November: zine binding

Try something new: bind a zine in a new way

This month's zine club (on November 25th FYI) is going to be all about different ways of binding. But fear not if you're nowhere near Manchester, here's so tips 'n' tricks for zine binding.

Equipment
There's loads of specialist bookbinding materials and equipment around - from first glance it can look overwhelmingly expensive, but there are cheap basics that will help you loads.

You can pick up super cheap bone folders on ebay (vegan warning: some really are made out of bone, so check what material it's made of). Get some cheap snap-off blades like this from pound shops rather than artists scalpels. Bookbinding thread is super strong, but embroidery floss, ribbons, string and other thread will work too.

Pamphlet Stitch
A 3-hole pamphlet stitch is one of the easiest ways to sew a zine if you want to ditch the staples. All you need is a couple of minutes and a needle and thread. There's a simple tutorial on the 2nd page of this PDF. I think all zines bound like this look extra special, and you can pick a colour that suits your zine.

Sewing Machines
If your zine isn't too thick and you own a sewing machine, you can use that. Lay your zine open flat, then just sew along the spine. Most sewing machines will let you sew different patterns, so experiment.

Binding Single Pages
There's ways of binding along the edge of single pages, rather ones that are folded in half. You can perfect bind a zine - it just takes some PVA glue, some weights (some heavy books will do) and a lot of time and patience. You can even skip making a cover for it, and use some bookbinding spine tape to finish it instead.

Japanese binding is a beautiful way to sew bind, and if you really get into it there are loads of variations - phoar.

NOV 11 - Eca Eps: DIY Zine/Tote Bag Printmaking Workshop @ Ort Gallery, Birmingham

Eca Eps in collaboration with SHOUT leads a workshop in provocative DIY printmaking, using a satirical take on anti-LGBT propaganda and helping you to design and create your own zine or tote bag to take away. All abilities welcome - event

NOV 14 - Girl Gang Zine Launch: EVERY BODY @ La Biblioteka, Sheffield

Celebrating the release of the new Girl Gangs zine, responding to their theme EVERY BODY. There will be a chance to see and purchase the zine as well as a pop up exhibition featuring some of the pieces. There will also be screening a short film and have poetry performances - facebook event

NOV 11 - Sassify Zine Issue #4 Launch Party @ Soho Radio, London

Come and help GRRRL ZINE FAIR and SASSIFY ZINE spread the gospel of sass, with a free launch party with DJs - event info

NOV 14 - Girl Gang Zine Launch: EVERY BODY @ La Biblioteka, Sheffield

Launch of the newest Girl Gang zine on the theme of Every Body. With a screening of a short film from their #seemyselfie project, and poetry performances - facebook event

NOV 19 - Winter ZINE FAIR w/ Crisps @ Paradise Palms

A fabulous feast of self-published goods! With stalls from local artists and Edinburgh Zine Library - facebook event

NOV 29 - #2050StartsNow - Zine Making Workshop @ Summerhall, Edinburgh

As part of Book Week Scotland, #2050StartsNow - Zine Making Workshop is an interactive, hands-on session making a one-of-a-kind publication on climate change - event info

NOV 30 - OOMK #6 Launch: the Food issue @ Somerset House, London

Launch party for the latest issue of OOMK, tickets include a copy of the zine and refreshments - event info

DEC 02 - The Rose Tinted Spectacular 3 - Zine Fair @ The Rose Hill, Brighton

Zine fair, performances, talks, stand-up philosophy, poems, music and more. Email rtszines@gmail.com to have a table - facebook event

DEC 04 - Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair @ Partisan, Manchester

2017 anarchist bookfair in Manchester will have a variety of stalls and talks, with books, zines and records.

DEC 09 - Grrrl Zine presents Feminist Christmas Fair @ RAW Lab, London
A feminist christmas party with a zine, art and craft fair, interactive workshops and film screenings throughout the day, a zine library, a panel talk and the most finely tuned holiday playlist, creating an immersive alternative Christmas environment - facebook event

FEB 10/24 - Creative Workshops: Zines - Write, Print, Share! @ Beeston Library, Nottinghamshire

Make your own Zine and see your words in print in a two-part workshop featuring poet and writer Andrew Graves and print studio Dizzy Ink, costs £15 - event