DIY Text Block | Case Bookbinding Tutorial | Sea Lemon

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to sew and glue a text block for case binding your own book. I'll also include how to add a ribbon bookmark in the process. This video focuses on just the text block for case binding method itself. I'm self-taught and came up with my own variation of binding. It's a combo of saddle, link and coptic stitching. If you're familiar with coptic stitching, this should be easy for you ;)

SUPPLIES
• 1 sheet of 5x8" paper
• Pencil
• Sandpaper or nail file

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MUSIC CREDITS
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DISCLAIMERS
Links above marked with (*) are affiliate links, which means I may earn revenue or credits (at no extra cost to you) via those affiliated sites.

0:00 Intro
1:26 Sewing
6:20 Glue spine
6:49 Bookmark
6:59 End pages
9:08 Trim edge

[Sousyned]

This is really beautiful to see.

When I was a child we had a family friend who had worked as a book binder his whole life. He was very elderly (still binding when I knew him) and was always so sad that his knowledge would be lost with him - at that time he was the only traditional book binder left in our state. He would have passed away years before YouTube existed, but I am sure he would be pleased to see this knowledge shared with the world. I remember watching him make family bibles, law books and also repairing any damaged books he could find.

As a side note on technique, when making a text block he always swore by using fabric (linen or flax, I think) rather than paper to strengthen the spine.

Thank you for your lovely work.

[SeaLemonDIY]

I learned most of it in school, but I was taught a slightly different method than this. The method in this video is what I found works best for me ;)

[jordynrichardson]

From the students in Graphic Design: WE LOVE YOU!

[Dekae]

I really love how this particular stitch in the binding allows the pages to lay flat. Perfect for sketching. The tutorial was friendly for a first time try. Thank you.

[tinyladyemily]

I can't believe that a human could do this. The level of concentration, dedication, accurateness and attention to detail-ness.. that is just true passion! I love you so much 

[ethansanctimony]

I've really been wanting to create a personalized book for my personal writings. While I don't see myself using this often I think that these videos are perfect! Without these videos I'd be fumbling around trying to bind a book while reading wikihow and completely failing and wasting several hours of time.
Of course, I haven't attempted it yet, so wish me luck on my first try :)

[BardicSpn]

Thought I heard "Take each signature and pierce with an owl." Yes.

[galphath]

Thanks to your tutorials I could made and sell journals at a moment in my life I couldn't find a job, Thank you so much!

[shreyas.]

Finally someone who doesn't use hot glue gun.

[LainieTT]

I've a few piles of signatures but have never come across a video/tutorial/blog instructions that have given me enough confidence to pick up a needle and thread....until today. Thank you so much for your fabulous video.

[SeaLemonDIY]

The sewing method is very similar to my "DIY Coptic Stitch Binding" tutorial. You can find that video on my channel page. Watching that might help you understand it a little better. The tool I used on the edge was a file or sand paper. That is just to smooth the rough edges.

[tusadepalatine]

I love your videos, I appreciate the clarity you provide and the extension of patience I toward myself as I'm learning. I've followed along when I make journals for years. The two modifications I have made over time are: First, I use a hooked / curved needle to sew the text block, I find it easier to grasp when it's poking through, the straight needle can be difficult to maneuver. Second, I use whatever glue I have on hand... "Yes!" diluted with a little water, basic fabric glue diluted, or even Elmer's in a pinch have all worked just fine. I've enjoyed experimenting with all kinds of different covers - most recently a quilted fabric over bookboard. Thanks again for creating these great teaching tools!

[marynolte]

If you are doing this for the first time I highly recommend you completely skip the cutting off the edges step. I just completely ruined a planner that I was working on all weekend just in the first few cuts of this step. Uneven edges look fine to me.

[Jennifer-isbv]

Thank you so much! I used your tutorial to make a book for a visual literacy contest at work. (my student's didn't want to participate, but I was pumped). I am hooked now. It is unbelievably easy to make this. Thanks a million.

[joshclark]

This tutorial, and a few of your others, are going to allow me to make my Girlfriend a very awesome journal. Thank you so much!!

[dr.westwood]

I have been making program booklets for some time. I found the traditional paper trimmers and paper cutters to be unreliable so I purchased a paper guillotine for around $175. I’ve been very happy with it. It has mixed reviews but I think people aren’t using it correctly. I find it important to use a piece of scrap paper, thin and cheap is fine, between your project and the machine; make sure your guides are square; and that the wheel is cranked down really tight. Then it cuts like a dream. I want to start making some hardbound books so when I saw the method used here I was happy that I already have this equipment. It’s large and it’s heavy, but if you do a lot of books, definitely worth it. Save the paper trimmer for cutting less than five sheets at once.

[justcommenting]

I remember doing this.... all the pricking, crying and headaches but it was all worth it in the end 😂

[eileenmcmullin]

Congratulations! Sorry, late to the party, busy creating journal for my daughter’s 26th b-day - using your DIY Textblock/Case Bookbinding Tutorial for reference, of course!!

Sorry about your Dad, it is difficult when we parents age. I was a sandwich mom, taking care of a chronically ill kid AND parents, so I get it. Will add you and Papa Lemon to my prayers. Also, re-charging your batteries (that’s how I always think of it) is very important. You need to take any time you have to yourself to...breathe. I know I can’t speak for anyone else but, as a subscriber, I appreciate any time you are able to give the channel, I get it that caring for your family is (and should be) your priority.

Again, Congrats on Hitting ONE MILLION!!!

[evewithwonder]

I'm just about to start making my bullet journal for the upcoming year. I've been following you for years and this tutorial is still the best 💜

[KathleenRenninger]

This is the kind of video I like; to the point & no extra chatter. This was very helpful, but I'll check out your other video on stitching to get it right. Thanks.