1. Soft Case Binding Materials: Book block, 4” wide Book-cloth, double-folded heavy weight paper for front and back cover. Paula Beardell Krieg

2. Make book block. I use eight folded papers, plus one more folded paper that is cut a bit larger, and a paper hinge piece, all sewn together with a pamphlet stitch

3. You’ll need a template, that is ¾” wide and about the height of the book block. Mark the middle of the template, and also mark the middle of the bookcloth spine piece, which is 4” wide.

4. Here’s the gluing side of the spine piece, with the middle marked, top and bottom.

5. Glue with a PVA / paste mix. Make sure to glue out from center. When you’re done remove the glued up scrap paper and discard, so you have clean surface for the next steps.

6. Lay down the template, centered in the middle of the spine piece. This piece will eventually be removed, but for now, leave it there in the middle

7. Lay down the edge of the cover onto the spine piece as shown. Notice that the cover is a folded piece of heavyweight paper.

8. Lay down the back cover, as shown. Be mindful of lining up the covers to match the placement of each other.

9. Remove the template

10. Fold in the top and bottom overhangs.

11. Lay the edge of the book block in the center of the case. Fold over the hinge piece, apply glue. I used a glue stick for this part. Be sure to use scrap paper to protect the book from the glue.

12. Remove the scrap paper that was protecting the book, then CLOSE the unfolded cover down over the spine piece.

13. Press down well. If you used a decorative paper for the hinge piece there will be a surprise when you open the book

14. Ta-dah! Now glue down the hinge piece in the back of the book.

15. Same steps, lay down the hinge piece…

16. …glue it out, using scrap paper again to protect the book.

17. Get rid of the scrap paper, and close the cover with the paper unfolded.

18. Press down.

19. Open up and admire your work.

20. Fold the up the covers. I don’t glue these covers shut. I like being able to open them up again.

21. Looking good. One more detail to go

22. Find the edge of the paper beneath the spine piece.

23. Run the bone folder over the edge.

24. This creates a good looking ridge at the edge of the book.

25. Decorate Put the book under pressure for a few hours..