Bookbinding Tools

“Wouldn’t it be useful if we had a list of bookbinding tools and materials that we can refer our students to?”

That’s the question one of our instructor posted.

So here it is!

Table of content

How to use this list?

We wanted to curate a go-to list of bookbinding tools and materials used in bookbinding projects, that our students would find useful.

The idea is to build a repository that provides the hobbyist bookbinders (especially the new and curious ones) a one stop guide to all the tools and materials you’d need to get started.

This guide is meant to be an ‘all-in-one’ comprehensive resource that’ll also answer any questions you might have regarding the tools you’re looking to buy. You may not need all the tools and materials listed in here. We’ve discussed and answered some frequently asked questions about various tools and materials, you can click on the item to learn more.

If you have questions that we’ve not covered previously, do let us know 🙂

List of Bookbinding Tools and Materials

Bookbinding Tools

  • Awl
  • Bone Scorer vs Ruler
  • Penknife (30 degree angled blades recommended)
  • Sponge Brush
  • Needles
  • Pencil + Eraser
  • A pair of scissors
  • Cutting Mat (A3 recommended)
  • Metal Ruler
  • Large (plastic) clips

Bookbinding Materials

  • Ribbons / Linen Tape
  • Craft Glue
  • A4 Paper (For book signatures)
  • Decorative Paper (For book cover)
  • Art board (for hard covered books)
  • Nylon Thread
  • Bee’s Wax (to wax thread) / Candle
  • Scotch Tape
  • String / Cotton Twine

Recommended Bookbinding Tools and Materials

Here’s a list of materials and tools that you would require during your Bookbinding process.

P.S. these links are affiliate links, we may get a small tip if you purchase from the vendor. However, clicking on the links does not affect the price you pay.

  1. Bone Scorer (aka Bone Folder)
  2. Awl
  3. Ribbons / Linen Tape
  4. Craft Glue
  5. A4 Paper (For book signatures)
  6. Decorative Paper (For book cover)
  7. Art board (for hard covered books)
  8. Sponge Brush
  9. Needles
  10. Nylon Thread
  11. Bee’s Wax (to wax thread) / Candle
  12. Pencil + Eraser
  13. Scotch Tape
  14. Penknife
  15. A pair of scissors
  16. Cutting Mat
  17. Metal Ruler
  18. Large (plastic) clips
  19. String / Cotton Twine

Do note that this list is based on a hardcover book project. Most bookbinding materials and tools have been included.

Many of these bookbinding tools and materials can be found at your nearest Art Friend, Popular bookstore or major Art Supply Stores in Singapore.

If its too much to head down to an art supply store, we’ve also curated Bookbinding kits for the budding bookbinder. (ships within singapore only)