A Self-Guided Practicum in Book Arts
Along with research and writing, lab and bench skills are of great importance in the fields of book and paper conservation and preservation. To that end, this series of practicums will be used to guide and maintain lab and bench skills and the document their progress. Each of the projects, and project options are executed as a lab or bench assignments. As projects are completed a blog post is produced to document the project through analysis of its successes, short comings, and the lessons learned with regard to processes and materials.
updated June 25, 2026
Bookbinding: a Step-By-Step Guide 1
Chapter 2
The single-section, three-hole pamphlet is a basic binding stitch that may be executed in many forms. This is the foundation of the four introductory projects in chapter 2 and establish some of the core skills of bookbinding. The first is a paper-covered, single-section binding. It is followed by a hard-backed, single-section binding with three options, the quarter binding, the foredge half binding, and the corner half binding. These four bindings make up the first part of a self-directed practicum in bookbinding arts.
WORKBENCH
Single-Section, Three-Hole Pamphlet, Paper Cover
Single-Section, Hard-Back Binding: Three Forms
Chapter 3
The second part of the practicum explores several variations of the book form. It begins with a full-cloth-case binding build for a 12-gathering text block to produce a 144 page journal. A photo album is the second form explored. The third project, a quarter leather binding, offers several opportunities that can best be taken advantage of by utilizing an existing text block that needs to be rebound. The topics include guarding, paper repair, spine reinforcement, leather working for books, and making headbands. The fourth project, the wrap-around structure, introduces additional methods of reinforcing and sewing the spine, and another form of cover.
WORKBENCH
Full-Cloth-Case Binding
Photo Album
Quarter Leather Binding
Wrap-Around Structure
Chapter 4
The third and final part of the practicum shifts focus to protective containers for books and documents. It begins with the phase-box which is frequently used as a temporary protective cover for books awaiting restoration or conservation. It is also used to protect generally fragile books or loose materials of a similar size. The second project is a folio case with ribbon ties. These are also used in preservation and conservation environments to protect a wide range of folios and documents. The third project is the cloth-covered slipcase. Slipcases are used in a wide range of protective applications. The last three mini-projects are focused on materials often used in the bookbinders workshop. These mini-projects are making wheat-flour paste, wheat-starch paste, and preparing a methylcellulose mixture.
WORKBENCH
Phase-Box
Folio Case With Ribbon Ties
Cloth-Covered Slipcase
LAB
Wheat-Flower Paste
Wheat-Starch Paste
Methylcellulose Mixture
Introduction to Bookbinding
& Custom Cases 2
Coming soon