FAQ About Bookbinding

Hand-sewing signatures is a fundamental step in traditional bookbinding, and it involves stitching together groups of folded sheets (signatures) to create the book block.

In order to prepare signatures you need to fold the sheets of paper into signatures. The number of sheets in a signature depends on the thickness of the paper and the desired thickness of the final book.

You need to create a Sewing Template and in order to do so you need to place the folded signature on top of a piece of waste paper. Use the awl to pierce evenly spaced holes through the fold of the signature. These holes will serve as a guide for sewing. Cut a length of waxed linen thread, typically several times the height of the book.

Thread the needle, leaving a tail for tying a knot later. Start sewing from the inside centerfold of the first signature. Pull the needle through, leaving a small tail on the inside. Stitch through each hole from the inside to the outside, pulling the thread tight with each stitch. Move to the next hole, stitching from the outside to the inside. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the signature. If there are multiple signatures, continue stitching each one individually. Once you've reached the end of a signature, tie a secure knot to prevent unraveling. You can loop the thread around the last stitch or create a small knot.

If you have more than one signature, repeat the stitching process for each. When moving to the next signature, pass the needle through the previous one to connect them.

After sewing all the signatures, tie a knot at the end of the last signature to secure the thread. Trim excess thread.

Use a bone folder or spoon to press down on the sewn spine. This helps to flatten the stitches and ensure a tight bind.

• Optional: If desired, you can add decorative headbands and tailbands at the head and tail of the book. These can be hand-stitched or glued in place.