Bookbinding Techniques 4. – Japanese binding
What is Japanese Stab Binding?
Japanese stab binding patterns are great for a simple, minimalist book design. As it won’t be able to lay flat when it’s open, it’s ideal for display purposes. One of it’s advantages, however, is that it’s possible to add, take out or change the order of the sheets even after binding, therefore it’s the ideal bookbinding pattern for photo albums and recipe books or collections.
There are four major binding patterns.
The Noble Binding ( Koki Toji)
The Tortoise-shell binding (Kikko Toji)
The Hemp-leaf binding (Asa-No-Ha-Toji)
And the Four-hole binding (Yotsume Toji)
In this guide, you’ll learn how to do the ‘beginner’ pattern, the Four-hole binding.
You’ll need:
Pencil
Cutting mat
Ruler
Binder clips
Awl
Materials:
Paper
Waxed thread
Method: Step by Step
Four images might not be enough to get it for the first time, but it is an easy technique!
(Images from Sea Lemon’s tutorial video)
Make a template for the binding holes using a sheet of paper that’s the same size as your book. First make a 1inch line from the spine’s edge, then fold the paper in half three times. Unfold the paper and mark the place of four holes spaced like on the photo.
Put the template on your book if it’s thin enough or you can do it in separate sections.
Use an awl to make holes into the paper where you marked it on the template.
It’s useful to clip the sheets together so they all stay together.
For binding, you need to use a single thread without a knot at the end. Measure enough thread (around 5 times the height of your book, it’s better to have longer than to run out.)
Take a portion of the book…
and start from the bottom on the second hole.
And leave about 4-5 inches ( 13 cm) at the end and leave it inside the book.
Wrap it around to the bottom of the book and back through the same hole.
Then comes the next hole…
Wrap it around and go back through.
When you reach the last hole wrap around and back through again
Then wrap around the end and back through again.
Make sure to keep the thread tight throughout!
Next step is to weave through the following hole and always wrap around.
Now you should be at the 2nd hole where you started from.
And pull it through the last hole.
Wrap around the back.
Wrap around the end as you did the other side.
And finish it with going back to the 2nd hole.
Return the needle between the pages where the end of the thread is.
Pull it through and tie the thread, cut the excess.
And it’s finished!
References & Photos:
http://www.designsponge.com/2013/03/bookbinding-101-japanese-four-hold-binding.html
https://tsubasa-no-kami.deviantart.com/art/Japanese-Stab-Stitch-Binding-246263261
http://www.instructables.com/id/Screw-Post-Binding/