Bookbinding

1. Decide the size of your book. This is done by taking the paper or parchment and folding it once (called folio, usually 38 cm high or more); twice (quarto, c. 23 cm) or thrice (octavo, c. 13-18 cm). From this, you will cut the bifolio (double leaf, folded in half), which will in a quire or section, consisting of 2-6 of these bifolio.
2. Decide whether you want to write the book first, then bind it, or to bind it and then fill the book. Both practises were used in the Medieval period. Be aware of the repercussions regarding lay-out.
3. Cut the bifolio, place them together and, using linen thread, stitch through the folds, creating the quire. Do this for each quire until you feel you have enough pages for your book. Place the quires together and place the cords or thongs at right angles on the backs of them. Stitch the quires to the thongs using a kettle stitch, binding them together. Use a press while stitching (see links below). Shave the edges with a sharp, wide blade;
4. This block book could be sold as-is to be read or filled with writing, but was usually bound in a hard cover consisting of wooden boards covered in (embossed) leather. Drill and/or gouge holes in the wooden boards to accommodate the cords to which the quires are sewn. Glue these cords into the wooden boards. Cover the boards and spine with leather, glue it on and emboss as required. Optionally, glue a piece of parchment (preferably cut from an older book as per Medieval practises) to protect the first page.
5. The cover can further de decorated with metalwork or precious stones, closings being particularly popular (to keep the book closed when not in use, protecting the pages).