Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment & Materials Suppliers

Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials Suppliers | pdf digital download

This Directory of Bookbinding Suppliers tells you exactly where to go to find all the supplies you need as a beginner, intermediate or professional bookbinder. It's the resource I wish someone had given me when I started making books back in 2008. 

"Like striking gold. Well-written and organised." - Lucie W Sussex

It's an instant access A4 pdf document with over 30 sources of bookbinding supplies in the UK. Each entry has a clickable link for easy research and shopping. It's organised into 9 categories:

1. General bookbinding suppliers for beginners & professionals alike
2. Binding and printing equipment
3. Conservation suppliers, a great way to find all sorts of essential kit
4. The all-important Miscellaneous section (including where to find the very popular Crawford waxed linen thread)
5. Papers - text weight for journals, art papers for sketchbooks, repair and utility for construction and conservation, too
6. Decorative papers including marbled and Japanese Chiyogami
7. General art & craft suppliers where you can find cheaper alternatives
8. Honourable mentions of a handful of non-UK suppliers
9. Bonus advice on where to find reconditioned, second-hand, vintage and free bookbinding supplies.

How to access your digital download

• Scroll up or just click here to buy the Directory of Bookbinding Suppliers
• 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. 

Finding the best supplies for making handmade books

You'll find sources of high-quality supplies for making every kind of book, from Coptic to Japanese stab stitch styles, various Longstitch and the Secret Belgian binding, as well as traditional cased-in bindings and contemporary folded and loose leaf styles for artist's books and photobooks, too.

It's the inside scoop on my favourite, trusted sources of everything you need to make beautiful handmade books, including text and decorative papers, bookcloth, leather and other materials, linen thread, tools and bindery equipment. It's your go-to resource, one you'll turn to time and time again.

The Directory is tailored to people in the UK. Howeer, the advice on finding reconditioned, second hand, vintage and free bookbinding supplies will be useful wherever you live. This is a text-based document with clickable links.

Saving you from the challenges I faced when I started as a bookbinder

No matter where you are on your bookbinding journey, and no matter your budget, this Directory will help. It will save you from the frustration, confusion, wasted time and energy I experienced when I started out.

And unlike all those internet bookmarks you've saved, it will always be available. No 'sorry, this page cannot be found' errors. No endless scrolling through a thousand screenshots. Just your trusty pdf resource, with everything you need. I'll update it at least annually and you'll always get free access to the latest version.

More bookbinding for beginners

• You might also enjoy my companion resource, ‘A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials’. It details the professional tools, materials and equipment you could invest in, what the more affordable options are, and what you can substitute with items you may already have in your kitchen, craft stash or DIY toolbox. 
• Save 25% and buy both the Beginner's Guide & the Bookbindinding Supplies Directory together 
• Creatives can work with me to achieve their bookbinding goals with one to one guidance and support via online mentoring

Terms & Conditions

By purchasing, you agree:

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