Bookbinding for Beginners - 18

by Florence O. Bean - Assistant in Manual Arts - Boston Public Schools

Sketch Book

The problem is to make two separate hinged covers between which loose leaves may be bound, the whole to be fastened together with macramé or other cord. This may be designed for one of many uses, suggestions for several of which follow (see Plate XXII).
In making dimensioned sketches, for the various parts (see Plate XXIII) determine first the size of the pages and plan the covers to extend beyond them about one-eighth of an inch. Make the sketches of the pages and the news board foundations. Layout and cut the latter, of full size, and then from either a long or short side of each, in accordance with plan, cut a strip to form a hinge. The width of these strips may be from three-quarters of an inch to one inch. Vellum should be planned to cover completely one side of both pieces of each cover, to fold around the small piece and to lap over onto the large piece about one-half inch. It should also fold over the other three edges about one-half inch. (See Plate XXIV.)

The lining paper should cover to within about one-eighth of an inch of the edges of the large pieces and should not extend onto the hinge. Constant bending soon breaks paper, but with ordinary use does not affect the tough vellum. Make dimensioned sketches of these pieces (see Plate XXIII) and layout and cut all remaining parts.


Properly place main part of news board on vellum, drawing around it. Lay small part one-eighth of an inch from main part and draw around it. Remove the pieces of news board and apply paste to vellum inside the pencil line, being careful to cover the surface smoothly and evenly; lay both back pieces in place, turn the vellum over and rub down. Cut from the projecting vellum on the hinged side a small piece even with the edges of the hinges as far as the outside corners (see Plate XXIV), and clip off the outside corners as before described. Apply paste to projecting vellum, fold over first the hinged side and its opposite, then the other two sides, and rub down. Paste the lining paper in and dry the covers separately under weight. Remember to place newspaper or blotting paper between each pair, otherwise ~the moisture from one will cause wrinkles in the other. For the leaves, use drawing paper which may be cut singly or in folio (with single fold).

The latter method is preferable, as folded sheets are easier to place at the back, look better, and are more secure. Two holes in each cover are sufficient for the cord, but a little care should be taken to determine the best position for them. The distance of each from the end of the hinge strip should be from one-fifth to one sixth of its length and of course, they should be placed midway between the long edges. After punching the holes, see that the leaves are properly marked so that the holes in them will exactly fit the holes in the cover.

To do this, place one sheet on the cover, leaving correct margins, and through the center of each hole mark the paper which should then be punched. Treat the other sheets in the same manner. Eyelets should be inserted in the covers only, and for that purpose a good eyelet punch is necessary. Directions for its use and sample eyelets accompany punches when sent from the dealer. Complete by tying all together with a piece of cord. Make a small flat bow on the front cover.