I was rounding my spine edges wrong for a year

I was using a bone folder on my rounded spines, pressing straight down like the book was flat. Saw a video from a binder in Portland where they rolled the folder along the curve, following the shape. Tried it on a cookbook project last night and the difference is huge, no more flat spots. Has anyone else had a spine rounding method that just clicked for them?

4 comments

4 Comments

elliot_roberts16d ago

Found the same Portland video about six months back. Took me a few tries to get the pressure right so I wasn't digging into the spine with the bone folder edge, but once I started using the flat side and letting it roll naturally, the shape locked in clean. Used to get these ugly little creases near the head and tail from mashing down too hard.

williamhenderson2mo ago

That Portland binder's video changed everything for me too. I was getting those same flat spots for months, just mashing the bone folder down. Rolling it along the curve feels so obvious now, like you're actually shaping the paper instead of fighting it. My last three books came out with a perfect, smooth arc, no weird angles. It's one of those small changes that makes the whole thing look professional.

colescott2mo ago

Wait you were just mashing it straight down this whole time? That sounds like a nightmare, no wonder you had flat spots lol. The rolling move feels like you're working with the paper instead of against it. Crazy how one video can fix months of struggle.

the_emma2mo ago

That Portland video was a total game changer for me too. I was doing the same straight down press for like six months before I saw it. The rolling method just makes the whole process feel smooth and intentional.