What's inside the bookbinding journal
- Goals
- Binding Project
- Materials Stash
- Tools & Supplies
- Techniques to Try
- Ideas & Sketches
- Cost & Pricing
- Finished Books
- Wish List
- Notes
See every page
All 14 pages of the US Letter version, exactly as they print. Tap a page to see it larger.
- 1. Cover
- 2. This Journal Belongs To
- 3. Contents
- 4. Goals
- 5. Binding Project
- 6. Materials Stash
- 7. Tools & Supplies
- 8. Techniques to Try
- 9. Ideas & Sketches
- 10. Cost & Pricing
- 11. Finished Books
- 12. Wish List
- 13. Notes
- 14. Thank you page
Who this bookbinding journal is for
This journal is for bookbinders making handmade notebooks, journals and sketchbooks, from simple pamphlet stitches to Coptic, long-stitch and case bindings. It suits beginners learning their first binding and experienced binders selling or gifting books. Recording materials, measurements and techniques means each book you make is better than the last. It also helps binders who teach workshops, since every material list and step is already written out for students. Clear measurements make it easy to repeat a popular size or style for gifts and markets.
How to use your bookbinding journal
Set goals. Plan each binding project with size, paper and stitch. Track materials such as paper, thread and book board. List tools, try new techniques, sketch cover ideas, price books and record finished books. Note grain direction, signature count and thread used for every book, and keep a small sample of each paper. Photograph finished books before giving them away, and record time spent so you can price commissions fairly.
Formats included
A4 PDF
For printing in most of the world (210 × 297 mm).
US Letter PDF
For printing in the US and Canada (8.5 × 11 in).
Digital PDF
Hyperlinked tabs for tablets and PDF annotation apps.
Ready to start?
Free downloadBookbinding Journal questions
Does it cover different binding styles?
Yes. Use the techniques page. Look for the "Binding Project" page in the 14-page bookbinding journal. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up.
Can I track paper and board?
Yes. Other pages in the 14-page bookbinding journal include "Goals", "Binding Project" and "Materials Stash", so related notes stay together. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.
Can I price handmade books?
Yes. Look for the "Finished Books" page in the 14-page bookbinding journal. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.
Is the Bookbinding Journal really free?
Yes, the Bookbinding Journal is completely free for personal use. Download the 14-page PDF without an account or email address, print it at home as often as you like and share the page link with friends. FolarraStudio is free to use. In the future, a few clearly labeled ads may help keep it free.
What size is the Bookbinding Journal?
The Bookbinding Journal comes in A4 (210 x 297 mm) and US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), plus a hyperlinked digital PDF for tablets. Choose the file that matches the paper in your printer and print at Actual size or 100%, so nothing is cut off. Both paper sizes have the same 14 pages.
