Hinge and Stack to Make a No Sew Junk Journal

I love using a handmade junk journal. But sometimes I don't feel like doing all that work to make one! When I want to craft without a fuss, I use this easy hinge and stack method to make a new book.

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You don't need a sewing machine to get that pretty, layered effect. This journal was created without a single stitch. The Hinge and Stack method is a game-changer!

Use the Printable Coffee Shop Kit

To make this project super easy, start it with a printable kit. If you'd like to make this cute coffee themed journal, you can find it in my Etsy shop: Printable Junk Journal Kit Coffee Shop Theme.

The kit includes a cover template, journal pages, patterned pages, and tons of matching ephemera to decorate your finished book.

Printing Instructions:

1. Print the front and back cover templates, the endpaper, and belly bands on cardstock. Print enough belly bands to have one for each sheet of paper, plus one extra.

2. Print the journal pages and patterned pages on premium paper. You can mix and match to personalize your journal. I printed 21 pages, front and back. 

   
   

Use Your Own Papers

If you decide to use papers from your stash, you can just cut them to size. All the papers I used are 8.5 x 11 inches.

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 pages in portrait orientation for the front and back covers.

• 1 page in landscape orientation to use as endpapers.

• Any number of landscape orientation pages, to fold in half and use as journal pages. Double sided is best! 

• Belly bands or strips of paper, to use as hinges. Each one should be 1.5 inches wide.

Make the Covers

Once you've got your papers together, you can start making your covers:

1. Cut 2 pieces of cardboard, 5.5 x 8.75 inches each.

2. Glue your cover templates or paper to the cardboard. Fold the edges over and glue them down.

3. Cut the piece of endpaper in half. Glue one half to the inside of your front cover and one half to the inside of your back cover.

See how it all comes together! These five steps show you exactly how easy it is to stack your way to a no-sew junk journal.

Fold Your Pages and Belly Bands

• Fold each of your journal pages in half and arrange them in the order  you want them in your journal.

• Fold each belly band, or hinge in half lengthwise. Fold them so that the white back is on the outside.

  
  

Start Stacking Your Pages!

Arrange your pages with the front side down. Flip the last page over. Grab a hinge and glue all over the white side. Fold it in half and line the folded edge with the folded edge of your page.

Then stack the next page on top!

Grab the next hinge and repeat the glue, fold, line it up, and stack it. Keep going until all your pages are stacked together.

The Hinge and Stack method creates pages that lay perfectly flat. So you can fully enjoy those romantic cafe scenes and detailed illustrations.

Attach Your Covers

Use the same technique to attach the front and back covers. Use a hinge to stack your paper block on the back cover. Then use your last hinge to stack the front cover on top of your paper stack. Take your time here, and make sure your cover line up nicely.

Full Tutorial

Check out my YouTube video for an easy demonstration of this technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvCU71RF8Ag

Prefer to see it in motion? Here’s exactly how I layer those belly band hinges to create a perfectly chunky, no-sew spine.

Supply List

Here's everything I used in the video to make the no-sew junk journal:

• Cardstock: Neenah Brand Cardstock

• Printed Pages: HP Premium Paper 28

• Bone Folder

• Scoring Board

• Glue Sticks

• Copic Sketch Marker in Dark Pink

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a junk journal without a sewing machine?

Yes! You can use the "Hinge and Stack" method to create a beautiful, professional-looking junk journal without any sewing. This technique uses paper hinges and glue to bind your pages together, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to skip the needles and thread.

What is the hinge and stack method for junk journals?

The hinge and stack method involves folding small strips of paper (hinges) in half and gluing them to the folded edges of your journal pages. You then stack the pages on top of each other to create a sturdy, flat-laying book block that is easy to decorate.

What size paper do I need for a no-sew junk journal?

For this project, we use standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper for the journal pages. When folded in half, they create a 5.5 x 8.5 inch journal. You will also need 1.5-inch wide paper strips for your hinges to ensure everything stays securely bound.

Does a no-sew junk journal lay flat?

Yes! One of the biggest benefits of the hinge and stack method is that the pages lay perfectly flat. Unlike some sewn signatures that can be tight or springy, this method allows you to fully enjoy those romantic cafe scenes and detailed illustrations without the book trying to snap shut.

Get the Printable Coffee Shop Junk Journal Kit

You can find the kit I used in the video in my Etsy shop: Printable Junk Journal Kit Coffee Shop Theme.

Coffee Shop Junk Journal Kit | 75+ Pages of Romantic Cafe Ephemera & Papers