A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Supplies | pdf download

A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials is an instant access pdf digital download. It not only tells you what you need to start making handmade books, but also helps you identify what professional supplies you want to spend money on, and what you could save by using cheaper alternatives or items you already have. 

"A really useful document if starting out exploring bookbinding. I will refer to it often as I progress." - Julia, Dorset

It's designed to get beginners started with clarity, confidence, and a little reassurance from someone who was once where you are now. It's organised into 4 sections:

1. Getting started as a beginner bookbinder

The first section introduces you to the supplies you need to get started, organised by bookbinding task:

• Folding & tearing
• Measuring & piercing
• Sewing
• Preparing covering materials
• Casing in

2. Bookbinding tools, equipment & materials 

Over 3 pages, this section has tables that outline each professional item, gives a lower-spend option and often suggests no-spend options based on what you may already have at home in your kitchen, DIY kit or craft stash. This means you don't have to spend lots of money on your new craft right away. 

Here's an example from the Tools section:

• Pro: bone or teflon bonefolder
• Lower-spend: plastic paper creaser
• No-spend: butter knife / letter opener

3. The non-negotiables: bookbinding supplies to invest in

Look out for the non-negotiable bookbinding supplies I think you won't want to compromise on. Throughout the Guide, they’re marked with an asterisk and on the final page I explain why I think it’s worth your while to invest in them. 

4. Glossary of bookbinding terms

I wrote this affordable Guide to save you from some of the confusion and frustration I felt when I started making books in 2008.

With that in mind, on the final page you'll find a glossary of bookbinding terms used in the Guide, and clickable links to more comprehensive glossaries you'll find helpful as a beginner bookbinder.

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 be able to download it twice. You could also print it on standard A4 printer paper.

More bookbinding for beginners resources

• A Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials details 30+ UK sources of bookbinding supplies across 9 categories, covering 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

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.