Making casebound books

Planning

1. Collect and sort all internal page content
2. Create front matter, back matter, etc.
3. Complete book design (dimensions, unique details and constraints)
4. Complete materials list

Signature Construction

1. Sew pages into signatures
2. Sew signatures together and glue spine
3. Attach endpapers
4. Trim edges, especially top and bottom
5. Gold foil page tops (optional)

Spine Construction

1. Curve spine to final shape
2. Glue on super (or crash)
3. Add bookmark ribbon (optional)
4. Glue on headbands and liner

Case Construction

1. Measure and cut all case materials
2. Glue case boards to case cloth
3. Glue end paper to case and press
4. Add additional elements, such as leather trim (optional)
5. Add gold foil lettering
6. Glue the spine to the case using the end papers.
7. Press until dry

Box Construction (Optional)

1. Measure and cut all materials to fit book
2. Glue box boards to box cover material
3. Add inner protective material, such as archival felt, and press
4. Add gold foil or other decorative elements
5. Fold and glue box together