bone folder

The best tool to use is a bone folder, which is especially smooth and strong.

The bone folder is also used for marking fabric where a temporary mark needs to be made without damaging the material.

Run the blunt end of the bone folder along the groove that forms the hinge.

Bone folders and other bookbinding material are available from:,,.

Bone folders are still used by bookbinders.

Next burnish with a burnishing tool of choice, metal burnisher, bowl of a teaspoon or the edge of a bone folder.

In Japanese bookbinding the equivalent folding tool is traditionally made from bamboo, although a Japanese fabric marking tool ("hera") or Western bone folder may be substituted.

For instance a bone folder allows sharp creases to be made in the paper easily, paper clips can act as extra pairs of fingers, and tweezers can be used to make small folds.