How to Make a Little Link Stitch Book Using Scrap Paper

Have a big pile of leftover scraps? Instead of tossing them, let me show you how to turn them into a beautiful little link stitch book using scrap paper! This project is a great way to practice two essential bookbinding stitches—the link stitch and the kettle stitch—while also giving new life to leftover materials.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of gathering materials, preparing signatures, and sewing the book together. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To create your little link stitch book, you’ll need:

✔ Paper scraps – Any mix of handmade paper, watercolor paper, sketch paper, writing paper, etc.
✔ Decorative papers – Printed or patterned papers for the outer signature covers.
✔ Ruler – To measure and cut/torn pages.
✔ Bone folder – For crisp folds.
✔ Awl – To punch sewing holes.
✔ Waxed thread – Preferably 3 or 4-ply.
✔ Bookbinding needle – A blunt-tip needle for sewing.
✔ Heavy object – For pressing the signatures (a large book, a litho stone, or anything heavy will do).
✔ Optional closure materials – Ribbon, thread, or beads to wrap around the book.

Step 2: Preparing Your Pages

Cut or Tear Paper to Size

• To ensure a consistent book size, cut or tear your papers to: 4 inches high by 6 inches wide.
• When folded, this will create a 4-inch-high by 3-inch-wide book.

💡 Paper Grain Tip: Try to align the grain direction to improve how the book opens and closes. If the grain doesn’t match, that’s okay—this is meant to be a fun, creative project! To learn more about paper grain, visit this post.

Mix & Match Your Pages

Once your pages are cut, create small bundles called signatures.

• Each signature should contain 4-6 pages, depending on thickness.
• Include a mix of papers for variety.
• Place a heavier decorative sheet on the outside of each signature as a wrapper.

Press Your Signatures

Once you’ve assembled your signatures, place them under a heavy object overnight to help flatten them. This will make stitching easier later on.

Step 3: Punching the Sewing Holes

To keep your stitching even, create a punching template:

1️⃣ Cut a strip of scrap paper 4 inches high (the same as your book).
2️⃣ Fold it in half once and half again to create three creases.
3️⃣ These creases mark three link stitch holes.
4️⃣ Measure ½ inch from the top and bottom for kettle stitches.
5️⃣ Use this template to punch holes in each signature.

Step 4: Sewing the Book Together

Preparing the Thread

To measure your thread:

• Multiply the height of the book by the number of signatures, then add two extra lengths for knotting.
• For example, with six signatures at 4 inches each, your thread length should be: (6 × 4) + 2 = 26 inches.
• Thread your needle and let’s start sewing!

Step-by-Step Stitching Process

1. Attach the First Two Signatures

• Start with the back cover (last signature).
• Sew from the outside to the inside of hole A.
• Leave a 6-inch tail for knotting later.
• Sew out of hole B and into hole B of the next signature.
• Continue sewing in and out to create straight stitches connecting the first two signatures.

2. Add the Next Signatures

• For the third signature, sew through the holes and connect to the previous stitches using the link stitch:
  • Bring the needle under the previous row of stitches before re-entering the book.
• Repeat this process for each new signature.

3. Secure the Ends with Kettle Stitches

• On the first and last holes of each row, make a kettle stitch:
  • Pass the needle under the previous row, forming a small loop.
  • Pull the needle through the loop and tighten.

4. Attach the Front Cover

• The final signature (front cover) is sewn just like the others.
• Finish with two kettle stitches for extra security.
• Bring the needle back inside the book and tie a final knot inside.

Step 5: Adding a Closure

To keep your book closed, add a simple wraparound closure:

✔ Use thin cord, ribbon, or thread.
✔ Thread it through the center of the book, wrapping it around the link stitch.
✔ Wrap it around the book multiple times for a snug fit.
✔ Add beads or knots to the ends for decoration.

Final Touches

Now that your little link stitch book is complete, you can:

✔ Press it overnight to flatten it further.
✔ Trim the edges if you prefer a cleaner look.
✔ Add embellishments like stamps, washi tape, or labels.

This book is perfect for:
📖 Journaling
🎨 Sketching
📜 A handmade gift
📚 Experimenting with bookbinding techniques

📥 Download the step-by-step PDF guide for easy reference.

Watch me Make It

Ready to Make More?

Loved this project? Keep the creative momentum going!
If making the Little Link Stitch book sparked your creativity, you’ll love our free Bookbinding Boot Camp. It’s a curated collection of beginner-friendly lessons and simple projects you can dive into anytime—perfect for exploring the basics of bookbinding at your own pace.

✨ Learn the fundamentals of paper, adhesives, covers, and stitches
📖 Try fun beginner projects that build your skills step by step
🎨 Work at your own pace with easy-to-follow tutorials

Start your bookbinding journey today—free, flexible, and designed just for beginners! Sign up here.

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