AVT 595: Sketchbook Construction
Assembling a sketchbook by hand is something I would definitely recommend to all artists, both developing and established. There’s just something about this process overall, from start to finish. So, I thought it would something nice to share with you all. Hope you find this as entertaining as I did! Enjoy!
Gather your materials:
4 sheets of paper per signature; sizes can vary depending on your desired book size
Signature - represents a section within your book
The example shown above contains 4 signatures total
Types of paper can vary, get creative and apply a variety of colors, textures, etc.
2 additional sheets of paper or fabric of choice (for book covers)
2 pieces of cardboard or other sturdy material (i.e. manila folder, or display board) to hold the book together (for book covers)
Bone Folder (or a popsicle stick)
Awl
Binder clips
Curved Hand Needle (recommended; regular sewing needle can also be used)
String or yarn (make sure it is sturdy enough to hold your book together without breaking) measured about 4x your arm span
X-Acto Knife
Binding guide (shown in picture/step 1) to help with hole punch placement/where to insert string; size may vary on book; example shown above is 9 inches
8 dots will be applied
Dot 1 - 1/2 inch away from the top
Dot 2 - 1 5/16th inches away from the first dot
Dot 3 - 5/8th or 10/16th of an inch away from the second dot
Dot 4 - 1 3/4th inches away from the third dot
Dot 5 - 1/2 inch away from fourth dot
Dots 6 - 1 3/4th inches away from the fifth dot
Dot 7 - 1/2 inch away from sixth dot
Dot 8 - 1 5/16th inches away from the seventh dot
Liquid glue (PVA)
Stack 4 sheets of chosen paper, ensuring all are aligned nicely and folded in half, lengthwise; use the bone folder to instill a nice crease (repeat this step for every set of 4 sheets you have); each set represents a signature
Using your binding guide, align it with the crease of one of your signatures and mark the crease with the same dot placements as your guide
After marking each spot, using the awl, carefully pierce each mark, making each hole big enough to insert string; repeat this process with each signature
Using a binder clip, clasp one side of one of your signatures along with an end (about 1/2 inch long) of your string; holding the signature and string together
Place the other end of the string through the needle, and starting from the outside of your signature, insert the string through the first hole and through the second
Firmly, but also gently, ensure the string is latched on tightly to make sure the binding of the book holds well
Repeat all of step 4 until the last hole of the signature is reached
If you don’t have anymore signatures, proceed to Step 6
If you have more signatures, grab the next and clasp it against the same side of your first signature, holding the two together
Insert the string into the first hole of the following signature which should be aligned with the last hole the string went through from the first signature, and through the second
Prior to inserting the string through the third hole of the second signature, insert the string under the loop of the first signature that should be right beside the second hole of the second signature and then through the third hole; this creates a cross-stitch, attaching the signatures together
Repeat Step 5 until all signatures have been stitched/sewn together
Once the very last hole has been stitched/sewn, grab the remaining string and loop it in between 2 signatures and tie a firm knot; cut off any excess string
Grab one piece of cardboard (making sure it is the same size as your bounded signatures and apply a moderate coating of liquid glue; ensure all edges are covered as well
After applying the glue, grab one sheet of your desired cover paper or fabric and carefully align and place on top of glued surface
Trim of any excess material
Apply another coat of glue onto the other side, and carefully align and place onto one side of your bound signatures
Repeat this process for the following cover
Grab another binder clip and clasp two ends of the overall sketchbook, holding the covers along with the bound signatures in place, set aside and allow to dry for about an hour (shown in pictures 6 & 7)
Once dry, take off binder clips and your sketchbook is ready for use!