How to Start a Small Bookbinding Business – My Personal Advice

Starting a small bookbinding business has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. There’s something incredibly special about taking raw materials—paper, thread, and fabric—and turning them into beautiful, functional books that people will treasure. If you’ve been thinking about turning your passion for bookbinding into a business, I want to share my personal experience and advice to help you get started.

---

1. Find Your Niche & Passion

Bookbinding is such a vast and beautiful craft that it helps to focus on what you truly love making. When I first started, I experimented with different styles—Coptic stitch, case binding, long-stitch journals—until I found what really resonated with me. Ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy making handmade journals for writers and artists?
• Are you passionate about restoring and rebinding old books?
• Would you love to create personalized or themed books for special occasions?
• How much time are you willing to spend on one book?
• Do you have any other talents that you can combine to make a unique theme

Your niche doesn’t have to be set in stone, but choosing an area you’re truly passionate about will make your business more sustainable and enjoyable in the long run.

---

2. Invest in the Right Tools & Find Household Alternatives

One thing I learned early on is that good tools make a big difference in quality and efficiency. But if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to spend a lot of money—there are plenty of alternatives you can find at home! Don't make that an excuse for not starting to lean.

✅ A sharp awl → Alternative: Use a thick sewing needle, pushpin, or a thin nail with a cork handle.
✅ Waxed thread & strong needles → Alternative: Regular sewing thread can work if you coat it with beeswax (or even a candle).
✅ A bone folder → Alternative: Use the back of a spoon, a butter knife (without a serrated edge), or a plastic gift card for creasing pages.
✅ Archival-quality paper → Alternative: Start with thick printer paper, watercolor paper, or even upcycled pages from old sketchbooks.
✅ A proper bookbinding press or clamps → Alternative: Stack heavy books on top of your bound journal or use two cutting boards with rubber bands to press your book overnight.

When I first started, I used whatever I had at home, and it worked just fine! As your business grows, you can slowly upgrade your tools for better durability and precision.

---

3. Price Your Work Fairly

I know pricing can feel overwhelming, but I want to encourage you not to undervalue your work. Handmade bookbinding takes time, effort, and skill—your prices should reflect that.

A simple pricing formula that works for me is:

(Material Cost + Time Spent) × Profit Margin = Selling Price

For example, if I spend $5 on materials and 2 hours crafting a journal at $15/hour, my base price is $35. Adding a profit margin ensures I can keep my business sustainable.

One of my biggest mistakes early on was underpricing because I didn’t think people would pay more. But the right customers appreciate the artistry and time behind a handmade book. Charge what your work is truly worth!

---

4. Build an Online Presence & Sell Your Work

When I first started, I wasn’t sure where to sell my journals. I quickly realized that having an online presence is key. Here’s what I found helpful:

📌 Instagram & Pinterest – Sharing behind-the-scenes videos of bookbinding is a great way to attract customers. People love seeing the process!
📌 Etsy & My Own Website – Etsy is great for handmade goods, but having your own website (even a simple one) gives you more control.
📌 YouTube – If you love teaching, consider making bookbinding tutorials! I started my own YouTube channel, and it’s helped me connect with so many people who love this craft.

💻 Check out my work & shop here:
🔹 Website: www.kittykarmastudio.com
🔹 YouTube: Kitty Karma Studio
🔹 Instagram: @kitty_karma_usa

Don’t forget local opportunities too—craft fairs, bookstores, and art markets can be great places to sell your work and meet customers in person.

---

5. Stay Inspired & Keep Learning

The best part of running a bookbinding business is that there’s always something new to learn. When I started, I learned through YouTube tutorials and experimenting. Now, I continue to grow by:

📚 Trying new techniques – There are so many bookbinding methods to explore!
👥 Connecting with other bookbinders – Being part of a creative community is inspiring and motivating.
💡 Listening to customers – Their feedback helps me improve and come up with new ideas.

Some days will be tough, but if you truly love what you do, it’s all worth it.

---

Final Thoughts

Starting a bookbinding business takes time, patience, and a lot of love. But if this craft brings you joy, go for it! The world needs more beautifully handcrafted books. I hope my experience helps you take the next step, and if you ever need advice, feel free to reach out.

Happy bookbinding! 😊📖