Are you looking to bind some of your DnD character sheets in a tome? Do you have some artwork you’d like to compile into a scrapbook album? If you’re trying to bind single sheets of paper into a sewn book block, here are three tips you need to know!
Sewing single sheets
Individual sheets of paper are often unfolded and flat, making it hard to sew them together. People will usually choose to perfect bind these sheets, but some of us (like me) are stubborn and looking for a way to turn single sheets into a sewn book.
#1: Fold the end of each sheet
If your sheets have a blank 1 to 1-1/2″ margin on the right, you’re in luck. Instead of folding the entire sheet in half, try folding over 1/2″ to 3/4″ of the right edge. This is an easy way to create a folded edge through which to pierce and sew.
This method is perfect for:
- text weight paper between 60 and 90lbs
- art papers, such as drawing, watercolor and mixed media
- papers that don’t have images or text running up to the sewn edge
How to fold over one end of each sheet:
Note: be sure to press sheets afterward (my edges sat out overnight, so they’re a little wavy).
#2: Wrap each sheet within a fold
If your sheets of paper are too thin to fold and sew individually, try wrapping each edge in a fold of paper. To do this, cut out enough 1″ strips of your preferred paper. You should have one folded strip per page. Apply a thin layer of acid-free or archival adhesive (PVA or double sided tape work great) to one side of the inner fold. Lay the sheet edge on top of the glue and use a bone folder to remove air bubbles. Be sure to press the sheets under weight for up to 24 hours. Sandwich waste paper between each sheet to absorb excess water.
This method is perfect for:
- text weight paper under 55lb
- delicate papers like fine art work or vellum
- adding alternating colors to the spine as a design element
How to wrap a sheet within a fold:
#3: Reinforce the edge of each sheet
Before folding or using the single sheet sewing method, try reinforcing the edge of each page with book tape.
Archival book tapes are clear and strong, making it easy to convert any page into a sewable sheet. I’ve seen this method used on coptic bindings as well as perfect bound books to improve the flexibility and strength of the text block. I even used it on one of my Japanese stab bindings to turn loose leaf paper into a usable notebook.
Just remember – tape will add thickness to each sheet, which can cause the spine to swell. A swollen spine (thicker at the spine than the fore edge) can reduce the lifetime of the book.
This method is perfect for:
- thin sheets (like the pages of a DnD guide or loose leaf paper)
- delicate papers like fine art work or vellum
- single sheet sewing, where each page is pierced & sewn individually
How to add tape to the edge of a single sheet:
Resources
Learn all about binding single sheets in my post on the topic, How to Bind Single Pages or Sheets of Paper.
New to bookbinding?
- Receive weekly information and tips for book makers
- If you are brand new and need a place to start, read my New Bookbinder Guide.
- Learn what makes a book a “book” in Getting to Know the Physical Parts of a Book
- For a list of bookbinding tools, materials and supplies from retailers I trust and use myself, pick up my Bookbinding Tools & Supplies Quick Start Guide.
I really hope you enjoyed these tips and learned something new! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram.
Thanks for stopping by!
ALL my best,
Misty
