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.

Leather Journals - Experiencing the Handcrafted Book

Our 'in-store' customers often talk about the 'experience' of visiting our store in View Street, Bendigo.  Some love seeing the old tools, some love the leathery smell and pretty much everyone that comes in loves to watch the process of a book being hand crafted or restored.

This experience is a little harder to achieve in the on-line world, but in our attempt to bring to our on-line customers what our View Street visitors talk about, we enlisted the talented team at Archivist Media Films to create this short video.

Feeling inspired?  You might like to come and learn the craft in a Beginner's Bookbinding Workshop or, to purchase a similar personalised leather journal just follow the link!

To see more bookbinding videos, please subscribe to our You Tube Channel

Hope you've enjoyed this video.  Please comment!