Project Box: Stab Binding Basics

Our Stab Binding Basics project box contains all the materials and specialized tools you'll need to make two gorgeous hand-bound books—with a traditional Japanese bookbinding style that's quick and easy to learn.

Written and illustrated here at St. Louis Art Supply, the Stab Binding Basics instructions come in two parts: a printed cheat sheet with full-color illustrations, which will arrive with your box, and a PDF with some helpful tips and photographs. You can download both parts of the kit instructions for free right here.

What's Inside the Box?

Each Stab Binding Basics kit includes tools and materials for two full books.

You get: our full-color, single-page guide to stab binding; a tapered bookbinding awl; a set of bookbinding needles; two spools of waxed linen thread (10 m / 11 yd per spool); 40 sheets of soft, high-quality, white, A5-sized drawing paper made from hemp fiber; 4 sheets of washi paper in random colors/textures for front and back covers; assorted washi paper for optional endpapers and decoration.

Please note that our photos are representative of the kit contents, but each kit is unique. Paper colors, textures, and sizes will vary. Thread colors are selected randomly. Specific brands of tools may vary.

What Else Do I Need?

You'll need some way to cut and measure paper (a hobby knife and a straightedge, plus a cutting mat to protect your table, is our preferred cutting setup.) Everything else is included in the kit.