Create a Handbound Field Notebook

DC Public Library

Dimensions: cover = 8.5 x 5.5 Bookbinding Tips:

regular text = 8.5 x 5.5

accordion text = 17 x 5.5 (4 pp.) or 12.75 x 5.5 (3 pp.) *each horizontal fold is 4.25

Fold the cover sheet. Fold with the grain. Use a bone folder to get a neat fold. Use 15 sheets of text paper. Fold each text sheet separately. Fold with the grain and use a bone folder. There will be 30 text pages. Nest folded text pages inside the cover. You may trim the excess text pages (the creep) so that they do not hang outside of the cover. Secure the cover and text pages with binder clips. Use an awl to make three equidistant holes along the spine of your notebook. Cut a piece of thread 2 times the length of the notebooks spine. Use thread 2 or 3 times the length to tie a bow on the outside.

3-hole Pamphlet Stitch Sewing Instructions:

1. Remove excess wax from the thread by sliding your fingernails along the thread. Thread the needle without tying a knot. Leave a small tail on the other side of the eye. 2. Start from the inside of the notebook. Begin sewing by passing the needle & thread through the center hole to the outside. Leave a short tail inside the book. You will use this tail to tie a knot later. *Start from the outside of the notebook to tie a bow on the outside. 3. Sew up through the top hole to end inside. 4. Sew down through the bottom hole to end outside. 5. Sew up through the center hole to end inside. Be careful and do not sew through the existing thread. 6. Adjust the two thread ends so that they are on opposite sides of the long stitch. Pull tightly. 7. Tie a knot. Trim excess thread, but do not cut too close to the knot. Tuck the threads under the long stitch.

For info TheCreativeClassDCPL@gmail.com

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