This week we visited our specialist bookbindery where our cold-glue thread-sewn binding takes place. And we thought you'd like to take a look at where the magic happens...
What's special about this bindery?
We do work predominantly with UK suppliers and makers to produce our paper goods (such as our thread-sewn Exercise Books, which are made in Suffolk UK). However, there is one specialist binding technique that is only available at this brilliant bindery in Belgium. We started working with Patrick and the team there exactly 10 years ago this month, and their passion and perfectionism is baked into every notebook and diary we have ever made with them.
Our principle is always to produce as sustainably and locally as possible, delivering exceptional quality that you simply won't find elsewhere. So that brings us here.
The town in which our team is based is so focused on print and book production that you can specialise in it from the age of 12 at school. So not only are skills and passion passed on from one generation to the next, but young people are honing their skills from early adolescence onwards. And you really feel this when you chat with the team around the factory and see them working.
The Mark+Fold Quality Control Checklist
Having worked closely together for 10 years now, it's safe to say we've refined our process pretty well. Of course, over the years there have been tiny details we've wanted to refine and perfect, and everyone involved in the process has come to understand precisely what we are trying to achieve (and that Amy is extremely precise about what it is we're trying to achieve!)
So we were delighted when we were presented a few years ago with our very own 'checklist' of the things the team specially look out for when making our books. It gets attached to a 'control' copy at the start of production, and every copy gets checked against this one.
Why were we there?
We have been busy working away behind the scenes on our 2026 collection, so we visited the team to talk through some of the finer details for this year's diaries. Without giving too much away, we needed to talk about crucial decisions such as whether the spine should be rounded or square and what kind of head and tail bands we will use (if you know a bit about book-binding, you may be able to guess where this is going!).
It was also a chance for Helen McGowan, who joined us last autumn, to get a tour of the bindery to see first-hand the many intricate steps involved in delivering a beautifully-finished product.
Sustainability
As well as our own initiatives designed to reduce waste, we're proud to work with suppliers who see this as a top priority as well. In this bindery, not only do you see recycling carts dotted around the factory floor, there is also a suction system attached to every machine, so that even the fine paper dust can be collected up and recycled. It makes for a beautifully clean, dust-free factory too!
Which of our products are made here?
We work with Patrick and the team on our cold-glue thread-sewn binding. This is what makes our Notebooks and Diaries flop open beautifully flat, thanks to the flexibility of the glue (applied cold and allowed to air dry). Hot glues dry on impact, so to save on costs many notebook companies use hot glue to save time and costs, but that comes at the expense of your writing experience — and in our view this is an absolute non-negotiable!
Another detail of the binding technique we use is the very strong attachment of the cover via cleverly-designed 'hinges' either side of the spine, rather than putting any glue onto the spine directly. This means that no stiff glue is allowed to get in the way or make your notebook resistant to opening flat.
We hope you've enjoyed touring the bindery with us! We always try to share as much detail as possible behind the scenes, so you can see first-hand the passion and attention to detail that goes into making our stationery. We're really proud to support local makers who share our pride in creating beautiful things that will be a joy for you to use.
Learn more about how it's made
Shop Layflat Notebooks
