Book Binding Supplies

The collection covers the everyday tools and materials used throughout the bookbinding process. 

What Supplies Do You Need for Book binding? 

In book binding, several tools and materials are used and each one is suited to a particular part of the process. Common bookbinding supplies are binding thread, needles, bookbinder’s knives, awls, bone folders, book presses, tapes, and mending materials. The supplies you need will vary with the work at hand, such as sewing  book sections, folding paper, pressing a book, trimming materials, or repairing an older volume. 

What Bone Folder Material Should I Choose? 

At Carr McLean, bone folders are available in materials such as genuine bone, plastic, and Teflon. Genuine bone is smooth and durable, plastic is lightweight, and Teflon bone folders have a non-stick surface and are available for bookbinding and paper-handling work. Choose the material that is compatible with the material you’re working with and the type of folding or creasing you need to do. 

What Makes Binding Thread Different From Regular Sewing Thread?

Binding thread is used to sew book sections together. Many people ask what makes it different from regular sewing thread. It’s the thickness, robustness, and its ability to withstand the stress of holding book sections together through constant handling and shelf movement. Binding thread also comes in different materials, weights, and finishes, so check the specifications to find a thread suited to your project.

You’ll also come across waxed and unwaxed binding threads. Waxed thread has a smoother surface and you can handle it easily during sewing. Unwaxed thread is used for certain binding and conservation methods.

How Do I Choose the Right Bookbinding Supplies?

Think about the type of bookbinding work you’re doing, then look at the specific tools and materials you need for your task. Bookbinding supplies vary in size, material, and the way they’re constructed. Size, material, shape, and other specifications can affect how a tool works during bookbinding. 

Sewing and Binding

To stitch book sections and work on bindings, you’ll need binding thread, bookbinder’s needles, and awls. These tools work together to prepare and sew sections. Check the thread specifications and needle types for the binding method you’re using. Awl sizes matter also; choose one based on the thickness of the materials you’re stitching through.

Folding and Creasing

To fold pages and create creases, use a bone folder. A bone folder provides a firm, smooth edge for making clean folds and creases. Carr McLean offers bone folders in different materials and styles, including genuine bone, plastic, and Teflon. The material and shape of a bone folder affect how it handles paper during folding, creasing, and other bookbinding work.

Pressing and Finishing

For setting the book properly, tools such as book presses, bookbinder’s knives, and spatulas come in handy. They keep materials in place and add finishing touches. But before you choose, check the dimensions and construction. Your book press should match your book's size, and hand tools should feel balanced in your grip. 

Thread Preparation

Before sewing, apply beeswax to the binding thread. It conditions the thread and makes it easier to handle during sewing. Check the thread specifications, including weight and material, to match your binding method and needle. 

Repair and Mending Work

To fix books with torn pages, worn spines, or loose covers, stock up on mending materials, book jacket cover tape, archival adhesives, and repair tape. These products work well for one-off repairs or regular collection maintenance. 

Removing Adhesives and Labels

For removing old labels, tape, or adhesive residue, we offer tools and adhesive-removal products. 

Why Carr McLean for Bookbinding Supplies in Canada?

We specialize in archival-quality and institutional-grade supplies across Toronto, Canada. Many Libraries, archives, and conservation departments across Canada choose our products because we understand how durability and material quality matter in regular book repair and maintenance. Our broad range of supplies includes the tools and materials needed for bookbinding, repair, mending, and other book care work.

Our knowledgeable staff is also here to provide assistance. When you have questions about thread specifications, tape compatibility, or which tools work best for your project, you can speak with someone familiar with our bookbinding and archival product range.

We’ve built our inventory around what institutions and professionals rely on. Over 50 years, we’ve worked with libraries and archives across Canada. That history means we stock what actually works for your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Carr McLean’s bookbinding supplies acid-free and safe for long-term collection storage?

Yes. Our archival-quality supplies are acid-free and tested for preservation standards. They won't degrade or damage the books you're working on over decades.

2. What's the difference between binding thread and regular sewing thread?

Binding thread is thicker and stronger than regular thread. It's designed to hold book sections together through repeated handling. Regular sewing thread will break under the stress of binding work.

3. How much binding thread do I need for a project?

Thread length depends on the number of sections you're sewing and the sewing method. Measure your spine length, multiply by the number of sections, and add extra for knots and anchoring.

4. Do you sell supplies for book repair as well as binding?

Yes. You’ll find tools and materials for both bookbinding and repair, including thread, needles, awls, bone folders, presses, tapes, mending materials, and other hand tools.