Where is the best place to quickly learn some beginner bookbinding techniques?

I always recommend taking classes for hands on learning. There are tons of classes both in person and online available. I always try to make my classes accessible for beginners to advanced.

I know that there are several tutorials on youtube. I haven't watched any, so I can't recommend them. Try doing a google search for:

Pamphlet stitch (both 3 and 5 hole)
Running stitch
Longstitch

I would start with a 3 hole pamphlet, then try a 5 hole and go from there. I am self taught. It may be difficult in the beginning but don't give up! It is a learning experience!! Do not expect your first book (or even your first several books to be perfect) at the same time, don't beat yourself up over it! :) The first book that I made, I threw it across the room and swore at it. I picked it up and tried it again and again and again. That was 14 years ago. I've made thousands of books since.

I have several books that I recommend to students. You can get these at your library:

Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz is the bible of bookbinding, in my opinion. Search it out and keep it in your reference library.

Anything by Alisa Golden (her blog is excellent to follow as well. I am on my phone typing this or else I would insert a link. Get her books! They are awesome!)

Keith Smith's books are excellent and there are quite a few to choose from. I often have a hard time with his written instructions but his diagrams are easy to follow. He is the King of Bookbinding. If you want to buy any of his books (I have almost all of them), I would recommend buying through him as hevsells slightly imperfect copies below cover price.

Gwen Diehn has a few good books out there, as well.

Keep in mind while there are a lot of stitches out there that every instructor approaches bookbinding in a different way. Learn from them, but remember it's okay to step outside the box and approach the creating of your books your own way. I always emphasize learning the rules and then doing your damndest to try to break them and make your work your own!

Good luck!

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