Hand-bound long stitch journal

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Fold the pages

   Fold each sheet in half to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 in and crease with the bone folder. Nest 8 sheets together to make each of 5 signatures.

2. 

   2

   Make a hole guide

   Mark 6 holes on a strip of paper the height of the fold, evenly spaced, the outer ones 1/2 in from the ends.

3. 

   3

   Punch the signatures

   Open each signature in the cradle. Line up the guide in the fold and push the awl through at each mark.

4. 

   4

   Mark the spine

   Stack the signatures and wrap the cover around them. Mark 5 columns across the spine, one per signature, then punch 6 holes in each column.

5. 

   5

   Sew the first signature

   From inside the first signature, sew in and out through its holes and the matching cover holes. Leave a 3 in tail.

6. 

   6

   Add the next signatures

   At the end, pass into the next signature's end hole and sew back the other way. Loop under the stitch of the last signature at each end. That's a kettle stitch.

7. 

   7

   Tie off

   After the last signature, tie the thread to the starting tail with a double knot inside. Trim it.

8. 

   8

   Press it

   Close the book and set it under a stack of heavy books overnight. It'll open flat and stay neat.