Tutorial for Binding Journal Pages Into an Old Book Cover
Welcome everyone! In this tutorial I take you step by step through my process of prepping and binding my journal pages into an old book cover. I hope you find something useful from this video!
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Thanks so much for watching!
Sharon
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Ok. Now I get it. I couldn’t understand the difference from stitching the signatures all the way through the back of the book and this process. I love this one much better. Thank you so much for sharing this. This is perfect. ❤️
Oh I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! 💙
@@SharonHoerth Sharon, I see that you have finished your signatures and then put the pages in the book. I was just going to put blank signatures in the book and then decorate pages. What are your thoughts on that? Is it because you can measure how thick the signatures are and adjust?
Every creator does it differently, so I think you have to see what rhythm and order works best for you. My regular routine is to fold all my pages/signatures together, then decorate the pages, then make ephemera and insert them into the pockets tucks, etc. and then finally sew my signatures in. There are several reasons I do it this way. I find it way easier to add a pocket, stitch, glue, stencil, etc. on my pages when they are not sewn into the book. That way I can remove one page at a time, work on it on my work mat or take it to my sewing machine, and then put it back in place when I am done with it. I also add all the ephemera to the pockets, tucks, etc. before sewing signatures in. Once I have everything done, I remove the ephemera pieces, sew in the signatures and put the ephemera back in. Because my journals are usually heavily embellished, this allows me to see how thick everything is getting. Sometimes it requires me to expand the spine, separate the signatures into two journals or remove some of the ephemera. I prefer not to have too much of a gater mouth for my journals. 😊 Hope that helps! 💕
@@SharonHoerth It does help. I will gage how many pages I can Incorporate before I commit to adding or taking away. I know I can get carried away with adding volume to my journals. Thank you so much! I think it would be a great idea for you to market by the yard) the measures you use for the signatures. It would be a great business. It’s so hard to figure it out. With solid measurements, it would make it easier. Thank you for all your help. ❤️❤️
Solid technical info. Step by step process. Although I do like personal comments, I appreciate the absence of a-racoon-knocked-over-my-bins-today descriptive talk in a presentation about binding. Really good explanations of why (pva glue vs. Fabri-tac glue etc.). Really good editing! And you do have a voice suited for listening. Ty.
Thank you so much Lisa! I'm glad you found the tutorial useful!💕
This was exactly the tutorial I was looking for. Many thanks.
I’m so glad to here that! You are very welcome! 🪻🪻🪻
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! I really appreciate how straightforward and precise your directions and tips/tricks were.
You're welcome! I'm glad you found it useful! 🌸🌸🌸
Thank so much for this video! I'm so glad you showed in detail every step, I learned a lot! Really truly thank you! 😊
You are so welcome! I'm glad you found it useful!🌸🌸🌸
Anyone that is curious-- the book... my favorite color... are Nelson and Sons publisher reprints of, at that time, classic books. So cut away, it doesn't seem they are special AND they were made with this cover for multiple titles.
You are so relaxing to listen to.. I love your channel. Thank you xx
Awww, thank you Wendy! 🥰
Yes...so helpful! Loving your book 😍TFS
Thanks Giusi! Glad you liked it! 🌷
I love all the little tips you provide! I can’t wait to use them on my next journal 😊
Thanks so much Renae! I'm glad you found it useful! 💙
Very helpful, thank you for sharing! 😊
You're welcome! 🌷
What a beautiful journal and fantastic tutorial, so much great detail. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Victoria! Glad you liked it!🌷
This is a great demo. Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it useful!🌷
Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your process with us! It’s a great tutorial! I certainly did learn lots!!! 😀💞
Thanks Keryn! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🌷
Great tutorial, thanks so much! I learned lots.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
This was amazing. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much!🌸🌸🌸
Thanks for sharing, fabulous tutorial.
Thanks so much Andrea! 🦋
Thank you great tutorial x
You are very welcome! Glad you found it useful! 🧁🧁🧁
Thank you so much! I learned quite a few new things!
That’s great! Thanks! 🌷
Very helpful video thank you for sharing!💕
Thanks so much Kay!
Brilliant, I will be using this method. Thank you so much x
Thanks Wendy! I’m glad you found it useful! 💖💖
omgoodness....thank you so much!
You are most welcome! 💙
Wry helpful tutorial. Thank you so much!
You are very welcome! 💙
EXCELLENT Tutorial!!!
Thank you so much! 💙💙💙
Thank you very much you are a good teacher and I appreciate you
Thank you very much Lisa! I appreciate you too! 💕
I love to see how others bind their books - I like the book tape you use, I will have to search for some xx
Thanks Carol! I hope you find the tape!
This was so helpful! Your precise method was very clearly demonstrated, thanks muchly!
Thank you Anu! So glad you found it helpful! 🧁🧁🧁
Great tutorial. Thank you.
Thanks Sharon!🌷
Amazing tutorial! Thank you!
Thanks and you're very welcome! 🏵️🏵️🏵️
Great video with clear explanations. Thanks so much for sharing your process. xo
I’m so glad you found it valuable. Thanks for watching! 😊🌷
Thank you so much this video has answered so many questions for me 😊
Oh m so glad! You are very welcome! 💕
Very good tutorial, thank you for sharing your process! I may even try the open spine method you showed!
Thanks Susan! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Sharon, I think this book is absolutely beautiful....can't wait to see what you do next....thank you. Barb
Thanks so much Barb! 🌷
Excellent! Thank you
You are very welcome Minka!🌹
Thank you so much. 👍♥️
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!🌸
Thanks for the clear and easy tutorial! New subbie here and so glad I found your channel 🥰
Oh thank you so much! I’m happy to have you as a new subbie! 🌹
Sharon: a really great tutorial. One of the best I’ve seen showing this procedure. Thank you. Carol from California
Thanks Carol! So nice of you to say!🌷
Great tutorial. Thank you !
Thank you so much Kristen! I'm glad you found it useful!🦋🦋🦋
Very useful tutorial. Thanks you.
Oh I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!💕
Such a beautiful book. Thanks for the information. I hope to make one too.
Thanks Jeannette! Good luck with your project! 🌻
Hi Sharon. Thanks for this easy to follow video. It was exactly what I needed without any unnecessary banter 😀 New subscriber :😀
So glad you enjoyed the video and happy to have you as a new subscriber! ❤️
Thank you SOoo much. This is exactly what I was looking for.. wonderful information. You are a wonderful instructor. I am confident to finish my book now.
Oh I am so glad Dianne! You can do it! 😊💕
Just discovered your channel....it's delightful!
Welcome Retta! Thank you so much! 💕
A very good tutorial Sharon!! Thank you for sharing. I love seeing what others do in the process of making journals. The iron on interfacing is genius!! Thank you! I'll be trying that for sure. I used to despise sewing in the signatures but have grown to enjoy that more and more. But you are right, the seating in of the book block to glue into the cover is nerve-racking for sure! So many times I wish I had a third hand!! This journal is gorgeous. The vintage, antique book covers are so beautiful. 💜💜💜
Thank you Corky! I really appreciate your feedback. 🤗
Excellent tutorial thank you for sharing such useful and beautiful knowledge with us ❤
Thank you so much Tracey! I'm glad you found it useful!🌻
Thank you for this tutorial! Ok THIS is my new go to for binding my signatures into my covers now. Thank you thank you thank you!
Oh yay! I’m so glad you found it! You are very welcome. 🌻
Thanks for a great tutorial! You use methods very close to my style so it’s nice to see I’m on the right track! I’m going to look into getting the book binders tape since this seems to be the sturdiest choice for the spine! Thanks! 🙋🏼♀️❤️👏👍📚
Oh that's so wonderful! I'm glad you found it useful. Yes, bookbinding tape is my go-to for spines. 🤗💕
Love this. Everyone has slightly altered techniques and it is so helpful.
Thank you for the feedback Marie. I'm so glad you found it helpful!🌻
I love the method you have developed for binding the journal pages into an old book cover. Marking the top and keeping it to the left make perfect sense.
Wherever did you find the pages on the first and fifth signatures? I simply LOVE them.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found it useful!🌻
I believe those were landscape images from a site called artvintages.com
This is a great tutorial . TFS. It helps a lot. I get nervous about this stage . Silly huh. 🙏
Thanks so much! Not silly, I get nervous about that stage too! lol 😊
Hi Sharon thank you so much for sharing this, I always find it daunting sewing signatures but not as much I do picking pages 😬 I’ve learnt to much, thank you ❤️❤️
Thanks so much Jodie!
Very helpful thanks! Liked the tip about having fewer pages per signature and more signatures.
You're welcome Jennifer!
GOOD JOB THANK YOU😊
You’re welcome Christine! I’m glad you found it useful!💕
Thank you!
You are very welcome!🌻
TFS! I learned a few new things from you in viewing your technique. I used book binding tape but found it so sticky and therefore so important to get right before it touches anything, that I stopped using it. Your video makes me want to try again. :)
I'm so glad you found this useful! I am on the fence with book tape too, but I find if I turn it upside down with sticky side up while I'm working with it and then put sticky side down when I am ready to adhere it, it works the best.
Thank you so much
You're most welcome!
Really helpful! I like some of your techniques that are different from others and an anxious to try them! I agree about keeping the number of pages down per signature! It has always bothered me when a fat signature makes all the pages a different width. I would love to see a lot more technique videos from you! Thank you for your time and effort to bring us your videos! 👍🙂❤
Thanks so much Margaret! I’m really glad you got something from the video. 🌷
I was thinking the same thing.
Thank you so much for this, Sharon! We are rather similar in our binding method, which is neat to see. I use PVA and sew from back to front. However, what I’m most appreciative of, is seeing how you did a soft spine cover! I’ve done hidden spine and outward spine methods…this is one I’ve been wanting to conquer. You have given us all a super clear and precise tutorial on it. I’m looking forward to returning home from vacation to finally conquer this!❤
Oh yay! I'm so glad you found it helpful. Enjoy the rest of your vacation! 🌿🌿🌿
How did I not know about you until now? That was such a great tutorial - particularly knowing about the binding materials you use and why. I havent made a hollow spine book before but seeing your technique with fabric and fabric stiffener gives me a better feel for how to do it cleanly. Thanks!!
Well I’m so glad you found me Dayle! 🤗 Thank you for such nice comments! 💕
Wow! Great tutorial! So happy your video came across my feed. I am now a subscriber, and look forward to learning more from you! Would you kindly share where you get your wax paper? It has a nice thickness to it and I know I would use it often Thank you for sharing your amazing talents! Mary
Hi Mary! I'm so happy you found me and am thrilled to have you as a new subscriber. The wax paper I used in this tutorial is actually recycled from full sheet mailing labels. After I peel off the mailing labels I have these really nice large pieces of paper with a waxy coating on one side. They come in handy for a lot of things in crafting! 💙😊
When applying the black tape to the inner spine, you might consider taking it little bit beyond the edge of the binder. Then roll up a piece of cord (leather, nylon, cloth, what have you) until it is level with the edge. This will dress up the ends a bit.
Thanks for the tip! I've never seen that technique. 💙
Excellent tutorial. I make books using a hand sewn text block. I use fabritac but it sometimes allows the end pages to move. Do you think Aleene's tacky glue would work the same as the lineco glue? Or is that particular glue special somehow? Thank you for your advice
Thank you! Regarding Aleene's tacky glue, I haven't used that glue so I'm not really sure how they compare. I think tacky glue will set up much more quickly compared to the PVA but the end result may be similar.
This was Very informative and helpful. Question: what would happen if I were to glue the whole middle spine into the book cover?
I’m glad you found the video useful! You certainly can glue the entire spine to the book block. I sometimes do that if the spine isn’t too wide. The reason I use the hollow back method is because the pages tend to lay more flat when the journal is open. 💙
Awesome! So... If you don't have a sawing machine; Is there a way to still do it this way? Or would you need to go ahead through the Spine of the Book with the 3-hole Pamphlet Stitch?
I don’t use a sewing machine for this method. I do a hand pamphlet stitch onto fabric and then glue it to the cover.
Hello, I enjoyed your video. I'm a beginner and need help with knowing how to stitch the signatures. Do you have a tutorial or can you direct me to one? Also do you get the tape and the glue online? I'm guessing it's hard to find bookbinding tape at any local store. Thanks for your help, Lovely journal.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the video. 🌻 I do not have a tutorial for stitching in the signatures. I searched YT for a video that shows a method similar to mine where I stich my signatures to cloth, but couldn't find one. So what I think I'll do is to create one here over the next month or so. I buy the bookbinding tape and PVA glue on Amazon. I do have links to those in my video description. Here are links to the products: PVA amzn.to/3SLeowf - Book binding tape amzn.to/3EU4kv8
Thank you! @@SharonHoerth
This is so helpful as I’m getting ready to use an old book cover for the first time! Is it ok to use duct tape instead of the book tape though?
Oh that’s so exciting! I’m glad you found this useful. I haven’t tried duct tape, but it seems quite similar to the book tape so I don’t see why not. 🌻
Very informative video…thank you! Two questions: 1. Approximately how many pages per signature? 2. Am I correct thinking you leave approximately a quarter inch between signatures? I look forward to trying your hidden spine technique.
Hi Debra! In this journal I put in 4 pages per signature. Those are full sheets, so 4 sheets = 16 sides. You are correct, I left 1/4” between signatures. Have fun making journals!
Great tutorial, I missed how many pages you do in your signatures? I’ve watched it twice before I do my own. Thanks
Thank you Chellie! The number of pages per signature does vary some, but I prefer 4-6 full pages (16-24 sides) in each signature.
I’m curious about the hollow back spine. Can you put glue on the spine and still get that effect?
You can put glue on the spine but then it would not have the hollow back which is basically an open space between the book block and the spine. I sometimes glue the entire spine if the spine is on the narrow side.
@@SharonHoerth thanks I’ll try this way.
Is it best to fill the signatures with ephemera first and then stitch them together or stitch them together and then add the ephemera?
You can do it either way. I usually fill with ephemera first to see how bulky the journal is getting before sewing in. When finished with ephemera, I remove it all, sew my pages in, then add ephemera back in. This gives me a chance to look at the page spreads several times to see if I want to add anything and to make sure everything is holding together okay. Hope that helps!💙
@@SharonHoerththank you so much!
I got a gizmo ( a book binding press) haven’t used it yet. I have tyvek but I’m a little confused as to the steps I need to do to bind this, do you have any suggestions for me? I struggle with marking my spine as well ugh
I've never tried a book binding press. From what I know, that usually involves gluing the signatures together rather than sewing them, but I'm not positive. If I were you, I'd search videos on how to use a book binding press to see what you get. Good luck! 👍💕
Do you have a tutorial on sewing the signatures in?
Hi Kathy. No I don't. I usually use a three-hole or five-hole pamphlet stitch and there seem to be a lot of tutorials out there for those. 😊
I have a question. Do u make custom journals for people? For instance like if i sent u the book cover and the pages, can u makes the signatures and attach it to the cover?
Thanks for the inquiry. Please contact me via email and we can talk more specifically about what you are looking for. My email address is: thejournalocityshop@gmail.com Thank you!
What about using actual book hinge material or wide medical gauze?
I don’t have experience with these materials, but I think either of those would work to strengthen a book spine. I’m not sure how sticky medical gauze is, so you would probably need to glue that down well.
@SharonHoerth book hinging is fine and very stiff. I use to repair vintage books. I have used medical gauze as well, but I don't know if it would carry the weight of signatures being bound into a book cover.
What do you do with the innards of the old books?
Hi Shelly. If the pages are fragile and not to my liking, I glue on top of them to save on gluing up my work surface. If I like the paper, I will incorporate them as pages in my journals or use them in collage or as backing for tags and journal cards. ❤️
Love your voice and the tutorial. I live in dry climate., so I hate the black (other colors) book tape, because I purchased and used it to fix bindings on many books and now years later it had dried out and loses its stickyness to be ugly and pimplly and impossible to remove. So sorry I used it.
Thank you Wyo! I guess every climate has its challenges! 💕
What book binding tape do you use?
I buy it in different widths, 1", 2" and 3". No specific brand. The last role I purchased on Amazon and the description was "BookGuard 2 inch Premium Bookbinding Repair Cloth Tape."
I have never sewed anything so I wish you could show what you mean by stiching I did not see that process can someone explain it to me thank you
Hi MaryAnn! I use a three hole pamphlet stitch to stitch my pages to the fabric piece. Here is a short and simple video showing the technique. Hope that helps! kzhead.info/sun/p9GbmsqjpHqIiYE/bejne.htmlsi=sMX68wflGZmU289L
How far apart are your signstures?
For this particular journal they were 1/4” apart. It will vary depending on how wide your spine is and how many signatures you have. I try to space them evenly across the spine. 🌼🌼🌼
@@SharonHoerth thank you very much
Would duck tape work?
I haven’t used duck tape but I think it should work. It is very similar.
why would you destroy such a 100+ year old book that appears to be in such good condition?