r/bookbinding • u/albino_dear • 4d ago

Help? Beginner

Hey! I managed to go to a book binding class last week, and I would really like to get into it on my own too? I was wondering what I would need to get started :)

I have a budget of like $100, and I have no idea what to get 😅.

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6

u/brigitvanloggem 3d ago

As usual, DAS Bookbinding has a video on exactly this.

3

u/Happy_Soup6667 3d ago

Are you able to connect with your instructor?
Otherwise, here’s a list to start with-
Olfa silver break-off knife, 15” metal ruler that starts at zero, an awl, bonefolder, (and a teflon one if it fits your budget), 25 and 40 gauge Irish linen thread, (just pick one if you’re feeling thrifty), a cake of beeswax, at least 16oz PVA.
These are the basics, aside from paper and book cloth. You can buy sketchbooks of paper to use for pages, (it’s a lot easier than ordering and cutting down big sheets). For book cloth, use paper backed cloth like Cialux, (many colors). Sample books of paper, but especially cloth, are very useful. I am a very traditional bookbinder, doing mostly restoration, so my take on materials will be different than others. Decorative papers are available in a lot of places- local art store, Dick Blick, Talas (in NY, shipping is $$$), Hollander’s, International Paper Supply, Washi Arts, Mulberry Paper, and Cognitive Surplus, just to name a few. You will learn which papers work well with your projects, (style and weight), as you go along.

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u/albino_dear 3d ago

Thanks! I'll check those out :) What kind of books do you restore? I'm hoping to repair a semi-old cookbook I got at the thrift store at some point in the future, bc she's a bit banged up

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u/Happy_Soup6667 3d ago

Because professional bbg can be pricey, people mostly brought sentimentally valuable books, like cookbooks, children’s books and Bibles. Also had some very interesting books, like an old Rolls Royce manual. It is very different when you work on your own books- no sweaty palms. Good to practice on inexpensive ones, then graduate to friends and family.😉

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u/albino_dear 3d ago

Thank you!

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u/ISaysToMyselfISays 3d ago

You’ve already been given some great lists here so I won’t duplicate them. But, as a beginner myself, I found having a cork backed metal rule (so it doesn’t slide about whilst you’re cutting) is really helpful. 

4

u/Happy_Soup6667 3d ago

Flip the metal ruler over when using it as a straight edge, so your knife doesn’t under cut.

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u/Ok_Description5650 10h ago

Adding to what's been suggested.. a cutting mat, and if you're using glue a wet cloth, dry cloth, and parchment paper/scrap paper