If you’re looking for a simple book you can create in less than 45 minutes, look no further. This simple book uses an easy sewing technique called the 3 hole binding method to secure 10 folded pages. That’s right, this single signature book boasts 40 pages front and back with absolutely zero adhesive.

To prove this book is easy to make, I created 5 of them in just under two hours! The covers are gel embossed black gloss card stock from a 12×12 acid-free paper pad. I used a number 18 linen thread in white to add some contrast and it came out beautiful.

4 books fanned featuring the 3 hole pamphlet book binding method

Are you ready to make a few of these for yourself and some friends? Let’s get started!

You’ll need:

  • 10 sheets of 70 or 80lb smooth text paper, any color, size 10.25″ x 6.75″
  • 1 sheet of 90 or 100lb cover stock, any style, size 10.25″ x 6.75″
  • 17 inches of #18 linen thread, waxed
  • 2 mini binder clips at least 3/5″ wide
  • bookbinding needle (use an upholstery needle if you don’t have one)
  • bone folder or use your fingertips
  • tapered awl or something to pierce
  • pair of scissors
  • ruler at least 12″
  • pencil
book binding making tutorial supplies scissors awl pencil binder clips card stock and book making needles
Everything you need to create this book is right here.

Instructions

To make this easy, I created a quick 4-minute video with walk-thru instructions. No audio, so don’t worry if you’re in the vanpool checking this out on the way home from work 😉 I’ll add audio to future video tutorials, but I think you’ll find this just as – if not more – useful!

Written instructions are below the video if you’d like to print them out!

Video: 3 Hole Binding, Single Signature (40 pages)

Steps:

  1. Gather the paper and cover stock together with the cover on top.
  2. Gently fold the stack until the two ends meet. Pinch the ends with your fingertips to hold them in place.
  3. Use a mini binder clip to secure each end.
  4. Starting at the center of the spine, press with a bone folder going up and then down.
  5. Move the mini binder clips so that one secures the top right corner while the other secures the bottom left corner.
  6. Lay the book on its back with the fold horizontal, text paper facing up and cover facing down.
  7. Find the crease and, using a ruler and pencil, lightly mark three points from the left: 0.5″, 3.5″ and 6.25″
  8. Using an awl, pierce each point through until about 1/4″ of the awl point is visible. Tip: fold the book in half while piercing to ensure the holes are directly on the spine. See video for example.
  9. Prepare the needle with waxed linen thread.
  10. 3-Hole Binding Sewing Method/Technique:
    1. Start at the inside center hole. Move through the hole until only 1-1/2″ of thread is left inside the book. Your needle should now be on the outside of the book.
    2. Re-enter through the top hole, pulling taught. Your needle should now be on the inside of the book.
    3. Skip the center hole and move through the bottom hole. Your needle should now be on the outside of the book.
    4. Re-enter through the center hole once more. Your needle should now be on the inside of the book at the very center hole.
  11. If you’ve sewn correctly, you will now see the original flap of thread as well as the remaining thread still attached to your needle. Make sure they are on either side of the center line of thread and then tie a square knot.
  12. Trim the threads so that each piece is about 1″ long. Tuck these ends under the center thread to hold them in place.
  13. Remove the mini binder clips.
  14. Optional: if you know how, you may trim the foredge of the book using a ruler and retractable blade. This gives the edge an even, smooth appearance but is not necessary.
  15. Place the book under a few heavy books – go for about 3 to 5 lbs if you can – for at least an hour. I like to press mine overnight. This process releases air, giving the book that slim, professional look.

Perfect gifts

These completed books measure 6.75″H x 5″W, perfect for quick gifts for family, friends, co-workers or yourself. Some recommendations:

  • Wine and/or whiskey tasting booklets
  • Travel journals for short road trips or weekend vacations
  • Fitness and/or food intake logs – use one for each month
  • Notes on various topics – use one book for each topic (i.e new craft tutorials to explore, etc.)
  • Track habits or occurrences (such as allergic reactions)
  • Traveling poetry or sketch books
set of four pamphlet bindings featuring the 3 hole method

Another shot, a bit closer up – there’s nothing like an amazing cover stock to amp up the volume:

set of four pamphlet bindings featuring the 3 hole method

Resources

Thanks for checking out this quick & easy tutorial. Stop by Instagram & Facebook to show me what you made!

ALL my best,

Misty