How to: make a hand-stitched notebook

I’ve had a few people ask me how to make these little notebooks. Similar to the Moleskine mini-notebooks (which are sold in a pack of three for around $10), these hand-bound notebooks can be made using inexpensive card stock and plain old printer paper. Since I can’t give individual lessons to everyone, here’s a simple how-to.

Here’s what you need to make a 20-page notebook:
-Card stock
-10 sheets of paper, cut to the same size as your card stock
-Linen binder’s thread (if you’re not ready to commit to buying new supplies your first time around, any thick thread will be fine)
-Binder’s wax (optional for beginners, but invaluable if you plan to make more than one book)
-Strong needle
-Awl (if you don’t have one, you can use a tack)
-Bone folder (if you don’t have one, you can use a ruler)
-Binder clips
-Scissors
-Utility knife, box cutter, or x-acto knife

Step 1: Fold the card stock in half, then use your bone folder to make your crease nice and sharp.

Step 2: Unfold your card stock. Place it on top of your stack of paper.

Step 3: Clip the card stock and paper together. This will keep things from moving around when you start to sew. Let’s call this stack the “book block.”


Step 4: Starting from about 1/4″ from the top edge of your book block, punch holes along the fold using your awl. The holes can be as close together or as far apart as you’d like. I spaced mine about 3/8″ apart. Make sure that the holes go all the way through from the top of the card stock to the very bottom sheet of paper.

Step 5: Cut a piece of thread 2-1/2 times the length of the spine of your book. Run the thread through the wax – this will help your thread go through the paper more easily and will keep it from tangling or snagging. Knot one end of the thread to keep it from slipping through the hole.



Step 6: Now you’re ready to sew the book block together! Push your needle through the first hole from the bottom sheet of the book block so that the knot will be on the inside of your finished book. Then, sew through the rest of the holes. You’ll notice that there are gaps between your stitches. When you get to the bottom hole, sew back up to the top so that there are no gaps between your stitches. This will make your book’s spine nice and strong.


Step 7: When you have continuous stitches, create a sturdy knot by looping the thread back onto itself. See photos above – it’s easier to understand when you have a photo for reference.



Step 8: Fold your book block in half along the spine. Use your bone folder to make a sharp crease. If, after folding, some of the pages stick out from underneath the cover, trim them using an x-acto knife and a straight edge. You’re done! If you want your book to lie extra-flat, place it under a heavy book overnight.

You can make many variations on this simple notebook. Use old gift wrap, cards or posters for the cover. Fill it with recycled paper, heavier paper (to make a sketchbook), or textured or colored paper – the possibilities are endless! You’ll probably find yourself looking for excuses to make and give books.

45 thoughts on “How to: make a hand-stitched notebook”

  1. I took a book-making class in college, and the hand-stitched books were my nightmare. I’m impressed that you make it look so easy. I just ended up all bloody-fingered and swear-mouthed…which is not that unusual for me, now that I think about it.

  2. such a great post… it is true… you make it look so easy, that even I am considering to have a go as i was planning to make a book for my nieces for xmas and was getting worried about the postal strikes in the uk.
    Thanks!

  3. This was a delightful and well-photographed tutorial. Your manner is patient, and you have graceful hands. Thank you so much for sharing. =)

  4. I need to make a notebook for my daughter’s Kindergarten homeschool year. Do you know what happens if you sew the book together with a sewing machine, heavy thread and a strong needle (like for denim)? I think I’m going to try…

  5. I am from Switzerland and have found my way through homespun living who linked to your really great tutorial. I like it so much; thank you! You know what’s funny? I just have been searching for some book binding tutorials before I went to homespun living, but didn’t find what I had been expecting- but YOU had what I wanted! Thanks a lot!
    Bora

  6. This is really well done. Thanks for posting it. So happy to know how to make these. Just made one and I’m sure I’ll be making tons more.

  7. hello!,I really like your writing very so much! share we keep in touch
    extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this area to
    resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to
    peer you.

  8. I have read several good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how much effort you put to create one of these
    fantastic informative web site.

  9. Hey there outstanding blog! Does running a blog such as this take a lot of
    work? I have absolutely no understanding of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyway, if you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off subject nevertheless I just wanted to ask.
    Kudos!

  10. Very good site you have here but I was curious if you knew
    of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get comments
    from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

  11. I simply want to say I’m beginner to blogs and actually savored your blog. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your site . You absolutely have wonderful stories. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your web site.

  12. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on several websites for about a year and am concerned about
    switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into
    it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  13. Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better!
    Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this information to
    him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a very good read.
    Thank you for sharing!

  14. I discovered your blog site on google and also check a few of your very early messages. Continue to maintain the excellent operate. I simply additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for forward to learning more from you later!?

  15. Do you mind basically if I mention two of your current writes provided that I provide credit not to mention sources returning to your blog? My web business is within the identical niche as your site and my targeted traffic will have the benefit of some of the strategies and information that you offer on this page. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if it is okay for you. Thank you!

  16. Can I simply say what a relief to discover someone that actually recognizes what theyre talking about online. You definitely understand how to bring a concern to light and also make it important. Even more people require to read this and also recognize this side of the story. I angle believe youre not much more popular because you most definitely have the present.

  17. Aw, this was an actually good blog post. In suggestion I would like to place in creating similar to this furthermore? requiring time as well as real initiative to make a great post? but what can I claim? I postpone alot and also by no means seem to obtain something done.

  18. Thank you for some other great post. Where else may anybody get that kind of
    info in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  19. you are truly a good webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible.
    It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique
    trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a magnificent job on this topic!

  20. I’m the proprietor of JustCBD company (justcbdstore.com) and I am currently seeking to broaden my wholesale side of company. I am hoping anybody at targetdomain can help me . I thought that the most effective way to accomplish this would be to talk to vape stores and cbd stores. I was really hoping if anyone could recommend a trustworthy site where I can get Vape Shop B2B Marketing List I am currently considering creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not sure which one would be the most suitable solution and would appreciate any support on this. Or would it be much simpler for me to scrape my own leads? Suggestions?

  21. Can I just claim what an alleviation to discover somebody that actually knows what theyre speaking about on the net. You definitely recognize exactly how to bring a concern to light as well as make it essential. More people require to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not a lot more preferred since you definitely have the gift.

  22. I?m amazed, I have to state. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog site that?s both educative as well as enjoyable, and let me inform you, you have actually hit the nail on the head. Your idea is superior; the issue is something that inadequate individuals are talking wisely about. I am extremely satisfied that I stumbled across this in my look for something connecting to this.

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top