Rebind your favorite romantasy A beginner's bookbinding course

Before your first cut

Where beginners actually get stuck

You might feel stuck before you've even started: on the shopping list, the measuring or finding someone to ask. This course is built around those three worries.

• “I'm nervous about measuring.”

  You don't have to feel confident with a ruler to begin. The course keeps measuring to a minimum, with options like tracing your text block. If you prefer exact measurements, you'll find those instructions too.

• “It looks like a lot of stuff to buy.”

  You don't need a whole studio of tools to make your first rebind. You can choose from three supply lists, from about $23 to about $92, not counting your book. Many items have swaps you may already own, so you can choose what works for your budget.

• “I don't have anyone to ask.”

  You deserve explanations that make sense when you're new. Every phase ends with answers to common beginner questions, and Avrial hosts occasional live support calls for students. You can also ask questions in the community during your two-month Basic trial, or any time while you're a member.

Finished binds

Special editions, made by hand

A few finished rebinds to spark ideas. Yours will look like no one else's.

Inside the course

Four phases, one finished book

You'll begin with the tools, supplies and terms you'll use, then work through your rebind in four phases. Each phase ends with answers to common beginner questions.

1. I

   Phase 1

   Making the Case

   You'll remove your book's old cover and build the hard case that will become its new home.

   • Removing a hardcover or paperback cover safely
   • Finding the grain of your board
   • Measuring or tracing your text block
   • Cutting board cleanly and safely
   • Assembling a Bradel binding
2. II

   Phase 2

   Covering the Case

   You'll wrap your case in your chosen material and learn how to finish the corners and turn-ins.

   • Choosing book cloth, pleather or homemade book cloth
   • Covering your boards
   • Securing your turn-ins
   • Tucking corners on any size of board
3. III

   Phase 3

   Preparing the Text Block

   You'll prepare your pages for their new case, with optional finishing touches to make them yours.

   • Sanding the spine
   • Tipping in endpapers
   • Optional painted edges and a ribbon bookmark
   • Adding headbands and mull
4. IV

   Phase 4

   Casing In and Decorating

   You'll decorate your cover, fit your book into its case and press your finished rebind.

   • Decorating with foils and heat transfer vinyl
   • Fitting your book to its case
   • Casing in, one side at a time
   • Pressing your finished book

You can watch the video lessons and follow the written instructions on demand, whenever you're ready.

Use what you have

Three ways to gather your supplies

You can start small and upgrade later. Choose the supply list that fits your budget, with swaps for things you may already have.

• Bare bones

  About $23 to $35

  You'll keep your setup simple, with basic supplies and everyday swaps.

  • Chipboard saved from an old binder
  • Book cloth, or adhesive wallpaper as a cheaper swap
  • Endpapers
  • Glue and a makeup brush to spread it
  • A ruler and a box cutter

• Intermediate

  About $46 to $59

  You'll add a few tools for easier handling and a way to decorate your cover.

  • Everything in Bare bones
  • A cork-backed ruler that slips less
  • A silicone glue brush
  • Iron-on patches to decorate

• Investment

  About $92

  You'll add decorative materials and finishing touches to your setup.

  • Everything in Intermediate
  • Decorative endpapers
  • Endbands and spine support
  • Foil iron-on designs

Optional extras for your workspace

• T-spacers and corner cutters
• Bone folder
• Cutting mat

These are approximate US prices, not counting your book. You'll find the full supply lists and swaps inside the course.

Make alongside your people

Find your people in the Forge

Share your binds, ask questions and celebrate small victories with fellow makers and readers. A one-time purchase includes a two-month Basic community trial, and Premium includes the full community while your membership is active.

• The Whimsy Book Club

  Read alongside the community, then come together for a live trivia call.

• Tutorials and courses

  With Premium, explore fantasy journals, potion bottles, dragon armor and the Fantasy Gown Course.

• Daily check-ins

  Share what you made today, big or small, and cheer on other makers.

• Member events

  Join live gatherings, from craft sessions to book club calls.