Bookbinding with Jenni

Today I went to see Jenni about making myself a new sketchbook for this project using some special paper of mine. When we sat down, we spoke briefly about what I intended to make. I originally wanted to bind my books using perfect binding, but Jenni later told me that this was not ideal for a book to draw in and was more suited to completed work.

She told me that to bind a sketchbook it is best to use either staples or saddle stitch, so I decided to go with the saddle stitch method. Jenni printed off a little guide for me and then walked me through the process.

Here is the diagram showing how to stitch together the book.

I started out with my A4 paper sheets and cover.

I then had to fold each sheet in half and crease using a bone folder.

Once I had folder the cover it was then time to bind the book.

Using a paper guide, I poked holes through the paper 2 sheets at a time at a 45 degree angle, with one central hole and one other on each side, all equal distance apart.

Using the method shown in the guide, I then bound the book with string. Using a needle, I threaded through the middle, out the bottom hole, in the top hole and then back through the middle, tying a bow to finish.