How to Bind Loose Pages Together: A Simple Method

This video demonstrates a very simple way of binding loose pages together. It is intended for people who have texts that they want to bind together, but who are looking for a better method than simply stapling, paper clips, or ring binding. The video is suitable for non-bookbinders and only
requires minimal materials and PVA glue.

If you are looking for how to bind loose pages into a hardcover book, I demonstrate that in this video:

If you'd like to support my making of more bookbinding videos in either a once-off or ongoing way, and keep Certain People in cat food, you can do so on Ko-Fi here:

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[jessquinn]

I have been using this method for about 10 years now. The one thing I learned is after I clip the pages together, is to score/file the edge that you plan to glue, with and emery board/nail file or even a file. Doing this gives grip and strength to the pages to the glue and helps prevent pages falling out of the glue

[leandrotami]

why do I find comfort watching this even though I have no immediate need for it? there must be something about working with paper that is nice...

[UDJ]

I used to work in a copy shop years ago, and I remember having access to a tape binding machine. It was basically this style of binding, but with a pre-impregnated strip that was thermally activated (so a hot glue gun style adhesive) rather than PVA. I used to download public domain books from Project Gutenberg and make half page books out of them (I'm in the US, so basically 5.5 x 8.5 inch pages). It was a really cool way to DIY a novel before ebook readers became more common. I also used chip board and one of my favorite paper stocks to make pocket notebooks (like a Field Notes, but not saddle stitched.) It was a cool way to use paper trimmed from larger stock that was otherwise too small to print on.

[cannedpineapple]

The notebook companies don't have control over us anymore!!! I'M GOING TO MAKE SO MANY NOTEBOOKS NOW!

[bethsvist]

Thank you very much, this is the perfect way to deal with all the loose pages from my studies, too.

[labibbidabibbadum]

I love this. There must have been, oh, 25, 000 moments over the past couple of decades when my limited intellect prevented me from thinking of this myself but it would have been perfect. Thank you. Beautifully presented.

[adrianagonzalez]

I am a wedding officiant, and once I complete a wedding script, I use your method to create a beautiful notebook to read from during the ceremony and gift it to the couple afterwards. It’s perfect. Thank you

[chocksaway]

That method of binding is surprisingly satisfying.

[inspireira]

My grandfather was a journalist and we always had endless stocks of paper around the house, some of the documents or empty journals being binded just like that. I had no clue that they were HAND binded! It makes so much sense, since he loved to DIY everything. Oh, it makes me so nostalgic. Thank you for tutorial 🤍

[jeanduncan]

My 12 year old grandson wrote his autobiography. It is 20 pages (plus some additions)and we were trying to figure out how to bind it! This is so perfect and your instructions are wonderful. They are clear and simple. Thank you!

[AmbersDaintyBush]

Great video! My grandma recently passed and I’d like to combine her full page recipes. I’ll have to do some practicing first!

[AwosAtis]

Wow! I just printed a 200 page (two sided) sewing machine manual. Now I know what my next project is. Thank you!

[Romanticoutlaw]

as someone who has never been able to will myself to write/draw in a non-ring journal for fear of ruining/wasting it but have been able to use ones that other people handmade for me, this is invaluable

[stefanie]

Thank you so much for demonstrating this type of binding!! I'm a full-time graduate student, and I am constantly printing and filing my research papers. Now, I can make my favorites into beautiful books. Also, I greatly appreciate how you've kept the materials simple and affordable!🌟

[chrisbassett]

Thank you so much for sharing I have been writing my story for my children and was wondering how I was going to bind it, This is perfect. Thanks again.

[grfng]

The tip of double fanning pages is really helpful thank you ❤

[NicoSmets]

Double-fan. Mind blown. I can't unsee this technique now once I have witnessed it. Thank you for sharing.

[juliajules]

I absolutely love your video. I hope you come back. I spent at least a year in South Africa and the charming lilt of the SA accent is not lost on me. Have a beautiful holiday !season and I’ll try your tricks for binding 17 Holiday booklets for my seniors’ communities where i sing. Take care, Susan.

[russholmes]

I followed your video to a tee after watching it 3 times. I measure 3 times cut once, a carpenters rule and the end product is very good for my first time. You are a good teacher, and I followed every step. I bounded about 50 pieces of paper all concerning my family tree. A project Ive been working on and off for about 30 years and finally finished. I used some hard paper from a loose leaf paper as a cover, I was going to try some leather, cut I thought it may not glue up correctly and I would ruin the whole project. Thanks for great advise!

[theRolledRs]

i was afraid this would be harder than it looks, but nope! super simple and easy!! not much of a mess either!