Bookbinding Basics: Chapter 1 - Basic Tools - Easy Options to Get Started Bookbinding

Hi everyone! In this short series I will be presenting some of the foundational skills and knowledge I've learned while on my own bookbinding journey. In this first part I will discuss what I believe are the most essential tools needed to start out in bookbinding.

In part 2 I'll discuss materials and some basic book structures to get you started. Down the road I will introduce new tools and techniques, so do check back from time to time!

I hope you enjoy the video! If you do, please consider subscribing to the channel for more bookbinding content in the future.

Cheers!
Dennis
_______

If you'd like to support me directly:

Follow me on social media:

Instagram

Facebook

[ana_vicosa]

You know the tutorial is good when there are diy options instead of a bunch of plastic-store-bought utilities

[trdsf]

I don't need another hobby I don't need another hobby I don't need another hobby I don't need another hobby I don't need another hobby ... XD

[Louise_Moura]

Straight to the point, clear descriptions and even gives tips? What is this, an awesome tutorial???
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, as a total beginner I appreciate it so so much ♡

[gmthend]

This is such a great tutorial. No long intros, no annoying music, simple and clear instructions, offering DIY options instead of insisting on buying the highest quality tool - more people should follow your example!

[liamfoxy]

I've always thought that of all common tools, the 'Bone Folder' is one that sounds the most horrifying if you don't know what it does.

[mantralayamsrinath]

The best tutorial or guide ever. to the point, no distracting music. precise explanation. A million thanks, Dennis.

[arcanlia]

From someone who is starting with crafting aswell, I really want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. Bookbinding is such an art that needs to be discovered by more artisans around the world. Thanks for creating this series and for keeping bookbinding in the radar!!

[stephanberger]

Another alternative for an awl: a dart from a darts set. You can leave the flights off, though.

[Vermillionns]

I would definitely add a cutting board to the list. Sure a simple table does the job, but I don't want to damage the one I have since I use it for other things.
I use my cutting board to fold paper, cut paper, pierce the sewing holes, cut the leather, and pretty much every step where I want to work on my book on a clean surface.
I even glue things on top of my cutting board so I can move the whole work by moving my board without manipulating the book directly and risking screwing up the glueing.
It's also a flat surface so when I need to press something I can put it on the board, add a second flat board above it, and then add a lot of weights (I do not own a bookbinding press)

[Beryllahawk]

OH! So that's what the funny end bit is for on my knife.
I mean...uh... oh, who am I kidding, I hadn't a clue. I'm not the sort of person who always remembers to read up on a tool, haha!
The bone folder I have wasn't super expensive but I got it a really long time ago. It's really interesting to know you can make one from wood too - I honestly thought the bone material was a vital part of the function, though I couldn't have told why that would be. Really looking forward to this series!!! Thank you so much for taking some time to help out us beginners!

[Evelectrick.]

Thank you for making this video. I love how you not only explain consequences, but include footage to show what that looks like. I really appreciate how you’ve included DIY options and shared how to make them. I’ll be making a trip to my local paint store!

[SueGotCreative.]

So easy to listen to that I just know I'm going to watch the rest of the series. Thanks for providing creative DIY ideas for making our own tools. It's encouraging that I already have most of these items, since I use them in leathercraft.

[Quirll]

Thanks for the options that you have shown and how to make them if you are on a budget, I was thinking of buying my kit from Amazon but making most of them will give me a better appreciation of the end product. I am looking forward to the other chapters. Again Thank you for them.

[drpicklephd]

extremely informative, thank you! i've hit a wall with finding the "ideal" journal for me, and think i'm gonna have to resort to book binding. i will most definitely be saving your playlist to refer back to as i learn!

[mags]

Thank you for such a clear explanation of basic tools - and that skilled making of the wooden bone folder. Everything you do is satisfying to watch!

[XyerDark]

Very basic sewing kits sometimes come with thimbles, which aside from their intended use could also be used to push the needle in the cork.
Something else that could be useful is simply something heavy to keep things flat, but I imagine that will be covered in the next video.

[JmsDagon]

Thanks to you i am now binding my own book. This series was so helpful.

[MuhammadAbdullah-rmbs]

God bless you ! I love you so much. I just started bookbinding and your videos are so clear and easy to understand. I love u BOSS

[mattiaferraboli]

Beautiful video, i like the handmade "bone folder" idea! Can't wait for the next one!
Lovely cat by the way!

[JeannieTowe-wlgo]

What a breathe of fresh air. Thank you for this informative tutorial, in which you didnt spend the majority talking about your cats digestive issues. Subscribed!