STEP 1:  PREPARING THE SIGNATURES

The following is the first step in a series of twelve steps from "Bookbinding For Beginners:  An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide". 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNATURES?

The signatures are the pages of the book.  One signature is 3 folded sheets of paper.  This book calls for 7 or 8 signatures.  Together, the signatures are called the signature-set.

CONSTRUCTING YOUR OWN HARDCOVER BOOK:

Step 1:  Preparing the Signatures

(12 steps from "Bookbinding For Beginners: An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide" $6)

To complete Step 1, you will need:

Paper Punch Tool (A thick sewing needle will do)

Pencil

Ruler

Scissors

Part A:  Line up one signature (3 folded sheets of paper) with the sewing guide (see bottom of page)

 

Part B:  Mark the signature fold at the points on the sewing guide.

 

Part C:  Stack the other signatures under the marked signature.  With a ruler, mark the rest of the signatures.

 

Part D:  All sewing marks should be lined up under each other.

 

Part E:  Open one signature.  Place a hole in each sewing mark.  Repeat for all the signatures.  When finished, you are ready to go to Step 2: Attaching the Spine to the Binding.  To obtain all the steps, click on the Purchase Page to order "Bookbinding for Beginners:  An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide".

 

*Sewing Guide:  Because your browsers may not show this guide as a true measure, know that there needs to be 1 1/2" between 4 of the guide points and 1/2" between 3 of the guide points.

 

To electronically order the remaining steps for $9, click on 'Add to Cart'.