Sew a stab binding
Sew a simple Japanese stab binding to make a small handmade notebook using paper, cardboard, needle, and thread with adult help.
Step-by-step guide to sew a Japanese stab binding
Stab Binding
Step 1
Cut several sheets of paper and two pieces of cardboard to the same size using scissors and a ruler.
Step 2
Stack the paper neatly between the two cardboard pieces so all edges line up.
Step 3
Secure the stack on the right side with clips or a strip of tape so the pages don't move.
Step 4
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a light guide line 1 cm from the left edge along the full height of the stack.
Step 5
Mark four evenly spaced dots on that guide line leaving about 1 cm from the top and bottom edges.
Step 6
With adult help, push the pushpin or awl through each dot to make holes through all layers.
Step 7
Cut a length of thread about four times the height of your book.
Step 8
Thread the needle and tie a small knot at the end of the thread.
Step 9
From the back of the book push the needle through the bottom hole up to the front and pull until the knot rests against the back cover.
Step 10
From the front push the needle up through the next hole to the back and pull the thread snug.
Step 11
From the back push the needle up through the next hole to the front and pull the thread snug.
Step 12
From the front push the needle up through the top hole to the back and pull the thread snug.
Step 13
Tie a secure knot on the back cover to finish the stitch.
Step 14
Trim the extra thread and share a photo or story about your finished Japanese stab-bound notebook on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have an awl or cardboard?
If you don't have an awl, use a large pushpin or thick knitting needle to make the holes in step "push the pushpin or awl through each dot," and substitute cereal-box cardboard or the back of a spiral notebook for the cardboard covers.
My holes tore or the pages moved while sewing—how do I fix that?
If holes tear or pages shift during the step of pushing the pushpin through the dots, re-secure the stack with stronger clips or a strip of tape on the right side and reinforce each hole with a small piece of tape before re-punching to prevent tearing.
How can I adapt this project for different ages?
For younger children have an adult complete the step to push the pushpin or awl through each dot and use thick yarn and a blunt plastic needle for the threading step, while older kids can add more holes along the 1 cm guide line and experiment with longer thread for decorative patterns.
How can we make the finished stab-bound notebook more special or useful?
Personalize the notebook by decorating the cardboard covers before stacking, use colored embroidery floss when you cut a length of thread, and add extra evenly spaced dots along the guide line to create decorative stitching patterns.
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Facts about bookbinding for kids
♻️ Cardboard from cereal boxes makes excellent upcycled covers — a simple, eco-friendly option for notebooks.
🪡 Stab binding stitches pass through the cover and pages to make strong, decorative patterns without glue!
📜 Stab-style bindings have been used across East Asia for centuries — they're part craft, part history.
📐 Unlike spiral notebooks, stab-bound books usually don't open flat, but they make sturdy, beautiful handmade books.
🧵 Waxed thread is a favorite for book sewing because it slides through paper easily and keeps stitches tight.
How do you sew a simple Japanese stab binding to make a small handmade notebook?
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