Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 2

Punching Sewing Holes in Pamphlet Materials
Center Folded Materials
For items that are center folded, a punching jig and signature cradle can be used. If a sewing cradle is not being used or if the material is loose pages, binder or bulldog clips can be used to hold the punching jig in place when the holes are punched.
To punch the sewing stations in a booklet and a pamphlet binder at the same time, position the booklet inside the binder and hold both in place with binder or bulldog clips.
Side-Stapled or Individual Sheets of Paper
NOTE: Pamphlet materials can be constructed of folded signatures, then side-stapled through the folds. It can be advantageous to remove the staples and sew the signatures together using the link stitch so they will open completely flat.
To punch sewing holes in individual sheets of paper or side-stapled materials, position the booklet in the binder and hold it in place with binder or bulldog clips.
Using a needle-in-a-stick or awl, punch the holes as close to the spine edge as possible making sure there is enough margin to hold the booklet securely in the pamphlet binder.
If the needle or awl will not punch the materials easily, try twisting while pressing down. Too much pressure can bend or break the tool.
When punching by hand, it can be convenient to punch into a piece of 1” styrofoam, available in most craft stores.
If the material is too thick to punch by hand, drilling is a possibility.
Remember to protect the work surface with a sheet of wood when drilling. When drilling materials, use a small drill bit, about the same size as the sewing needle. Small drill bits are available in hardware, hobby or jewelry supply stores. The drill chuck jaws of a standard drill may not hold small drill bits. Check the jaws of the drill chuck to see if all three jaws meet when it is completely closed. If they do not, the drill will not hold the smaller drill bits.
The Dremel Company markets a tool with a very small drill chuck to hold small drill bits. There are several models including one speed and multi-speed, drill chuck jaws that close tight or close loose. One model,  a single speed drill, can be attached to a variable speed foot control (similar to a sewing machine foot control) so the operation and speed of the drill is regulated by the foot control and both hands are free to maneuver the tool. Dremel also sells a drill press which holds the drill in place.