There are two parts to the case wrapper: an inner wrapper and an outer one. In both cases, you want to make sure to measure so that your folds will go with the grain. Look over the book before beginning in case the book is sloped, you will want to allow extra. The inner wrapper should measure approximately three times the height of the book. A case wrapper is made with library board. Library board comes in both 10 pt. and 20 pt. For this project, we used the 20 pt. The case wraping is then enclosed within a case binding, which is made just like you would a regular hard-covered book. This type of enclosure is primarily used for paper back books thicker than 1/4 inch. Why? Because the boards provide extra stability. In my case, I made it for a hard-covered book that I love – Good Omens by Neil Gaiman.
The first step is constructing the inner case wrapper, which wraps around the length of the book. To do this, you begin by determining the grain of the library board. You want the length to go opposite the grain so that your folds will be with the grain. The first piece should be about three times the length of the item. So you literally lie your book on the board, mark the width, and cut.
Next you lie your book about 3/4 of the way in and mark the top. This will be the first fold. To create the fold, you need a straight edge and a bone folder.
First run the bone folder where you want the crease to be so that you create an indentation (aka score the fold). Then fold the paper up to the straight edge and run your bone folder along its back. Finally, fold the paper completely and use the bone folder to really create an edge.
To get the next fold, you stand the book on edge, so that you have the depth. Mark that line and crease the board the same way.
Lay the book down at that point and then mark the top to find where to crease the board for the next flap. And finally, when you have creased that, use a jig to find the depth that you had for the first bend and duplicate it for the second overlap. This flap should overlap the first by 1-2 inches.
The outer wrapper is made following the grain. For this one, you lie the book sideways to find where you will be cutting. For this outer wrapper, it’s important to measure the book within its inner wrapper to get the correct dimensions. The outer wrapper should overlap the inner about 3/4 of the width of the book in the back. The front should leave about 1/4 inch. This outer wrapper does not go completely around the book the way the first one does because you will be encasing the wrapper in a hard cover.
The two wrappers are joined using archival quality double-sided tape. Depending upon the weight of the book, you may need three strips. One at each end lengthwise and one going diagnolly.
