If you are looking for a quick and easy handmade gift this holiday season, consider making this leather journal. You can use up scraps from another project or recycle a piece of clothing. And don’t forget that there are alternatives to leather, such as Kraft-tex or cork fabric, which would work great for this binding method.
You’ll need the following tools and supplies:
- 3 folded signatures
- Cover*
- Waxed linen thread**
- Bone folder
- Awl
- Japanese screw punch (optional)
- Punching cradle (optional)
- Needle
- Scissors, ruler, pencil
* The cover measures 1/4″ / 6mm taller than signature height and 3 times the signature width
**Thread measures a generous 9 times the signature height
Here are the instructions on how to make this little book. It’s so easy, you’ll make them for everyone on your list.
If you have any questions, please comment below.
Thank you for showing how to make this lovely book. Can you tell me what text paper you used for the Quick Leather Journal?
I can’t begin to thank you for these wonderful tutorials. Though I have books on making books I never find them easy. Now watching you, it all falls into place. I find it so easy to follow you and do things I have always wanted to have a go at. Thank you so much. just one complaint I could spend hours watching you… in fact i do.
Thanks so much June!
Hi Judy – I used 80lb Mohawk Superfine paper for the signatures. You can buy it from Dick Blick or Hollanders in different sized sheets.
Hi, thanks for the video. I make paper & want to use in the books I make but its too stiff. Do you know what I can add to make paper more pliant & with a smoother surface to write on?
HI! I like making the journal. I didn’t have enough of the thread left over to use to tie shut the overlapping piece. I would love to have know about that in advance. How much would you use —another 15 – 20 inches or so? I was also thinking of adding an 1/8 inch think leather lace-like piece but wasn’t sure how to attach it to the cover. I’d appreciate any ideas. Thanks!
Here are some closure ideas Jill: https://vintagepagedesigns.com/book-closure-ideas/
Could I use book cloth I’ve made as a cover? Cotton quilting fabric with the iron on interfacing?
yes you could. Just make sure to use a sharp knife so that the edges of the book don’t fray.
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial!
I enjoyed trying this new-to-me technique and the results!
If using 5 signatures, instead of 3 folded signatures, what would you suggestions be for the thread length and cover size?
And would signatures still be added from the center outward? Thank you so much!