What makes a book?
There are many elements that go into creating a handmade book. Here you can learn about some of the main parts of the book making process.
Cover
There are different materials that you can use for this part of the book. The key in this is the thickness of the board for the size of the book/text block. The thicker the board the more durable and structured the cover will be. The hard cover books for sale are 2mm thick, which adds durability to the range of sizes available.
Spine
The spine can be both structural and a decorative element for a book. The spin's main purpose is to be the backbone holding the pages of the text block or individual signatures depending on binding method.
Exposed Spin: this is when the stitching can be on the exterior of the spin. This process involves sewing each individual signature separately. This method allows the book to open and lay flat.
Case Bound: this is when the spine is covered by the material wrapped around the covers.
Text Block
The text block refers to the total unit of pages in a book.
Folio: single sheet of paper, folded in half, creating two pages in a book
Signatures: bundles of the folios. The number of folios per signature depends on the book design, binding method and type of paper
Text Block: the complete set of signatures that are glued or sewn into the book casing.