The single-section or pamphlet is a simple structure that opens and closes in a familiar way: pages rotate around a central fold or spine.
To make this simple structure, pages are folded and gathered into a “section”, then stitched through the spine fold. The pages open flat and you can see the whole page.
For this project we are going to make a 16-page section. This is a standard size of section in book production.
For this project, you will need: Pricking cradle, hole-making tool, needle and thread, bone folder, four sheets of paper and a sheet of thin card, same size as the paper. These should all be in your workspace.
Video : single-section sewing
So, now that the pages have been sewn together, the next task is to cut the edges to tidy them up. We cut the pages whilst the book is closed and we should aim to cut off about 3-5mm on the edges. (So when you are setting up your files for printing you should include a 3-5mm bleed on the outer edges.)
For now, you are just going to cut the fore edge (edge opposite the spine), and you are going to use a piece of equipment in the workshop called a ream cutter.
March 2021 Update
We have upgraded the cutter in the workshop and whilst it is fundamentally the same there are a couple of differences to be aware of:
Please watch this training video and then have a go yourself. The technician will be close by to help you if you need it.
Please use hand sanitiser before using this equipment.
video: ream cutter
You will need to sign your induction record to say that you have been inducted on this equipment.
