MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are my options for binding a scrapbook?
Are you looking to get started with scrapbooking in 2012? If so, you’ll love this hobby because it gives you a chance to be extremely creative while also cataloging your memories so you can look back on them in the future. If you want to make your own scrapbook instead of using a store-bought one, there are a couple of ways to do so. Here are three options for binding a scrapbook: 
- Plastic comb binding. Comb binding is a great option for binding a scrapbook. Not only are combs affordable and easy to come by, they can bind scrapbooks that are up to 425 pages long. Plus, you will be able to add to and delete pages from the book since combs can be re-opened.
- Screw posts. If you want to create an exceptionally thick scrapbook, you might want to consider using screw posts. These implements come in a number of lengths ranging from 1/8” to 5”. If you choose to use screw posts, you will need to punch holes in your book if you’re not using pre-punched paper. You can use a simple three-hole punch if that’s what you have at home.
- Coil binding. Finally, coil binding is a nice option simply because coils come in dozens of colors. It’s easy to find a coil that will complement your scrapbook’s theme and cover. One thing you need to keep in mind is that if you want to add to or remove pages from the book, you will need to re-bind it. Therefore, you should make sure the scrapbook is large enough to fit your needs before binding it.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
