The Path to Fantasy Bookbinding - 2. Tools and Materials
In this episode we'll go through all the tools and materials required to make anything from a basic book, to a very detailed leatherbound tome. The video is divided into 4 parts, each with a different topic. First, we'll have a look at the basic tools you need to have to bind a basic book. Second we'll get into special bookbinding tools and what they're used for (although none of these are necessary to start binding books). The third part is mainly to give some inspiration on detailing and decoration pieces you can use to create more interesting and intricate book designs. And finally, fourth, we'll go over the basic tools I use for carving and tooling leather.
Here's the full list of all the tools and materials mentioned in the video.
✂️ Basic tools
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Paper (see episode 3 for more details)
X-acto knife or box knife
Bone folder
Awl or coping saw
Needle for sewing signatures and waxed linen thread
Jute cord (and a sewing frame / square frame)
Optional: Satin ribbon for bookmarks
Optional: 2 needles for embroidery thread + 1-2 colors of embroidery thread + a core (leather cord or other cord 2-5 mm)
Cheesecloth or other strong, thin cloth for strengthening the spine
Parchment paper + cardstock / paper for soaking moisture from glue
Cover boards (specifically made for bookbinding, or use dense cardstock from old sketchbooks - I often use 3 mm chipboard, a type of wooden covers) + drill / something to make holes for the cords with
Optional: Cardstock for embossing
Fabric or leather for covering the book
Cord to wrap around the ridges on the spine (see the episode on gluing leather to the book for more details on leather types)
Optional: Any detailing and decoration pieces (see part 4)
Bookbinding glue! VERY important that it's specifially made for bookbinding - either buy PVA glue designed for bookbinding, or try out other traditional adhesives like wheat paste or hide glue
Glue brush
📚 Special bookbinding tools
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Book press (I found mine at secondhand stores and Craigslist - they're actually meat presses. You can replace this with a heavy stack of books, or make an easy DIY version. This is imo the most useful bookbinding tool, the first I would invest in)
Hole punching cradle (to make more accurate holes - ease of life kinda thing. Looks fairly easy to DIY)
Sewing frame (can replace with any stable square frame - for example I use a chair)
Finishing press
⚜️ Materials for design and detailing
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Metal filigrees / ornaments
Stones
Corner ornaments
Corner protectors
Real / faux rivets
Real / faux gold leaf (or silver / rose gold) + primer and coating
Belts and buckles
Other clasps and closures
Stain for the pages - coffee or tea (see episode 4 for more details)
Quick drying epoxy glue or contact cement or rivets for attaching (+ scratched leather surface)
⚒ Basic leatherworking tools
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Swivel knife
Modelling tools
Burnisher
Edge beveler
Skiving knife
Groover
Mallet (needed for rivets and punches)
Punches and embossing tools for patterns and backgrounding
Bone folder
Spray bottle
Printed patterns for carving / parchment paper for easy transfer