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How to Fold a Book
Table of Contents
- Required Tools
- Finding Your Book
- Finding Your Starting Page
- Marking Your Book
- Folding Your Book
Required Tools
Book
You will need a hardcover book that is at least 21 cm in height. It’s essential that the book has a hard cover as a paperback book won’t have the strength to hold up your design. Make sure the book’s spine is securely attached as it may cause the pages to fall out or your image to be distorted. When looking at your book pages, make sure they are all flush and even together. Flip through the pages of the book to make sure there are no pictures or graphics that may cause inconsistencies in the look of your folded book. It’s best to choose a book that has only text and no other design elements (such as a banner for the first page in each chapter). The length of your book will depend on the pattern you are using. Each pattern will tell you how many pages the book needs to be.
- Height: 21 cm or 23 cm
- Type: Hardcover
- Page Length: Varies with each pattern
Ruler
You will need a 30 cm (12 inch) ruler. I use a T-ruler that has a guide on top making the marks more accurate. However, any ruler will do the trick.
- Size: 30 cm (12 inch)
- Style (optional): T-ruler
Creasing Tool
You may want a tool to help crease the pages as you are folding. It will help your image stay tight with as little distortion as possible. Many people use a bone folder, but my preferred tool is a thumb pick. You can also use your thumb nail, but that may not work well for everyone (ex. if you have really long/short nails, sensitive fingers, nail polish that may rub off on the book, etc.).
- Bone Folder:
- Pros: works well and easy to find/purchase
- Cons: can slow down your folding as you will be picking up and setting down the tool between each page
- Finger Nail:
- Pros: free and always have it with you
- Cons: wears down your finger nail, long nails may break, and nail polish can rub off on pages
- Thumb Pick:
- Pros: works well and you don’t have to pick up and set down the tool between pages as you do with a bone folder
- Cons: there is a learning curve for using the tool properly, but I think it is well worth it if you’re going to be folding many books
Pencil
You will need a pencil with a fine tip. I find that mechanical pencils work best as they give the most accurate marks possible. I use a .5mm pencil, but other sizes will work fine.
- Size: 0.5 or 0.7 (mm)
- Style: Mechanical
Page Tie
You will need something to tie back your pages as you fold. A paper weight or a very large rubber/elastic band works well. The pages tend to want to fold back on you and get in the way of your work. If you’re going to be folding several books, you may want to invest in a book folding stand.
- Paper Weight:
- Pros: easy to find something around the house
- Cons: doesn’t always stay put. Especially as you get further along in your book. You will have to use both hands, one to pick up the weight and the other to slide the page under
- Elastic Band:
- Pros: holds pages back well
- Cons: can be hard to find a band that is large enough. You will have to use both hands, one to hold the band and the other to slide the page under
- Book Folding Stand:
- Pros: holds pages back well. Quick and easy to slide the pages under the rod with one hand
- Cons: they can be costly
Finding Your Book
What to Look For
You will need a hardcover book that is at least 21 cm in height. It’s essential that the book has a hard cover as a paperback book won’t have the strength to hold up your design. Make sure the book’s spine is securely attached as it may cause the pages to fall out or your image to be distorted. When looking at your book pages, make sure they are all flush and even together. Flip through the pages of the book to make sure there are no pictures or graphics that may cause inconsistencies in the look of your folded book. It’s best to choose a book that has only text and no other design elements (such as a banner for the first page in each chapter). The length of your book will depend on the pattern you are using. Each pattern will tell you how many pages the book needs to be.
- Spine: Open your book, holding it by both sides of the cover, and look at the spine. The pages should all be attached to the binding. Hold your book towards you as if you were reading. There shouldn’t be any drooping of the pages.
- Flush, Even Pages: Close your book, look at the edge of the pages. They should be mostly even and smooth when you run your finger over them. It’s okay if they are a little bumpy, but the smoother the better.
- Text Only: Flip through your book to make sure that it is mostly text only. Any image or design element (such as a banner for the first page in each chapter) will create inconsistencies in your folded book.
What to Avoid
You will need a 30 cm (12 inch) ruler. I use a T-ruler that has a guide on top making the marks more accurate. However, any ruler will do the trick.
- Bad Spine: 30 cm (12 inch)
- Uneven Pages: T-ruler
- Pictures:
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