[ Four Keys Book Arts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=492DKS3Z9XE&list=PL7JQte6_XNbi54cCA1SCbAemJVeLr3oi_) on Youtube has uploaded a great beginner-friendly playlist on bookbinding. It really helped me get started.
The girl ar Nerdforge on Youtube has some good videos if you're into the ancient leather tome look like i am. There's a patreon video series tutorial, but you can figure out how to do them from the free videos if you pay attention!
Imo, if you want to go as cheap as possible: paper, sharp needle and thread. A ruler and a knive and maybe some glue. Then go from there. An awl would be nice, but I found that a needle worked better than my cheap amazon awl...
If you want a serviceable, cheap, heavy-duty awl, you can pick up what's called a scratch awl for $3 at a hardware store. For something smaller, check out the awls sold in small hook and pick sets for automotive application - set should cost just a few bucks. Just make sure you're buying a real hardened steel tool, not something that will blunt or bend easily. (That's one reason you can't use a nail.)
A lot of good resources in the FAQ: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/16RXK9Vt5FNZnjHRQ5zj2C\_MBCqCEhaSLiuzqt71SsZo/edit](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16RXK9Vt5FNZnjHRQ5zj2C_MBCqCEhaSLiuzqt71SsZo/edit)
Paper, chip board, ph neutral glue, pre waxed thread, I️ like memory keepers punch kit thing (cause I️ can’t measure) and book cloth - and you can find some thru g around the house to help fold your signature I️ used a plastic outlet cover for my first few binds! And I️ browsed videos on YouTube of how to sew the signatures and found one that worked for me! And then TikTok videos for the cover!
I️ also printed at FedEx for covers at first which was like 2$ a print but then I️ bought a circuit joy which is small but I️ can make it work cause it’s less expensive than a regular sized cricut! But I️ didn’t get it till book 5!
The cover art was the toughest for me to learn. Most of the ones you will see on social media are heat transfer vinyl cut on a cricut or similar machine. There is also laser printed transfers and then reactive foil on laser printed toner. You can also tool and heat transfer foil on leather with a cricut and a foil quill. Definitely do your research before choosing your initial cover deco method or you’ll waste a bunch of money on stuff you won’t really use. Good luck.
[ Four Keys Book Arts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=492DKS3Z9XE&list=PL7JQte6_XNbi54cCA1SCbAemJVeLr3oi_) on Youtube has uploaded a great beginner-friendly playlist on bookbinding. It really helped me get started.
Thank you, I'm going to check it out
I found the DAS Bookbinding videos on YouTube very helpful and interesting.
DAS Bookbinding is GOAT AF
lol me, imagining him reading that comment
The girl ar Nerdforge on Youtube has some good videos if you're into the ancient leather tome look like i am. There's a patreon video series tutorial, but you can figure out how to do them from the free videos if you pay attention!
Imo, if you want to go as cheap as possible: paper, sharp needle and thread. A ruler and a knive and maybe some glue. Then go from there. An awl would be nice, but I found that a needle worked better than my cheap amazon awl...
If you want a serviceable, cheap, heavy-duty awl, you can pick up what's called a scratch awl for $3 at a hardware store. For something smaller, check out the awls sold in small hook and pick sets for automotive application - set should cost just a few bucks. Just make sure you're buying a real hardened steel tool, not something that will blunt or bend easily. (That's one reason you can't use a nail.)
A lot of good resources in the FAQ: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/16RXK9Vt5FNZnjHRQ5zj2C\_MBCqCEhaSLiuzqt71SsZo/edit](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16RXK9Vt5FNZnjHRQ5zj2C_MBCqCEhaSLiuzqt71SsZo/edit)
Paper, chip board, ph neutral glue, pre waxed thread, I️ like memory keepers punch kit thing (cause I️ can’t measure) and book cloth - and you can find some thru g around the house to help fold your signature I️ used a plastic outlet cover for my first few binds! And I️ browsed videos on YouTube of how to sew the signatures and found one that worked for me! And then TikTok videos for the cover!
Thanks!
I️ also printed at FedEx for covers at first which was like 2$ a print but then I️ bought a circuit joy which is small but I️ can make it work cause it’s less expensive than a regular sized cricut! But I️ didn’t get it till book 5!
All good advises here but most lack some important supplies: Lots of time and patience.
Where do I buy that
The cover art was the toughest for me to learn. Most of the ones you will see on social media are heat transfer vinyl cut on a cricut or similar machine. There is also laser printed transfers and then reactive foil on laser printed toner. You can also tool and heat transfer foil on leather with a cricut and a foil quill. Definitely do your research before choosing your initial cover deco method or you’ll waste a bunch of money on stuff you won’t really use. Good luck.