The amount of paper you will need depends on the length of your manuscript.
The best paper to use in 4 5/8” x 5 7/8” books
is 60#, white paper. You do not want something as flimsy and see-through as 20# or 25# paper (typing paper) or as hard as
100# paper (cardstock). Having said that, this is your book, so if you want to use typing paper or cardstock that is your
privilege. The above is a suggestion and not an absolute rule. If you buy a ream of paper, purchase the ream that says “long
grain” and not “short-grain.” The grain of the paper should be parallel to the spine of your book. Therefore
paper with a long grain (grain that is parallel to the long side of the paper) works.
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You will need ¼ yard of a medium-weight, cotton-blend fabric cut to 11¼”
x 7¼”
Fabric comes in so many different designs and colors. When choosing
fabric for a book cover, find one that either reflects the theme of your book or your personality. Then take two elements
into consideration: the design and weight.
Design: The best designs are those that have
a repeating pattern within a 4 5/8” x 5 7/8” space. For example, the picture of a single dragon that is 5”
x 6” will not work, for either the dragon’s head or the dragon’s tail will be cut off. Patterns with straight
lines (such as plaids) are harder to keep straight. If this is your first book, find a repeating pattern that does not include
straight lines. Also, it’s good to steer away from extremely light-colored or white fabric. Find a repeating design
that is colorful.
Weight: A fabric’s weight (lightweight,
medium weight, heavyweight) is important. A lightweight fabric, one that you can easily see the outline of your hand through
when you hold it up to the light, will show glue spots and the materials beneath it. It will look unprofessional. Heavyweight
fabric, like upholstery material and suede, are too cumbersome to make into a crisp cover. A medium-weight fabric is ideal.
When you go to a fabric story, look for kettle cloth, calico, or quilting fabric. Then find a design you like and make
sure the fabric you choose is approximately the same weight as kettle cloth.
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You will need one sheet of 7-count plastic canvas (13.5” x 10.5”).
For each book, you will need to cut the plastic canvas sheet into two
29 x 39 square rectangles. (The color of the plastic canvas is not important since it will be covered by material and paper.)
The 29 and 39 are not inches but the number of squares contained in the canvas in each direction.
You will also need to cut one additional rectangle that will become
the spine of your book. This rectangle will be 39 squares long, but its width depends on the length of your manuscript. Here’s
how to figure out how wide you should make your spine.
When you have completed the directions for gluing your book’s
signatures together and the glue is dry, place the spine of your newly made text block (the pages of your book) against the
plastic canvas. The width of the spine of your text block is the exact width of your plastic canvas spine. Mark the plastic
canvas, and cut it.
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You will need one felt square, which is usually around 12” x 9”
Felt squares come in many colors. I usually use white so that
the color will not bleed through my fabric. You will need to cut the felt so it is the exact same size as the three plastic
canvas rectangles.
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You can use whatever craft glue you enjoy. I personally use either the original
Tacky or Sobo Glue.
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You will need two
sheets of wax paper that are at least 11¼” x 7¼” each.
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A sturdy polyester blend will appear almost invisible against the white
pages of a book if the thread is also white. The thread used for rugs is extremely sturdy.
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Most regular sewing needles work to stitch books. I
personally use one that is a little longer than the average needle for ease of use. Do not use a large tapestry needle because
it is too wide and will make the holes in your paper too big.
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You will need one paper in a coordinating color that
has about a 100# weight; cut in half to form two 5 ½” x 8½” sheets.
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Four-inch clips, the kind used to hold potato chip bags
closed, are ideal for this project. If you don’t have three four-inch clips, you can substitute clothespins.
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Any hammer will do. The nail you use should be slightly
less than 1/16” in diameter. Those small golden-colored nails that many use to hang pictures on the wall are approximately
the right size.
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In addition to all of the above, you will need to have
scissors, a computer and printer with a word processing program unless you intend to type or handwrite your manuscript, and
a pen with a removable lid (I use a BIC pen). You will also need a large heavy book for weight, pencil, ruler, 1” thick
board, and a flat surface. Optional: an iron if your fabric is wrinkled.
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