GENERAL STEPS IN BOOKBINDING
A Step by Step Procedure in the Rebinding of a Book

The Terms Used
Describing A Volume
And Its Cover

Preparation of Periodicals for Binding
A More Detailed Description

For binding periodicals, the bookbinder must check to see if the volume is complete and that all is in proper sequence. Staples, covers, cardboard inserts, trailing advertising pages and excessive endsheets are removed. There may be certain cases where the covers are left on. Repair torn pages; check for and open any "dog-ears"; reinforce/attach any loose pages.

Jobs that are "sawed" and sewn

After volumes are checked and repaired:

  • Measure and mark where saw cuts are to be made (on each side of tapes and 1 inch from each end) on the spine of the new volume. Place the "lined up" book in a clamp and saw 1/4" or deep enough so that at least a small hole is made on the innermost page of each magazine (an awl may be used later to push a hole on through).
  • After cuts are made, endsheets are cut and glued to the front and back copies. (On slick covers, a 1/4" wide strip may be sanded/roughed to help the glue adhere.)
  • Assemble materials needed for sewing on the sewing table: weights (for holding work in place while sewing), cone of #18 linen thread, needle, tapes (anchored in position), scissors, awl, clam-knife, push-pins, wax (if needed for thread), pliers (needle-nosed) and ruler.
  • With the bottom periodical in position, find the center folded page, open and clip the pages (up and out of the way) to the suspended tape. Using a thread of "manageable" length, begin sewing from the left hole going from the outside to the inside so that the thread will come out through the next hole which is next to the tape, then goes back in the next hole (with the tape being under the thread). Continue to the end at the right end of the work; position the next periodical and repeat the procedure going back from right to left. When the left end is reached, create a knot that ties the periodical just processed to the periodical just below it. This must be done on each end as each periodical is added in order to lock them individually creating a single unit. If the length of thread is not enough to complete the job, splice an additional length using a "weaver's knot".
  • Repeat until all periodicals have been sewn together. (cf. picture of sewing table)
  • When the sewing is completed, lock-tie and cut the thread; cut tape leaving 2" lengths extending beyond the top and bottom of the new unit.

Jobs that are "drilled" and sewn

Commercially prepared end-sheet sets are glued to the front and back of each volume. When dry enough they are assembled in the drill work area:

  • Place a volume on the carrier with spines carefully aligned against the posts. Place a weight on the stack to help keep the stack from becoming mis-aligned.
  • Use the proper "template" for positioning the drilling of the five (5) holes.
  • Using a 3/32" drill bit, slowly drill the holes as close to the spine edge as possible. Develop a "feel" for how the drill will "wonder" so that it does not deviate too far from the edge (or exit into the spine area) before it comes through the bottom copy.
After all of the volumes have been drilled, assemble the sewing materials: 5" doll needle, cone of #18 linen thread, ruler(s), awl, pliers and scissors.
  • Place a volume on the counter with the drilled holes extended over the edge.
  • Measure the length of the volume (times 2), the thickness (times 10) plus 6-8 inches); cut a length of thread in that length.
  • Begin sewing leaving a 3-4 inch length of thread protruding; sew down through the first hole, over to the next hole and sew up - repeat for the length of the book; then, return sewing back to the beginning - this return path will alternate the stitches used in the first path.
  • A 3-4 inch length of the thread will be left protruding from the bottom of the first hole.
  • Take the loose end of thread, and bring it over to and under the thread entering the first hole to "ancher" it there by tying it with a double slip-knot. Do the same with the other loose end of thread.
The endsheets (commercial pre-assembled sets) are then processed as follows:
  • Apply glue along 1/4" on the spine edge of front set (repeat for the back set)
  • Fold outer sheets (front and back) over on the embossed line
  • Place the book between boards and put in the press while preparing the next volume
  • Remove from press, fold sheets back over the book (make the fold flush with the spine edge) and burnish the crease with the bone. (cf. picture of sewn volumes)

Jobs that are "Fan Glued" (not sewn)

Some jobs, such as sheafs of loose-leaf papers, may not be drilled but compiled by "fan-gluing" or applying glue directly to the spine edge of the stack of paper. This method allows the finished book to open flatter without the restrictions imposed by sewing. Care must be taken that all sheets are adhered.

  • Carefully "tamp" the sheets to the spine edge.
  • Place the stack of sheets in a press with at least 2-3 inches protruding upward.
  • While pressing the sheets over ("fanning" the sheets to the side), apply a coating of glue to the exposed spine surface. Press the sheets over, "fanning" them in the opposite direction and apply another coat of glue.
  • Apply a 1/4 inch glue strip to affix a prepared end sheet to the front and and one to the back.
  • Place the volume between waxed sheets and boards and place under weights until dry.

All Jobs

After volumes are assembled, sewn, and spines are reinforced with another application of glue, they are ready to be trimmed, measurements for the covers are taken, and the spines receive further processing:

  • Most books are now trimmed - top, bottom and outer edge. Volumes that will be placed on shelves with prior copies should be trimmed to identical measurements.
  • After trimming, measurements are taken for covers (height and width).
    • For the cardboard: 4/16" is added to the height; 2/16" is subtracted from the width. The finished covers will extend 1/8" beyond the edge of the pages (top, bottom and right side).
    • For the spine reinforcement (soft red paper): actual book thickness and height measurements are taken.
    • Buckram measurements are taken later.
  • Preparation of Spine:
    • Backs may be rounded (formed) at this point. (optional)
    • Gauze super, tailband and headband are cut and applied:
      • gauze is cut the width of the spine plus 2-3 inches and 1/2" less than the height of the book (this step reinforces the integrity of the book, and will strengthen its hinge and attachment to the cover)
      • headbands are cut (the width of the spine) for the top and bottom edge of the book (this is a cosmetic procedure)

After the glue has properly dried, the volumes are now ready to be attached to their prepared covers.