Stitching

Stitching, Part 1

To stitch the pages together, we use a darning needle and waxed polyester thread sold by L.L.Bean for the Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl. (For smaller books, or if you don't care about handstitching, you can just use a stapler.)

Stitch the book as shown in the drawing, starting in center hole from the back of book.

Stitching, Part 2

One thread-end should be on each side of center thread when you pull back through the center hole.

Tighten the thread to pull book together, not so tight as to curve it, but tight enough to bring it together firmly.

Stitching, Part 3

With the ends coming out of the center hole on each side of the long vertical stitch, tie one half hitch knot. Check the tightness. This is one of three places in the process where a sloppy job will result is a disappointing book: the stitching should be so tight that the spine can't be squeezed any narrower at the three drill-holes. Keep cinching the half hitch tighter until the book starts to bow, then back it off just a bit. When confident, tie another half hitch to secure the knot. Cut the threads about 2 inches from knot.