Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment & Materials

A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials is a pdf digital document you can download and use right away.

It starts by listing what supplies you'll need to start making books, organised by bookbinding tasks. It then outlines the professional bookbinding supplies you could invest in, the more affordable general-purpose craft alternatives you might prefer to start with, and gives suggestions for what you could substitute from your kitchen, craft stash or DIY toolbox. 

Look out for the non-negotiables I think you won't want to compromise on. They’re marked with an asterisk* and on the final page I explain why I think it’s worth investing in them. 

Saving you from the challenges I faced

I wrote this Guide to save you from some of the confusion and frustration I felt when I started making books in 2008. It's designed to help you get started with clarity, confidence, and a little reassurance someone who was once where you are now. With that in mind, there's a glossary on page 6. 

How to access your file

• After ordering, click the 'Access downloads' button on the order thank you page.
• Alternatively click the 'View Order' button in your order confirmation email.
• Please download and save the file to your device. You will only be able to download it twice. You could also print it on standard A4 printer paper. 

Terms & Conditions

By purchasing, you agree: 

• To use this resource for your own reference, not to copy or alter it any way, and not to share it with anyone else. I own the copyright and reserve all rights. 
• No liability for any loss or damage resulting from clicking links to third party websites will be accepted. 

More bookbinding for beginners resources

• ‘A Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials’ details 30+ suppliers across 9 categories of everything you'll ever need to make beautiful handmade books. Each entry has a description and clickable link.
• Buy both the Guide and the Directory together and save 25%
• Access one to one guidance and support with online mentoring