beginner · 15 min
What you need to start book-binding
The tools and materials list for your first book — with quantities, specifications, and INR prices so you can shop once.
You can bind your first book with five items that together cost under INR 1,400. This tutorial is a shopping walkthrough — what to buy, what gsm or ply to pick, and what to skip in your first month.
Materials checklist
| Item | Specification | Quantity | Price (INR) | |---|---|---|---| | Recycled paper | 120gsm, A4 | 24 sheets | 140 | | Waxed linen thread | 18/3, natural | 5m | 50 | | Bookbinding needle | Size 18 | 2 | 60 | | Chipboard | 2mm, A5 | 2 pieces | 50 | | PVA glue | Neutral pH | 100ml | 160 | | Optional: bone folder | Bovine or plastic | 1 | 180 | | Optional: awl | Any handle | 1 | 220 |
Core total: INR 460. With the two optional tools: INR 860.
Steps
- Pick the paper first. 120gsm is the safe default; ask your local art shop for recycled mixed-media.
- Source the thread. 18/3 waxed linen is the standard; avoid cotton and polyester.
- Get the needles. Size 18 blunt needles have a large enough eye for waxed linen and a tip that will not split paper.
- Cut or buy chipboard. 2mm is rigid enough for a cover and still trimmable with a sharp knife.
- Buy PVA, not white glue. Fevicol SR 998 or Mowicoll; both are neutral-pH.
What to watch for
- If the shop only stocks 70–80gsm, walk away. It will ghost under any pen.
- Some "waxed linen" at craft shops is actually waxed cotton. It fuzzes; hold it to light and look for long parallel fibres if you are unsure.
- Chipboard from cereal boxes is too thin (under 1mm) and warps. Use 2mm binder's board.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to start book-binding?
Under INR 500 for the minimum kit — paper, thread, needles, chipboard, and PVA. With a bone folder and awl added, INR 860.
Do I need a book press?
No. A stack of textbooks with a 5kg weight on top works identically for the first year of binding.
Can I substitute embroidery thread for linen?
For one practice book, yes. After that, invest in 18/3 waxed linen — embroidery floss fuzzes and loses tension within weeks.
Where in India can I buy bookbinding supplies?
Our supplies shop ships nationally. SP Road in Bengaluru and Fort in Mumbai also have dedicated stationery wholesalers. See the beginner shopping list for a full map.
More to try next: folding a paper signature, make a simple pamphlet binding, or the Coptic Journal Starter Kit.
next step
The kit for this tutorial
Skip the sourcing — see the coptic journal starter kit with everything pre-cut to size.
