Creating a Hard Cover - For Binding a Book

Creating a Hard Cover:

After my first attempt, I thought out my approach to creating my cover. I'm actually really pleased with the results. :D

As I wrote earlier, I was unhappy with my first attempt, as I used an Amazon delivery box I had laying around. I cut them myself, so they didn't perfectly match. The other issue was that the cardboard was bendable, making it flimsy and not as clean as I wanted (see picture below).

This time, I stepped it up and actually bought materials. I did some Amazon searching and found these Chipboards on Amazon:

I was super pleased when they arrived (after realizing I bought a 12ct and not 100ct). One side is white and the other the color of cardboard. These were perfect. They matched the size I wanted to the exact and were the perfect width. They are nice and strong, you can knock on one without a budge. 

Minor Hiccup (The Spine):
In all my excitement I didn't consider one thing- the spine! Now the reason I was so into the chipboard was because they are precut; no muss, no fuss. Well, now I needed another solution.

My Solution:
Well this was easy to resolve- well easy-ish. I decided to use one of the chipboards with a dented corner, and cut a spine from it.

Using my trusty ruler board, I marked a 1 inch space going longways. This was a guide to keep me on track.

However, I kept the ruler board in place and cut along it's edge. I used a blade- what blade you ask? Check out this package opener/blade that my favorite cousin Krysten bought for me! The blade is retractable- makes it harder to cut yourself. WIN! It took quite a few passes with the blade for it to cut, but it did the trick. It was surprisingly even too!

When complete, you should be able to lay out your cut pieces with about .25 inch between each side of the spine and the covers (pictured below).

Putting the Cover Together:

What I did this time, that worked pretty well:

• Set up your cover board as below. You should have you front cover and back covered seperated by the book spine and .25 inches on each side of the spine (see above).

• Last time I applied all the board, then cut around it and folded the excess over to this inside. This time I tried another technique:

• Measure out your vinyl so there is equal amounts of extra vinyl on each side. For example, it you have 3 inches of extra vinyl on one side, so should the other. Cut your desired size that will cover and wrap the cover board. If you use the Cricut Brand vinyl, this becomes very easy because there is a grid on the backing. So I just used the grid as guide to where to place the boards. 

• This time I decided to cut out the corners while the backing was still on, instead of after applying the vinyl to the board. First off, it is easier to cut the vinyl while it is still on the backing. Second, it makes it easier to figure out where to place the board. If you cut exactly to the corner, then when you place the boards, you will have exact points to put your board. Here is a diagram as to where to cut:

• And when cut, it should look something like:

• The next thing I did was to check this against my board. 

• When it matches, peel just the first part where your first board will be. 

• Simply apply the vinyl to the board evenly and apply pressure to get rid of the bubbles and creases.

• Next thing I did was- I cut the excess backing that I was no longer using.

• Once your vinyl is smooth on the front side, fold over your long edge. 

• Then fold over your top and bottom.

• Now peel back the backing for the spine.

• Fold over the edges on the top and the bottom. 

• You may notice that there are two spaces of vinyl that our not covered. I used long strips of the same vinyl to cover these spots.

• The last board goes on the same way.

• I then took extra vinyl pieces and reinforced the spaces between the spine and the covers. 

When done:

To Compare:

To continue on and attach your hard cover to your bound pages, Click Here.