DIY wedding vows book

abi58schwimmer · Apr 23, 2025

My childhood friend is getting married in June and I'd love to make her a handmade wedding vows book! It's special because we were really into paper arts and craft when we were in high school (and we used to fantasize about our love life lol)! That time it wasn't the serious stuff but I want to give this a try to celebrate her and give her something personal. I'll use vegetable-tanned leather for the cover to match their rustic motif! I've never done book binding or sewing so I figured anyone here might have some ideas or resources I can check? It has to look pretty (non-negotiable of course!) and also light but sturdy because they're using it during their ceremony! Help please?

DreamBoy · Apr 24, 2025

That is so sweet!! I used to make books for my wife when I was courting her and i'm very happy that she was able to keep most of it. Anyway, the paper would usually be folded and sewn all together at the seam in about 4-5 full sheets. Then stitched the holes for like 1/2 inches apart.

The others, I would sew the pages altogether then attach a thin leather to the outer part of the sewn pages, next I'd glue the leather lining to the inner part of the main cover and stitch around the edges for a clean finish.

allaroundguy · May 2, 2025

Oh, this is so thoughtful of you!

but to answer your question, you can try long stitch or pamphlet stitch bookbinding. both are pretty easy and can look great. you can check out YouTube for tutorials and look for starter kits online. Use nice, sturdy paper and strong thread. Best of luck!

YoungNaz · May 11, 2025

Too cute!! For a sturdy yet lightweight wedding vows book, you can start with a simple pamphlet stitch for binding, there are lots of tutorials online for beginners. You could also use a combination of bookbinding glue and stitching for extra security without making it too bulky. And since you're using vegetable tanned leather, make sure to cut it neatly and round the edges for a polished look. For the interior pages, lightweight cotton paper shall work great while it adds a nice touch.. Hope this helps!!

Alan · May 13, 2025

Have you started it yet? It will be a perfect heirloom wedding gift.

gecko89 · May 15, 2025

abi58schwimmer said:
My childhood friend is getting married in June and I'd love to make her a handmade wedding vows book! It's special because we were really into paper arts and craft when we were in high school (and we used to fantasize about our love life lol)! That time it wasn't the serious stuff but I want to give this a try to celebrate her and give her something personal. I'll use vegetable-tanned leather for the cover to match their rustic motif! I've never done book binding or sewing so I figured anyone here might have some ideas or resources I can check? It has to look pretty (non-negotiable of course!) and also light but sturdy because they're using it during their ceremony! Help please?

Oh she will love this! Especially it will remind her of your friendship, so nice! You can always take a peek on Youtube they have videos on how to make these.

SleekStitch · Jul 15, 2025

During my college days, I decided to craft a little leather-bound notebook as a journal for a friend's road trip. I wasn't really sure what I was doing, but I followed a straightforward pamphlet stitch tutorial, and to my surprise, it turned out well. She still treasures it. You should totally give it a try, it'll mean so much to her