You can bind a junk journal by hand with nothing more than a needle, some thread, and a few folded pages — no machine, no special equipment. Binding is just the way you hold your pages together, and there are simple sewn and no-sew methods that work for beginners. This guide covers the easiest ways to bind a junk journal by hand and when to use each.
What does "binding" mean in junk journaling?
Binding is how your pages and covers are joined into a book. In junk journaling, pages are usually grouped into "signatures" (small stacks of folded sheets) that are then sewn or attached to a cover. You don't need a machine — a basic stitch or even glue does the job. If you'd rather skip binding entirely, a ready-made collage book comes bound and ready to decorate. (New to the craft? See our beginner's guide to starting a junk journal.)
Easy ways to bind a junk journal by hand
- Pamphlet stitch (3-hole). The simplest sewn binding: fold a signature, make three holes along the fold, and sew through them in a figure-eight. Perfect for a single signature.
- 5-hole pamphlet stitch. The same idea with five holes for a sturdier hold on taller pages.
- Multi-signature saddle stitch. For a thicker journal, sew several signatures and connect them along the spine. A little more involved but still hand-sewn.
- No-sew binding. Skip the needle entirely: glue signatures to a fabric or paper spine, use binder rings through punched holes, or thread elastic around the fold. Fast and beginner-friendly.
What you need
- Paper for pages — folded into signatures. Printable Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs work well.
- A needle and thread — for sewn methods (waxed thread holds best).
- An awl or pushpin — to make holes along the fold.
- A cover — cardstock, a cereal box, or a repurposed book cover.
- Glue or rings — for no-sew methods.
Tips for hand-binding
- Use a bone folder (or the edge of a ruler) for crisp folds.
- Mark holes evenly with a pencil before piercing.
- Don't overfill a signature — 4 to 6 sheets folded together is easier to sew.
- Leave the spine a little loose so the journal opens flat.
Shop the supplies
- Ready-bound books — Printed Collage Books and Paper Ephemera Books
- Pages and papers — Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs
- Cut-out elements — Fussy Cuts
- All digital products — Digital Downloads
Frequently asked questions
Can you bind a junk journal without a machine? Yes. A simple pamphlet stitch with a needle and thread, or a no-sew method with glue or rings, binds a journal entirely by hand.
What is the easiest binding for beginners? The 3-hole pamphlet stitch, or a no-sew ring binding if you'd rather not sew.
What thread should I use to bind a junk journal? Waxed thread holds knots best, but any strong thread or embroidery floss works.
Do I have to bind my own journal? No. A ready-made collage book comes bound, so you can decorate straight away.
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