How To Make Your Own Custom Notebook / Simple Saddle Stitch
Have you ever thought about making your own notebook or booklets?
It’s easier than you might think. In this post, I show you a fun and simple way to bind a notebook or booklet using the saddle stitch method.
This method is perfect when a stapler or sewing machine just won’t cut it, especially if you’re working with thick or many pages.
Whether you’re looking to create your own planners, sketchbooks, or a simple notepad to throw in your bag, this project is quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
What You’ll Need To Make the Notebook:
Before we get started, let’s gather the supplies you’ll need:
- Paper: You can use text-weight paper, cardstock, or any paper of your choice for the inner pages. For the cover, go for something sturdier like oak tag or printed cardstock.
- Binding thread: I recommend embroidery floss because of the variety of colors available, or you can use hemp cording.
If you’re using embroidery floss, I suggest running it through a piece of beeswax to make it stronger. (Details in the video tutorial). - Needles: A yarn needle or tapestry needle will work perfectly.
- Awl: For punching the holes.
- Clips: Some big paper clips or binder clamps to hold your pages together while you sew.
- Cutting surface: A cutting mat or surface that won’t be damaged when you punch holes through the pages.
- Paper cutter or scissors: To trim your pages to the desired size.
- Ruler & Exacto knife: For measuring and cutting the edges neatly.
Notebook Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pages
Start by cutting your inner pages and cover to the size you want.
For this example, I’m making a small booklet perfect for taking notes or sketching and that I can throw in my purse.
2. Fold and Measure
Fold one of the inner pages in half to find the center.
You’ll use this page for the hole template.
Next, grab your ruler and mark where the binding holes will go.
Tip: Use an odd number of holes for the best results.
For instance, I’m using six stitches (seven holes) with the holes spaced about half an inch apart, but you can adjust the spacing depending on your booklet size.
3. Punch the Holes
Clip the pages and cover page together with some big paper clips or paper clamps.
Using the awl, punch through the marked holes.
Do this carefully to ensure your holes are aligned.
Flip the stack over and repeat the process from the other side to make sure the holes are clean.
4. Thread Your Needle
Take your embroidery floss (if using) and run it through some beeswax for added strength.
Then, thread it through your needle—there’s no need to tie a knot at the end.
5. Begin Stitching
Starting from the center hole, push the needle through, leaving a small tail on the inside.
Then, work your way out toward one end, stitching through each hole.
Once you reach the end, come back toward the center and then stitch toward the opposite end.
Finish by returning to the center.
With the needle on the outside, make a knot by slipping the needle under the stitch and threading it through the loop to create a knot.
Repeat that one more time.
Now stick the needle back through the center hole so the needle is now on the inside.
6. Secure the Thread
Gently pull the knot you just made to the inside. Tie another knot and cut the threads to about ½ inch.
Tuck the threads under the stitches.
7. Fold the Pages
Fold the booklet cover in half to get a sharp fold.
Then fold the cover and inner pages in half like a book.
8. Trim the Pages
Once you’ve bound your booklet, you’ll likely notice that the pages stick out slightly beyond the cover.
Use a ruler and Exacto knife to carefully trim the edges for a clean finish.
Take your time, making several passes with the knife until all the layers are cut.
If the page edges are rough, you can use a fine piece of sandpaper to smooth them out.
8. Optional: Round the Corners
For a polished look, use a corner punch to round off the edges of both the cover and the inner pages.
Booklet Final Touches:
Press your booklet under a heavy stack of books or place it in a flower press to flatten the spine.
This will help it close neatly and make it easier to flip through the pages.
And that’s it! You’ve just made your own hand-bound notebook.
Whether you plan to use it for notes, sketches, or as a personalized gift, this saddle-stitched booklet is both practical and fun to make.
BIND YOUR OWN PLANNER CALENDAR.
If you have any questions about this project, drop a comment below, or send me an email.
I’d love to hear from you!
Have fun sewing!
