Your First Book Fold: A Complete Guide

Step 1: Choosing Your Book

Not all books are created equal for folding. For your first project, look for a hardback book with:

• At least 600 numbered pages (300 sheets). Generally, the more pages you have, the better the final effect will be.
• A glued spine (not stitched) which allows pages to lay flatter.
• Good quality, opaque paper that won't tear easily.

Step 2: Understanding Paper Grain

The direction of the paper grain affects how the fold sits. Most modern books have grain running parallel to the spine, which is ideal for crisp folds.

Step 3: Marking the Pages

Using your Foldbook Studio pattern, start at the specified page. Every page in your pattern will have two measurements: a top mark and a bottom mark. For pages that fall outside the pattern, you can fold them to any depth you prefer, provided you maintain consistency throughout the book for a uniform look.

Step 4: The 45-Degree Fold

The most common technique is the "Measure and Fold" method. You simply fold the corners of the page to meet your marks, creating a sharp 45-degree angle. If you encounter interference between pages, adjusting the fold to a slightly different angle can often yield a smoother finish without compromising the design.