11. Paper Grain 1

Authors

• Marci Easterbrook

Document Type

Video

Publication Date

Fall 9-29-2026

Comments

How to identify and understand paper grain, an important consideration when preparing paper for bookmaking and binding: The instructor handles and bends the paper in different directions to compare its resistance and flexibility, showing that paper naturally bends more easily in the direction of the grain and feels stiffer when bent against it. The demonstration emphasizes checking the grain before folding, cutting, or assembling a book because the direction of the paper fibers affects how easily the paper folds and how well the finished book functions. By gently testing the paper rather than immediately making a crease, the grain direction can be determined without damaging the sheet. Understanding and working with the grain helps produce cleaner folds and a more stable and professional-looking book structure.

Please check the attached file below for the video's transcript.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Easterbrook, Marci. "11. Paper Grain 1." (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/intro_book_arts/12