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Bookbinding on a Budget

Photo of Evie Basch Evie Basch Send an email August 16, 2022
344 1 minute read

Creating your own book from scratch is an incredible achievement and a fun process, but it can cost a lot. There are quite a few specific tools that tutorials call for. Whether it’s your budget, or you don’t want to invest without testing, I’ve put together some alternatives for a budget bookbinding project.

These are all alternatives that I used myself when starting out. Although I have since upgraded to the proper tools and equipment, I’m glad I tested out bookbinding with these cheaper tools before I took the plunge!

Image shows two grids, one side titled ‘instead of these’, other side titled ‘you can use’. Images show, instead of an awl or Japanese screw punch, use a sewing needle, a pin or thumbtack. Instead of a bonefolder, use a ruler or edge of something hard. Instead of waxed thread, use embroidery thread, sewing cotton or dental floss. Instead of a cutting mat, use thick cardboard.
Instead of cardboard, use the back of an old sketchbook. Instead of a ruler for measuring, use paper folded into even parts. Instead of a book press, use a stack of heavy books or a box. Instead of sheets of paper and decorative paper, tear out paper from an unused cheap sketchbook and use wrapping paper.

If you’re looking for a tutorial to get started, I recommend Sea Lemon! Her bookbinding videos are clear and easy to follow along to. Sea Lemon – YouTube

Happy bookbinding!

Evie x

Photo of Evie Basch Evie Basch Send an email August 16, 2022
344 1 minute read
Photo of Evie Basch

Evie Basch

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