How to Make a Hardbound Journal
A journal is the classic place to record your thoughts, ideas, drawings or other writings. A hardcover journal is more durable, making it easier to carry with you wherever you go, being able to jot down notes as soon as you think of them. Making your own journal ensures that not only the words carry your personal touch. It's also a way to guarantee it's exactly the way you want it.
Things You'll Need
- Filler paper
- Awl
- Needle
- Thread
- Glue
- Brush
- Heavy weights, such as bricks or large books
- Book boards, from wood or heavy cardboard
- Craft saw or heavy-duty scissors
- Fabric
- Heavier paper
Instructions
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1
Gather five to 10 sheets of your filler paper. Fold in half. This creates a signature. Make as many signatures as desired. Using the awl, make holes in the signature seams. Using these awls, sew the signatures together. This is your book block.
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2
Paint the spine of your book block with glue and a brush. With the signatures lined up flush, press them under something heavy, like bricks or large books, until dry.
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3
Cut two boards of wood or heavy cardboard slightly larger than your book block. Cut another piece the exact width, but slightly longer than your book block. You need a craft saw or heavy-duty scissors.
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4
Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover all three boards with an extra inch all the way around. Glue the boards to the inner side of the fabric. Fold the extra fabric and glue to the inside of the boards.
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5
Take the book block and glue the front page to on of the cover boards. Repeat with the last page.
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6
Cut your heavier paper so it's smaller than your covers, but larger than your signatures. Glue the heavier paper over where the signature papers are glued to the covers.
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7
Close book and press it under something heavy, leaving the spine free.
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Tips & Warnings
Spread glue thinly to avoid bumps on your fabric.
Leave a slight space between your cover boards and spine board for extra ease in opening and closing your book.
For neater corners, cut the corners of your fabric close to the boards before folding and gluing the fabric edges.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
