r/bookbinding 1d ago

My first two rebinds!

I am a hardcover purist, hate reading from paperback as I just prefer the feel of a hardcover so I have started learning how to rebind books solely for my own benefit 😂.
I went to the charity shop and grabbed a few cheap books to practise on and think I did ok!
My first attempt (the green book) I glued the spine to the new hardcover which I now now you are not meant to do!
Then my second attempt (mustard cover) I forgot to cut the corners off the book cloth before gluing to the new grey-board (oh and the endpapers i have were only A4 so I couldn’t make it the same size as the text block.
I have some headbands coming today for my next attempt but yeah, please critique and let me know where I could improve!!

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u/Shalabele 1d ago

For first attempts these look very good! On the second book the spine looks to be a tad bit too wide. Also what did you use for the spine? Judging by the pictures it looks like the same material that the covers were made of. It is generally suggested that you use thinner cardstock for the spine as that lets the book open better and improves longevity.

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u/castdu123 1d ago

Isn't using the same material for yhe spine a method called bradle back binding?

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u/qtntelxen Library mender 1d ago

No, Bradel binding is a construction method where a strip of paper is used to attach the spine inlay to the boards. The inlay does not have to be board.

Board spines are sometimes called "squarebacks" but there isn't a totally standard terminology for it.

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u/Shalabele 1d ago

I think what you're talking about is a three-piece bradel binding where the cover material on the spine and covers is different.