a cohesive masterpiece? ”

Does the feeling of holding a meticulously crafted book in your hands, knowing that every stitch and fold was a labour of love, fill you with a sense of awe and wonder?

If this sounds like you and you’ve always been passionate about books and intrigued by the art of creating them, fear not! With the right guidance and resources, you can embark and succeed on this fulfilling and creative journey.

First and foremost, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the different techniques and styles of bookbinding. There are various methods such as coptic binding, Japanese stab binding, and perfect binding, among others. Each style has its own unique aesthetics and functionality, so it’s worth exploring to find which one resonates with you the most.

If you’re ready to get started with a really simple, no sew, variety of binding then you need to try a ‘Concertina Binding’ Concertina binding is a method of bookbinding that creates an accordian-style structure, allowing the book to open and lay completely flat in a unique and captivating way. This style of binding is often used for artists’ books, illustrated manuscripts, housing photos, and other specialty publications.

This is a fantastic, easy way to get started. It’s so simple you can even involve the kids or grandkids in creating some books. We’ve created a FREE easy to follow, step by step PDF Guide to Concertina.

Click the link below to get your instant and FREE download.

We would love to see your creations! Share them with a pic on your Instagram post or story with the following hashtag: #sblibrisconcertina