As they say, don't judge a book by its cover… or its absence. If you have a valuable book that is simply falling apart because the spine or cover is in poor condition, don't throw it away! Binding your book at home is an easy way to arrange your favorite books, and keep them away from the burning pile.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Repair Only the Back
Step 1. Remove the original spine
About an inch from the spine of the book, use a utility knife to score the cover, front and back. Avoid scratching along the hinges, as these connect the cover to the text block. You can then use the paper fold and carefully remove the spine from the book.
Step 2. Measure the back
Measure the spine you just removed or measure the space between the hinges of the text block. Cut a piece of cardboard or bristol sheet to report the measurements.
Step 3. Prepare the fabric
Choose a sturdy piece of cotton or canvas that matches the current book cover. Take the measurements corresponding to those of the back, and add two centimeters in length and four in width. Cut the fabric to this size.
Step 4. Add the spine to the book cover
Cover the back of the spine with book glue, and center it on the cover of the book. Cut the corners of the fabric at a 45 degree angle, and add glue to the bottom end of the cardboard. Fold back the top and bottom ends of the cover and press down on the back.
Step 5. Remove the glue from the old spine
Using a utility knife, remove as much glue as possible from the text block, which previously joined it to the spine. What you want is that the back has a clean bottom, so make sure it's possible by carefully preparing the space where it will be placed.
Step 6. Prepare the book for a new outer spine
Place the book with the spine side up. Use bricks to hold it in place. Glue a paper cover to the pages of the book to keep them aligned.
Step 7. Place the new spine
Put glue on the exposed fabric of the new back. Carefully cover the new spine over the book. Starting at the spine, press the liner onto the cover. Use a pleat to remove any air bubbles. Wrap the book cover around the top and bottom of the original cover.
Step 8. Let it dry
Place the finished book in a book press overnight to dry. Place a piece of wax paper inside the cover to prevent the pages from sticking together.
Method 2 of 2: Replace the Entire Cover
Step 1. Remove the old cover
The current cover of the book may be attached for the most part or held on for a hair; however, remove it entirely from the book, including the spine. Use a drawing scalpel with a new blade to remove excess glue, torn pages, or those parts that protrude from the block of text.
Step 2. Take your measurements
Measure the covers and spine you just removed, or measure the text block itself. If you decide to opt for the second option, you need to add an inch in height.
Step 3. Cut out the new covers
Use the measurements just taken to cut out three pieces from a Bristol sheet. You should get the two cover pieces and the spine.
Step 4. Prepare the book cover
Choose a sturdy piece of cotton or canvas that acts as a lining. Place the three pieces of bristol sheet on the fabric, with a centimeter between each cover and the spine. Measure a 2-centimeter margin around the entire cover, and cut the fabric that is now in the shape of a large rectangle.
Step 5. Create the cover
Add a thick layer of book glue to the back side of the cardboard cutouts, and place them where they were when the fabric was measured. Cut out the corners of the fabric at a 45 ° angle, and fold all ends of the fabric over the inside of the covers. Add more glue inside, and use the pleat to arrange the fabric.
Step 6. Sew the final pages
A new cover needs the final pages to bond between the cover and the book. Use a double paper type for the final pages. Use a needle to weave the thread between the new end pages and the old sections of the book.
Step 7. Add the new cover
Put a thick layer of glue on the inside front of the cover, and place the text block on the back. Fold over the front end page, use a pleat to smooth out and glue it firmly to the front cover. Repeat the same process with the back cover.
Step 8. Let the cover dry
Place the book in a book press overnight to let it dry. Put a piece of greaseproof paper between the final pages and the text block to prevent the pages from sticking together.
Advice
- If you only have one book that needs to be bound, you may want to consider taking it to a professional, due to the large number of special materials that will need to be purchased, such as book cover and a book press with backing plates.
- You can cut out the title from the old spine to paste it onto the new one. This will help you identify the book.
