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1-Cut two covers to the same size as the score pages, since this binding is unsupported. (The pages will need to rest on the shelf along with the cover boards.) If score will be housed in a pocket of pamphlet binder or a folder (recommended), use card-weight paper; otherwise, use pamphlet board.
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2-Use archival clear book tape to strengthen the gutter edge were the binding will attach (left or right margin) of the pages (but do not tape the two covers). Cut tape slightly larger than page length and place half over the front, press it down, flip the page over, smooth out bubbles & ripples with a bone folder, then trim off the excess tape on each side.
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3-Select Measure & select where to pierce the holes: no more than 1 inch from the spine edge or top/bottom, but no less than 1/8 inch,: check each page to make sure that no holes will be obscuring or taking out any musical notes, clefs, staffs, keys, and miscellaneous music symbols.
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4-Mark the three holes on the cover, spaced evenly along the gutter inside margin (1 inch to 1/8th inch), and punch with an awl or small hole punch. Use that page as a template to punch the remaining pages (about 1 to 3 at a time depending on tool). Each hole is counted as considered one station.
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5-Estimate how much thread will be needed for each hole (station): I’ve been measuring out 1 inch per page in the score (and count both covers too). You will need to measure out three threads; one for each needle.
Wax the threads, and thread your three curved needles. Straight needles can be used, but they make this binding a little harder.
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6-Set Get set up for binding: best done at the edge of a table or desk, with remaining all pages nearby stacked in order.
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8-Then, take the needle thru the cover, this time from below the cover to the inside, and exit to the left of the first threads. There should be two loops visible on the outside of the cover. repeat for remaining holes.
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9. First page: set the next page on top of the cover,
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c-From the top, push the needle between the first page and cover, catching the loops, and exiting to the left of the threads: this is the locking stitch.Gently tighten the thread, then repeat step 9.a-c for the next two stations.
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b-Then do the locking stitch, between the 2nd page, and the 1st page, inserting the needle from right to left, catching the loops, and gently tighten the threads. Repeat for the next two stations, remembering to go between the first page and cover for the locking stitch, right to left.
11-Continue as above, laying setting the 3rd page on top, (a)-inserting the needle through the hole from the top, while exiting between the 3rd and 2nd pages. But then, for (b)-for the locking stitch, go two pages down (which puts the needle between the second page and first page this time), exiting to the left as usual. Remember to gently tighten the threads. Repeat for the next two stations to finish the 3rd page.
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12. Continue the third page pattern for the rest of the score, putting each page on top; (a)-inserting the needle thru each hole from the top to bottom of page, and exiting between the current and previous page; then doing the (b)-the locking stitch, two pages down, right to left; and tightening each thread between each stitch.
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You should start seeing a chain pattern forming at each station.
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13.-When you reach the back cover:
a-Go Go thru the top of the back cover, exiting between the cover and last page, as usual; go down two pages to do the locking stitch exiting to the left; but then: put the needle thru the hole from the top of the cover to the inside of cover and last page (and stay inside).
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b-Open the cover and pull the thread tight (gently).
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c-Then tie a knot close to the station hole in the cover, and tie one to two more knots to completely secure it, and tighten all the knots(gently). Do the same for the next two stations, then trim the ends.
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14-To increase longevity, I glue cloth binding tape over the spine to protect the spine stitches during shelving and patron use.
a. Measure the thickness of the spine without compressing it.
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c-Put wax paper under the score. Spread PVA glue on one side of the tape (but not the marked spine part); : try not to get glue in the center). Insert another piece of wax paper between the cover and the first page, then press down tape on the front with the score closed, then and once the glue is slightly set, turn the score over and spread glue on the other side of the tape, then insert wax paper between the cover & last page, and press down the tape to the back cover. The station threads may form slight swellings.
d-With the score still closed, press it under a book or two, until the binding glue has set permanently.
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15. FinallyOptionally: Measure out a strip of archival clear book tape and press over the threads on the inside front cover and inside back cover to protect the knots and the starting and finishing threads.
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Done! …And ready to be cataloged & labeled.
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Main sources for this workflow:
Smith’s sewing single sheets / Keith A. Smith. Non-adhesive binding, volume 4. Keith A. Smith Books, 2001.
DIY single sheet bookbinding tutorial / Sea Lemon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04vt8YfT7XM
Single Sheet DIY Sketchbooks - Three Methods - My Thoughts and Process / Arlee Bean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFb8k9y0C2E
Lots of (so much!) practice.