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The Basic Binding of Books: A Tutorial
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Number your signatures at the bottom of the page near the spine. This is especialy important if your pages have printed material on them. This ensures that everything stays in the correct order. Also, most squaring up will be done on the top edge of the book for a nice clean, straight edge, and the numbers work as a place marker as to which end is up and which end is down.
Next we mark the spine to show where to punch holes for sewing. I square up the pages and then clamp with binder clips to hold everything tidy.
Mark 1/2 an inch from each end, and then evenly space marks on either side of where your tapes will lie across the backbone, allowing just a little extra room on either side so that the stitching doesn't pinch your tapes. Make sure your lines are even and straight.
Time to punch holes at your marks with an awl or needle. Use a very narrow needle so your holes are not unnecessarily large. Unfold your signature, paying careful attention to keep everything aligned, and gently push the awl through from the outside just enough to make a hole.
All holes have been punched.
Clear off your workspace and assemble your materials for sewing. Choose a sturdy thread (unbleached linen thread is good) and an appropriately sized needle.
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