Are you looking to give your handmade journal a sleek, professional look? Hidden spine binding might be just what you need! This technique allows you to bind your journal pages without visible stitching on the outside. Let’s dive into how you can achieve this beautiful, clean look for your next journal project.
What You’ll Need
- Cardstock for the cover
- Fabric or decorative paper for covering
- Signatures (groups of folded pages)
- Waxed thread or strong string
- Needle
- Awl or poking tool
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue and double-sided tape
- Clips
Step 1: Prepare Your Template
First, cut your cardstock to size. For this project, we’re using a 2-inch spine with 3 signatures. Cut a piece of cardstock the same height as your signatures, and 4 inches wide.
Score your cardstock at 1 inch in from either long side and fold your cardstock.
Step 2: Create Your Signatures
Gather your pages into signatures. I’ve used a mix of printed pages, coffee-dyed paper, and colored paper to create an interesting variety. If you want to add any stitching to individual pages, now’s the time to do it!
Step 3: Make a Hole-Punching Template
Cut a piece of paper the same height as your signatures and about 2 inches wide. Fold it in half and mark where you want your binding holes to be. Use an awl to punch these holes in your template.
Step 4: Punch Holes in Your Signatures
Clip your template to each signature and use it as a guide to punch holes through all the pages. This ensures your holes line up perfectly.
Step 5: Start Binding
Begin with the last signature. Thread your needle with waxed thread (about four times the height of your book). Start from the middle hole on the inside of the signature, then follow this pattern:
- Out through the middle hole
- Down through the bottom hole
- Up through the top hole
- Back through the middle hole
Tie off your thread, leaving long ends if you want to add charms later.
Step 6: Bind Remaining Signatures
Repeat the binding process for your other signatures, working from back to front.
Step 7: Attach Signatures to the Cover
Now for the magic! Apply double-sided tape along the edges of your spine piece. Then add a strong glue over the tape and in between. Carefully center your bound signatures on the spine and press firmly.
Step 8: Let It Dry
Allow your journal to dry completely. You can use clips to hold everything in place while it sets.
And there you have it! Your journal now has a beautifully clean spine with hidden binding. The inside is full of character, while the outside looks neat and professional.
Remember, practice makes perfect with bookbinding. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless – each journal you make will be better than the last!
Have you tried hidden spine binding before? How did it go? Share your experiences in the comments below, and happy crafting!
Want to see this technique in action? Check out the full video tutorial on YouTube for a step-by-step guide!
