Japanese 4-Hole Toji (Minibook) : Textblock: Consists of A Number of Pages of Either Folded Paper or
Japanese 4-Hole Toji (Minibook) : Textblock: Consists of A Number of Pages of Either Folded Paper or
Japanese 4-Hole Toji (Minibook) : Textblock: Consists of A Number of Pages of Either Folded Paper or
Basic Materials:
Tools:
A darning or embroidery needle
Something to pierce a hole, such as a pushpin, or holepunch, or an awl.
(Depends on the thickness of the book)
Large paper clips, bulldog clips or clothespins
Scissors or paper cutter, metal straightedge and craft knife
Method:
Cut the cover paper to the desired dimensions of your book. Cut the
text pages just slightly smaller than the cover paper.
For example, if your cover will be 4x5 inches, then make the text paper
just 1/8th of an inch or less in both dimensions, i.e., for the above cover
size, the text could be 3 15/16" by 4 7/8 inches. For really small books,
the text pages can be cut to the same size as the cover.
The covers could be decorated or left plain. Perhaps you could put just
initials or a first name, or stamp them. Small pieces of contrasting
paper pasted on can make a lovely effect.
Don't forget that a contrasting thread colour also adds a decorative
element.
1
With a pencil, lightly mark a line down the front cover at least 3/8" in
from the left hand edge, top to bottom. This is your stitching line.
Using the template, mark the hole placement on the pencil line.
Traditionally, the holes are placed as follows: from the head and tail, a
hole is made about 5/8" in from the head and tail. Then two more
holes are placed more or less equidistant from the head and tail holes.
Stack the covers with the text paper sandwiched between so that they
are neat and aligned at the binding edge. (They should also be aligned
at the foredge; if they aren't, now is the time to trim your paper!)
Cut a length of thread about 4-5 times the height of your book and
thread the needle.
The stitching begins at the 2nd hole from the bottom. Insert the needle
from the back cover up through hole 2, leaving a tail of thread about 2"
or so, to tie off later.
(See diagram)
2
Using a straight edge, line it up at the edge of your stitching and
carefully score a line down the book. This allows the cover to be folded
back for easier use. You can do this at the back cover if you wish.
Use your imagination and design some of these little books for gifts.
Don't forget to add some calligraphy to the cover or to the first inside
page, or perhaps the end page. Have fun!