Three suggestions for binding books

Three suggestions for basic bookbindings

Pamphlet Stitch

The simplest method of binding a book is with a pamphlet stitch. The following are two basic variations of the pamphlet stitch: the three-hole and the five hole. The instructions that follow are for a five hole stitched book, but can be adopted for use as three-hole

1. Using a bone folder or a small ruler, fold each of the sheets of paper in half to create five pages.
2. Nestle the sheets together to create a book, or what is referred to as a 'signature'. Then using a ruler and pencil mark five sewing points (stations), equal distance from each other, leaving at least one centimetre from each edge of the page. Sewing point 3, the middle of the page is exactly in the centre of the spine. Sewing points 2 and 4 are equidistant from the centre. and sewing points 1 and 5 are equidistant from sewing points 2 and 4.
3. Using a hole punch or awl pierce the sewing points which you have just marked.
4. Thread a needle with thin twine or if the holes are large enough you would not need a needle but just thread the twine through the holes.
5. Begin inside of the pages at station 3. Pull all but 2" (5cm) of the thread to the outside. Go through station 4 to the inside. Then go through station 5 to the outside. Go through station 2 to the outside. Go through station 1 to the inside. Go through station 2 to the outside. Go through station 3 to the inside.
6. To secure the stitches, tie a square knot around the long stitch, which crosses over station 3, and cut the excess thread.

Instant Book

The instant book is sometimes also called an origami book or an eight-page booklet. This six-page, three-spread book, with front and back covers, comes from a single sheet of paper with just a few quick folds and a cut.

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise, and using a bone folder or ruler, crease the paper.
2. Fold the paper in half again, in the other direction and smooth with the bone folder or ruler.
3. Fold the paper in half again, in the same direction, and smooth again the crease with a bone folder or ruler.
4. Open the folder paper, and reverse the folds so that it looks like a 'W'.
5. Bring the sides down together as shown, to form the textbook.

Pocket Book

1. Using a rectangular piece of paper; fold the paper length wise a 1/3 of the way, using a bone folder or ruler crease the fold.
2. Then fold the paper in half.
3. Measuring each half, so that you create an equal number of pockets on each side of the middle fold. These pockets should not be too small. Fold the paper at the measured ,size creating a pocket.
4. Glue down the creases, thus creating pockets. Leave to dry.

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