My boss in Portland told me to always use a bone folder for creasing, but my hands work better after 3 years of ignoring him.

He said my books would look sloppy without one, but I get cleaner lines just using my thumb and a ruler, so has anyone else ditched the 'right' tool for something simpler?

3 comments

3 Comments

wadefoster3mo ago

My first bookbinding teacher was a total stickler for the bone folder. After about 50 projects, I realized my fingernail gave me way more control on thin papers. The tool just slides around sometimes. Now I only grab it for really thick cardstock, and my bindings look sharp. Your hands learn the pressure better than any piece of plastic.

alicea263mo ago

But does it really matter that much?

rileyw7212d ago

Same here, honestly. Caught myself using my thumbnail for creases on a tiny pamphlet stitch the other day and it came out perfect. Bone folder just felt clumsy on something that small. My hands have way more feel than that tool ever will. Once you learn the right amount of pressure, it's hard to go back.