There's much to learn about bookbinding; finding the right tools can be tricky. That's why we recommend starting with this kit which includes the essential materials for beginners.
A quality bone folder has smooth, rounded edges and feels comfortable in your hand. You don't need to splurge on one made from ancient pearl, though!
Awl
This seller's book-making kit is another of our top picks, containing high-quality supplies to help you craft your first hardcover journal. It features a French link stitch binding method, with the added appeal of showing off woven stitches along your book's spine.
This kit is an excellent option for beginners as it includes detailed instructions, a variety of first-rate book cloth options, and patterned endpapers to match your style. It also has an awl, bone folder, needle, waxed linen thread, and binder clips.
The awl is needed to punch holes through the book board (book cloth). Be sure to opt for a quality awl with a sharp point, and avoid ones with jagged edges.
Bone Folder
Bone folders are essential for bookbinding, paper crafting, leatherwork, and more. They are long and narrow with rounded edges so that they won't damage your paper or leather.
You can make one yourself out of deer antler, bone, or timber, but it takes time and effort. Buying one from a craft store for around $6 is more accessible.
After scoring a line, you can use the bone folder to crease it. This makes folding a lot easier and creates a nice, sharp crease. The tool can also burnish the crease and create a shiny finish on the paper. It's essential not to crush the form, or it could tear.
Needle
Many different sewing techniques are used in bookbinding, each with its benefits and drawbacks. However, a needle is essential for almost all hand-sewing methods or book binding materials, including Coptic and link stitch binding.
Start by threading the needle and creating an overhand knot to create your stitch. Push the needle through about 20 pages starting from the awl hole to anchor the thread.
There are various needles, so choose the right one for you. Generally, you'll want to use a hand with a large gauge, such as 15 or more. These are easier to manage and can handle the thickness of the books and board.
Thread
Bookbinding has the charisma of needing lots of expensive materials and tools. But you can get started with a relatively basic set of items.
For example, if you're interested in learning about Coptic binding — the binding style used in the Nag Hammadi Library to preserve papyrus manuscripts — you can start with this kit that includes a bone folder, awl, needle, PVA glue, decorative thread, ivory cover paper, and waxed linen thread.
Other essentials include a book board (also known as a binder board) and some durable paper that can wrap around the body paper when making a saddle stitch bind. (You can also use a heavy-duty piece of kraft paper or MDF).
Paper
Whether pursuing a specific binding style or just trying out the craft, starting with high-quality paper is essential. This ensures the book will feel and look nice and can be used for a long time without tearing.
Try to find a paper that is archival quality and acid-free. It's also a good idea to use rag paper, which is made from cotton fibers that are tightly woven together.
This kit has everything to bind your first hardcover book, including quality book cloth and patterned endpapers. It's an excellent choice for beginners and experienced bookbinders alike. It's available online at Etsy and Amazon.
Staples
Saddle stitch binding with staples is a simple and quick way to bind books with a low page count. It's ideal for quote books & delivery notes where pages can be easily separated.
This book binding method is also helpful in mocking up booklets and pamphlets before sending them to a printer, and it works great with small print projects that need to be opened flat. For best results, it's essential to use high-quality, acid-free paper and thick cover stock for added durability. Adding perforations between the pages can make them easier to separate as well. Side staples are also available for added strength. A variation is comb binding which uses rings that pass through rectangular holes in the cover and pages.
Duct Tape
This archival-grade cloth tape is a must-have for anyone who enjoys repairing old books. It's discreet, pliable, and abrasion resistant to prevent further damage.
It's also great for reattaching loose pages to the text block or securing an unruly cover. Plus, it's easy to apply and remove without leaving residue or yellowing over time.
Cut a strip of tape slightly longer than the front edge of your book and adhere to it. Make sure it covers all the staples and overlaps each side slightly. Now, fold the excess tape over the top and bottom edges of the cover. Repeat for the left and right sides of the back cover.
Hole Punch + Brads
This kit contains everything you need to start bookbinding – including an awl, needle, bone folder, paper punch, and a leather craft strip set with waxed linen thread. It also includes a complete stab binding tutorial and step-by-step guidelines. This set is ideal for beginners and those familiar with other creative hobbies such as sewing, scrapbooking, or leatherworking. It uses a non-adhesive Coptic binding technique that's durable, beautiful and doesn't require glue for any parts other than cover decoration. The paper is rag paper, which is archival quality and more durable than wood pulp paper.