Tips & tricks for making a hardcover case - flat back case binding

When I started case binding, I struggled a lot with the measurements. Here's a method you can try for creating the right-sized case for your book!

0:00 Preparing text blocks
0:58 Measuring cover boards
2:55 Measuring the spine board
4:48 Test fitting
6:56 Cover material
8:44 Casing in
16:33 Pressing

📔 📔 📔

💌 Sign Up for Shop Updates 💌

Patreon

Shop

Etsy

Instagram

Tiktok

📔 📔 📔

Filming Equipment
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with Canon 24-105mm F/4 lens

Editing Software

FAQ
✦ Where can I buy bookbinding supplies? your local art supply store, Blick Art Materials (US), TALAS (US), Hollander's (US), DeSerres (CA), Etsy
✦ What adhesive are you using? Archival quality PVA glue, there are multiple brands that sell this
✦ Where did you get your...
✦ What brand is your...
thread - Crawford Irish Waxed Linen Thread
corner rounder - Akiles Diamond-1
✦ What is your dog's name? Lucy 🐕

[debdavis]

Thank you so much for sharing your skills and time. You are a wonderful teacher and human.

[egypt]

this could not come at a more perfect time I swear. its fate. i was *just* finishing up a hardcover book for a friend and growing frustrated with how they never turned out *quite* right. functional yes, but with little imperfections. Measuring the spine as the text block with the cover boards makes soooo much sense. Now i feel some motivation to have another go at hardcover books again ❤

[bittermelonbindery]

A big part of bookbinding is that you'll find your own way of doing things, and I kind of stumbled upon this test fitting method myself. Let me know if you try it out and if it works for you! I consistently make measuring and math errors, and seeing the text block in the covers first helps me make more accurate cuts. Also, make sure your cuts are square!

[MDUA]

Ooooh you added cm!!! Thank you so much for posting this!! ❤

[milliemoon]

Thank you for this video. I will definitely be incorporating all these tips into my next bind. 😄

[tragical-history-tour]

seeing how you attach the endpapers to the covers is so helpful to me. I've been trying to attach endpapers by simply folding the cover down and then pressing it (like some people that i've seen online do), but i've noticed that my endpapers have ended up being misaligned once i've opened up the book with is a bummer :( i'm gonna try it the way you're doing it, hopefully my books turn out a little better in the future!

[gosiasotysiak]

Been waiting for this soooo long !! ❤❤

[pocketsfull]

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[lindahigham]

Good morning 🤗 Thank you for sharing this video I always enjoy watching and learning more about bookbinding from you I so can't wait for your new book to come out enjoy the rest of your week and weekend ahead too ☺️🌹💌📚🦄🤗

[maelinegrs]

Oh god, that's so cool, I've been waiting for this. I'm always messing up the back part either it's too long either it's too short. Love your videos and the atmosphere you put in them.

[WinterWolf-sbvm]

Thank you so much for including metric measurements.

[pieceaisa]

omg i’ve engaged a video about this from you for so long <333 tysm

[RockScissorsPaperPress]

Great video!! The tape is such a good idea. I'm bookmarking this one for reference. Thank you!

[suzyq]

I absolutely love the idea of using painting tape to test fit the binding. I have messed up so many books at the casing in stage and it’s heartbreaking. I plan to use this method from now on. Measuring and cutting book board is my downfall.

[susiescraftroomandstudio]

Great information and demonstration. Blessings and hugs 🤗

[venniechou]

I wish you can do a video on the different types of stitching for a beginner. I’m always confused where the stitches have to go with odd and even numbers of holes. Help!

[JustOneLookItsOnlyI]

I've been wanting to know how to do them correctly for years my next notebook is going to be amazing 🎉

[sarabliss]

Do you have a video on making bigger spines? You mention some size adjustments to limit spine swell with the larger text block books.

[Amanda.Jayne.]

Another wonderful video 😍!! Thank you 😊

[teefvideos]

is it possible to do perfect perfect binding and then put on a hardcover case? Thanks bitter melon!!