Bookbinding Guide

The art of creating newly bound books or the repair, conservation and restoration of old books. Books are often created using folded pages, attached to the cover.

Bookbinders use a large collection of tools. As well as a selection of hand tools:

A lying and a finishing press. Some presses can be reversed, so they can do both jobs.
Sewing frame
Plough and blades
Bench tub
Cutting press
Set of backing boards
Gliding tool handles
Nipping boards
Folder
Binding needles
Sewing key

Book cloths or other covering materials
Glues
Beeswax
Sewing thread
Sewing tape

Inspirational in Bookbinding
People worth learning a little more about

Thomas James Cobden Sanderson

(Born 1840 in Alnwick, Northumberland)

A friend and neighbour of William Morris, Cobden-Sanderson was a member of the Art Workers Guild and was the founder of the Doves Bindery back in 1893. He also started Doves Press, that was a well known private press in London.

Francis Bedford

(Born 1799 in Paddington, London)

An English bookbinder, who in his career bound a great number of volumes. Many of these beautiful bindings can be found in some of the most prestigious libraries in England and America.

Bookbinding Guide

An overview of bookbinding

Tools of the trade

Materials used

Inspirational in Bookbinding
People worth learning a little more about

Thomas James Cobden Sanderson

Francis Bedford

Bookbinding Guide

Tools of the trade

Materials used

Inspirational in BookbindingPeople worth learning a little more about

Thomas James Cobden Sanderson

Francis Bedford

Inspirational in Bookbinding
People worth learning a little more about