Bookbinding 101

Stitching sequence.
  1. Drill holes.
  2. Cut a piece of waxed thread about 3 times as long as your book.
  3. Thread needle.
  4. Stitch book as shown, starting in center hole from back of book; one thread-end should be on each side of center thread when you pull back through the center hole.
  5. Tighten thread to pull book together, not so tight as to curve it, but tight enough to bring it together firmly.
  6. Tie one knot; check tightness; tie another. Cut threads about 2 inches from knot.
  7. Fold cover so that spine is the same dimension as the spine of your newly-stitched book.
  8. Fold end-papers; run a bead of glue along thread and attach on front and back; (in the back, make sure the two threads will be showing, for that stylish hand-made look).
  9. Run a healthy bead of glue down inside spine of folded cover; quickly set book in place and rub outside of spine to set glue into the signature interstices (!). Try to get spine as square as you can ("perfect binding").
  10. If desired, glue end-papers to inside of cover.
  11. Trim.
  12. Trim dustjacket to fit. Fold and attach.