Bookbinding 101: Tour the Bindery
Below you will find a general description of the steps a typical book takes when it is bound in our bindery. In this example, we assume an individual brings in one book where the original cover cannot be used, and whose original binding has come apart completely. Click on any of the underlined terms for a definition (as adapted from the Library Binding Institute).

For a more detailed brochure of the bookbinding processes we use, click here to send us a requested for information.

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When you bring in your book, you will be asked to choose the cover material and color, as well as the stamping color.
Cover Materials: buckram, linen, bonded leather, genuine leather or special cover option
Stamping Colors: gold, silver, black, white.
Your book is assigned a unique alpha-numeric code that distinguishes it from the other jobs in process. This code, along with your name and binding instructions, is recorded in duplicate on a binding slip. One copy stays with your book; the other is kept in our office.
The condition of the book's cover and original sewing are examined. If the original sewing is strong and the cover is in good shape, the book will be recased. (This is not the case in this example.)

If the ends of the pages of your book are uneven, dirty, or worn, the edges will be trimmed to give your book a clean, even finish.

If requested, the book is rounded and backed. Certain types of books will hold their binding better if rounded and backed.

Next, the spine and cover boards for your book are individually cut to size. The boards are marked with the book's unique alpha-numeric code to ensure they will be matched later to the text block, whose end sheets have the same alpha-numeric code.

Standard stamping is done on a computerized machine. Files of the imprint information are created, the correct size cloth is chosen, and the cover is imprinted. Any hand imprinting or special imprinting (i.e. panel lines, decorative imprints) are done after the cover has been assembled.

Next, the cover is assembled. The cloth is passed through a hot glue machine, and the cover boards, spine board, and cord reinforcement for the spine (if needed) are applied. A special machine is used to fold under the excess fabric and create square corners.

At this time, any special stamping is done. A manual stamping machine where the type must be individually handset is used. While it is more labor intensive than the automated imprinter, it provides a greater variety of layout options. Die casts are made and used upon request.

Now, your book is cased in. After the book has had at least 10 minutes to sit (this allows the glue to set, but not dry completely), it is pressed. The force and time allotted for the pressing depend on the thickness of the book, as well as the quality of paper used.