There are a number of repairs you can do to help lengthen the life of your favourite books, and like any trade, there are a myriad of terms and tools that you don’t come across every day.
To help you through this maze, I have listed here (with links) all the information on this site that I have categorised as Book Repair Basics. It covers everything from how to decide if you should repair your book, what tools you might need to step by step instructions for simple repair tasks.
Adhesives and Repair Tissue
When applying adhesive to Japanese repair tissue, choose a brush that matches the size of the surface. If the area ...
Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 1
Over the next few posts I will talk about methods of binding pamphlets, booklets or single pages of information into ...
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 ...
Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 3
THE THREE HOLE PAMPHLET STITCH Choose the three hole stitch for fairly thin material that is less than 7” tall. A ...
Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 4
THE FIVE HOLE PAMPHLET STITCH The instructions for the five hole pamphlet stitch use a one signature pamphlet. The same sewing ...
Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 5
Sewing Multiple Signature Pamphlets Into Binders A multiple-signature pamphlet that is side sewn or side stapled can be punched or drilled ...
Book Corner Repairs
The corners of a book take a great deal of stress and can be damaged while the rest of the ...
Book Repair – Glue or Paste?
There are two main kinds of adhesives used in book repair: paste and glue. Each has special properties and should ...
Book Repair Adhesives
There are two main kinds of adhesives used in book repair: paste and glue. Each has special properties and should ...
Book Repair Glue
The most commonly used glue for book repair these days is Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA). Also known as craft glue or ...
Book Repair Sewing Needles
Using the right needle will make sewing easy and more successful. Needles should be as small in diameter as possible, ...
Book Repair Thread | Linen Thread
Books are traditionally sewn with linen thread which is very strong and can be purchased in several sizes. Choosing the ...
Planning and Preparation
Which repair method should I use?
Designing specific book repair work
How to test for grain in paper or book cloth
Book repair thread | Linen thread
Preparing thread for book repairs
Techniques and Methods
Clear plastic tape (sticky tape)
Replacing missing book corners
How to make clam shell book boxes
How to make a four flap wrapper
Binding pamphlets and booklets
Reinforcing spiral bound books
If the specific technique or problem you want is not listed here, please check both the Hardcover and Paperback Book Repair pages for more techniques that are designed for these types of books.
