Applying French fold binding

Many people who have come across illustrations of French fold binding have merely one thing to say. It adds dimension to the entire experience of a book. Mere text gets illustrated in a manner that is challenging to visualize, leave alone conceptualize.

At first glance, a French folded book will seem relatively simple in design. It will attract attention and make you wonder about its practicality.

However, when combined with the ideal graphic designing and printing techniques, the result is a visually enhanced image and intent.

The French fold binding technique gets employed by celebrated design firms and agencies because of its hidden potential. The binding creates an illusion of there being something more when, in reality, there is much less.

French fold bound books are a pleasure to browse through and an apt medium to garner plenty of attention. Nothing comes close to the degree of creative opportunities that French fold binding provides in contrast to the limits of mere text.

The procedure of French fold binding

A creatively compelling method to delve into, French fold binding is the most simple fold to apply to books. It does not require sewing of any kind, nor do you have to make a sticky mess by utilizing glue.

In a French fold book, the page gets folded in half, and consecutive pages get joined by sticking together the open sides. The closed side of the paper fold juts out instead of being towards the spine of the book.

A single page looks like it has two sides to it but, is in fact, a single page folded in half towards the inside.

A clear process of making a French fold binding book

Here is a brief procedure to make clear the process of French fold binding a book.

Step 1: Folding the sheet in half

Whichever paper you are utilizing as a material for your book or magazine, fold it in half lengthwise. Make careful folds and ensure not to crease the fold too firmly. Keep aside your set of folded pages.

Step 2: Gluing the papers together

The open sides of the paper are called the fore-edges. Begin by gluing them to each other. If you do not want to use glue, you can always use double-sided adhesive tape for convenience. One half-folded sheet gets joined on the open side or the fore-edge of the next half-folded sheet. The sheets should form a consistent looking accordion when placed in a standing position.

Step 3: Making the inner cover

Lay the sheets down and measure the length of the spine of the sheets. In this case, the height is actually the width of the original paper.

The inner cover will encompass the front and backside of the book so multiply the book-length by two. To the measured length, add the spine thickness and leave a few extra inches for good measure.

Step 4: Measuring the exact inner cover dimensions

You can diligently mark out the cover lengths and the spine length on the cut-out cover and trim off the extra material. Or else, simply place the book (glued sheets) onto one side of the cover, and make your folds accordingly. Ensure to glue it in place to keep it from moving when making the folds.

Hold down the accordion and make the fold close to the spine of the book. Then, glue/tape on the cover to the first sheet of the book.

Step 5: Trimming

It is possible to have ragged and uneven edges during the binding of the book. After the inner cover has been glued firmly to the book, trim out the edges giving it a neat finish.

Step 6: Slipping on the outer cover

The outer cover is a fancy and decorated front for your book. Utilize the same measurements of the inner cover to cut the outer cover. Apply glue/tape on the outer edges of the outer cover and place the book in line with the fringes. Place an appropriate weight over the book and allow it to dry.

French fold binding has been quietly revolutionizing and influencing for the print industry from within. The various printing techniques, when used in compatible degrees with the bookbinding technique, bring a whole new world of imagery to light.

There is no reason not to utilize French fold binding even in everyday musings. Give your personal projects a creative facelift with the French fold binding approach.