
Today I'm going to show how to make an easy single-section book using just a few materials and no glue. I first featured this DIY tutorial in my book The Encyclopedia of Papermaking and Bookbinding and it forms the basis for many other book structures that use multiple sections. I hope to show some of other other structures another time.
With this project today, follow these easy directions to make a book that looks like this:

Here's what you'll need:
Supplies
- 1 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of decorative paper
- 4 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of copy paper
- an embroidery needle
- a metal awl (optional)
- embroidery thread
- scissors
- paper cutter
Let's get started!

Step 1 - To begin, trim the copy paper in half to measure 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. I'm using a Fiskars trimmer but you can also use a cutting mat and X-Acto knife.

Step 2 - Using a smooth pen or a bone folder, fold the copy papers in half, so that the booklet measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches.

Step 3 - Smooth it out with good pressure to get a nice, sharp crease.

Step 4 - The fore edge of the book will be uneven, so trim the edges using your paper cutter.

Step 5 - Using a sheet of decorative paper, trim and fold a piece to match the inner pages. I used cream Making Memories 12x12 scrapbooking paper.

Step 6 - Using an embroidery needle or metal awl, pierce two holes equidistant from the head and tail of the book. We'll be sewing through these holes to bind the book.

Step 7 - Select a piece of embroidery thread, around 20 inches and thread the needle. Start with the top or bottom hole and pull the needle from the outside spine into the center of the book.

Step 8 - Pull the needle and thread through the second hole, exiting the book and leaving two strands of embroidery thread. Tie a bow or knot to complete the binding.

And there you have it! A single section book that's easy and fun to make. By varying the size, cover materials and binding thread you can create many different looks.
Next week, I'll be posting another DIY Tutorial on using paints to create a madras plaid watercolor cover on the book that we bound this week. I hope you have fun with this project!

(linked to 30HandmadeDays)