Giftwrap Book How-To
This is the first stitched book I learned how to make. Heavier, quality giftwrap paper is best, but you can use whatever you have. That’s something I like about this project – you can use scraps and what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute.
Supplies
- giftwrap paper – leftover scraps are fine, you just need 2 useable pieces about 9 x 11 1/2″ or a little bigger
- 8.5 x 11 blank office or printer type paper – 2 to 5 sheets (or substitute any other size, or scrap paper)
- yarn or string
Equipment
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil
- glue stick
- large eye hand needle
- awl (optional)
1. Cut 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper in half to make 8.5 x 5.5 sheets. Fold these in half (called “folio”) and then nested together into a “signature”.
2. Cut out two pieces of giftwrap paper, about 1/2 inch bigger all the way around than the signature paper. This will be about 9 or 9.5″ x 6″.
3. Glue wrong sides of giftwrap paper together, using glue stick. Glue all the way to the edges. It’s helpful to have scrap paper underneath so you don’t get glue on anything you don’t want to. Fold cover in half.
4. Nest the folded paper signature into the giftwrap cover.
5. Place face down on a folded up towel. Using an awl or thick needle, make 3 holes, one in the middle, and two about a three-quarters to an inch or so in from edges (make sure you catch the inner papers, as well).
6. Thread a 22 – 24″ length of yarn onto the needle. You will sew the book using a 3-hole pamphlet binding.
7. Beginning from the outside, thread the yarn into the middle hole and draw through until about a 6 inch tail remains.
8. Next, go through the top hole to the outside.
9. Then down into the bottom hole to the inside.
10. Finally, back through the middle hole again to the outside.
11. Tighten up the stitches until they are nice and snug.
12. Tie a knot or bow with the tails, over top of the long outside stitch of yarn.
And there you have it.
Inside of the book