The 5 Best Book Bindings in Edinburgh Preserving Knowledge & Keepsakes
There’s something quietly poetic about getting a book bound in Edinburgh, the city where cobblestones meet centuries of storytelling. There’s a bindery here that will treat your book like a future classic, whether it’s your memoir or thesis.
I found that the best local book binding services mix old-world craftsmanship with modern precision. Here are some experts who can make sure your pages stay together longer than most local romances.
How much does book binding cost in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, book binding typically costs around £19 for a basic hard-bound thesis. For finer bindings with leather or half-leather wrap and marble boards, expect around £145 to £235 for medium size.
1. The Gently Mad Book Shop & Bookbinder
Address: 2 Summer Place
Contact: +447702592972
Operating hours: Daily, 11 AM–5 PM
I walked into The Gently Mad Book Shop & Bookbinder with my grandfather’s cracked-spine folio and explained to the staff that I wanted it reborn. The father-and-son team there listened to me like I was telling them a lost Lothian legend.
Their offer of fine leather bindings, cloth-wrapped styles, only artistry, and traditional restoration immediately struck the right note for that heirloom volume. I like that they use only traditional materials and methods, which means the book will be treated with respect, not just speed.
They cater to bespoke bindings, slipcases, bible restoration, and even artists’ books. Instead of just a cheap cover job, I got the book back bearing the full artisan treatment.
I was quoted a leather binding plus slipcase and restoration for a premium, not cheap, but I felt the value was there for something I’ll keep for decades. Besides, their clientele includes the film industry, heritage clients, and even the Queen!
However, the bespoke service means lead times can be longer than fast-bind chains, so it might frustrate you if you’re in a hurry. Also, because it’s a small artisan bindery integrated with a book shop, there may be fewer binding slots available.
This is a wonderful place to visit if you’re in the area
This is a wonderful place to visit if you’re in the area, as the variety of antique and speciality books here is incredible for anyone with an interest in classic books or history. There are also antique postcards and prints to look through, and postcards are £2. This place also offers book binding downstairs.
– E1, Google Review
The most excellent binding and workmanship I could have wished for
Fantastic book shop …you can browse, chat and enjoy a bookworm’s dream experience browsing around, relaxed, not pressured or anything….truly a genuine good old book shop for the modern age….I had a book binding done also, on a family book that was past its best, and it was the most excellent binding and workmanship I could have wished for. Rab, the owner, is a lovely guy, very friendly, and so was the other gentleman whose name I didn’t get, sorry… I highly recommend it to all.
– Chris Preston, Google Review
2. Bookbinding By Crawford Ltd
Address: 25 Rodney Street
Contact: +441315561234
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–4.30 PM
I had to accompany my sister to have her 300-page doctoral thesis bound because she was hoping it would live on for generations (her words, not mine).
We ended up at Bookbinding by Crawford since they specialise in thesis binding, leather binding, restoration, and bespoke covers with a specialist binder’s eye. Their material range covers classic cloth, fine leather, and repair-grade boards.
They’ve kept a specialist workshop approach since day one, so there’s no worry about the binding being mass-churned rather than hand-crafted. My sister was quoted a reasonable budget for a cloth binding with a plain slipcase—not premium leather, but quite good value for depth and finish.
The shop is well-versed in university work, so they’ve become a go-to of sorts for thesis binding. Having checked their past work, it’s safe to say they know their craft when it comes to menu books, rest
oration jobs, and smaller projects, as well.
The downside? Due to a smaller team and the artisan-level attention to each binding project, turnaround time can be longer than generic high-street binders.
The final product is absolutely beautiful
Had my PhD thesis hardbound here, and they are amazing. Initially went with them over other online companies for their wider choice of cover colours – but ended up going even further and getting a custom foil made. The final product is absolutely beautiful, and there was good email and phone contact along the way to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. Highly recommend!
– V Ridley, Google Review
They did an amazing job of rebinding a 70-year-old book
I got a great custom job done here a few years ago. They did an amazing job of rebinding a 70-year-old book that had been in the family for generations. Looks like new, and they were really helpful in getting a match as close to the original as possible and taking care not to cause any damage to the very old pages. It took a little while as they were busy, but they were clear about that from the start, and I was happy to wait as I was in no rush.
– Katy Sandford, Google Review
3. Crescent Print Edinburgh Ltd
Address: 301-303 Cowgate
Contact: +441315563582
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9.15 AM–5.15 PM
I finally put together a potential client’s slick presentation documents and needed a binding that’s both speedy and stylish. Enter Crescent Print Edinburgh, which offered me options for wire, comb, perfect-bind, and hard-back binding finished on the same day!
The available materials and styles include glue-tape binding for a squared spine look, perfect binding like a paperback, and hardback buckram covers for heavier, enduring documents. I went for the perfect binding of up to 300 sheets with matte lamination on the cover, which I thought was a good pick for business reports.
I happily handed over my 50-page A4 presentation files, and they didn’t even blink. I was confident to do so, knowing the shop can handle urgent print and bind workflows, which is ideal when a presentation drops at the last minute and I need it ready to go.
They are clearly geared for business users and students, so rest assured, there are budget-friendly wire or comb binding for shorter runs alongside more premium hardback finishes. Suffice it to say, they’re a smart pick when deadlines loom.
But because they focus on speed and variety, the binding options do not include artisan hand-crafted leather or bespoke restoration styles you’ll get at a specialist binder.
They went above and beyond what I needed
Having never used the services of Crescent Print before, I am very happy to recommend them. They went above and beyond what I needed and made me very comfortable that they would do a great job. They did. Great service, product and good humans.
– James Hessler, Google Review
They have been very kind in accommodating a last-minute request
Amazing service! They have been very kind in accommodating a last-minute request and delivering great work, too!
– Rosella Petta, Google Review
4. Wheel of Fate
Address: 63 Causewayside
Contact: +447831560135
Operating hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM
My favourite teenage niece came back from a Wheel of Fate bookbinding workshop feeling like a proud Edinburgh art witch. She gifted me with a gorgeous hand-bound notepad (like something from the gift shop of a top Edinburgh art gallery) that she made herself.
Naturally, that made me want to try book binding on my own. The shop offers beginner-friendly bookbinding workshops where we can etch leather, stitch heavyweight mixed-media paper, and come up with a journal we’d want to show off.
Materials include etched leather, faux suede lace for closure, heavy mixed media paper, and leather binding cord. The pricing is clear: £52 for a small journal, £73 for a medium one, and £136 for a large one.
It’s located in the bustling Causewayside, with the creative corridors making you feel like stepping into a bespoke craft atelier. Wheel of Fate primarily runs workshops, but you can also buy ready-made journals and craft kits to practise binding.
That said, this workshop-style spot isn’t built for volume or heavy production, so don’t expect large-scale commercial binding to happen, or experience luxury museum-grade finishes right off the bat.
Had a great experience at Wheel of Fate for book binding!
Had a great experience at Wheel of Fate for book binding! The shop is so fun to poke around while you wait; lots of interesting delights. Both folks at the shop were lovely. The facilitator for the workshop was an absolute sweetheart. Like a warm cup of tea! The workshop was very beginner-friendly with clear instructions and a really good pace. I feel like people of most ages and abilities would be able to do this! Would definitely go back again to try a slightly more complex binding the next time.
– Anonymous, Google Review
It was so special to bring home something meaningful
This shop was one of my top places I wanted to go to during my visit to Edinburgh, and it did not disappoint! Super cute shop, friendly, helpful staff and just an all-around great atmosphere. I did the broom-making class with my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law, and we all had a blast! It was so special to bring home something meaningful and handmade from our time in Scotland!
– Sheri Binkly, Google Review
5. Phoenix Handmade Books
Address: 151 London Road
Contact: [email protected]
Operating hours: By appointment
When I first encountered Phoenix Handmade Books, I thought I’d end up buying one journal as a keepsake. I ended up walking out having commissioned several leather and copper-bound works of art.
Will Phoenix, the owner, crafts every piece with traditional binding techniques using premium leather, marbled endpapers, and intricate metalwork. Each journal looks and feels like it belongs in a centuries-old library.
When I got them, the leather covers, copper details, and hand-stitched bindings looked too beautiful not to gift to every sentimental soul in my family for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and christenings.
The workmanship in each one is clear: the leather cover lies flat, the spines flex without cracking, and the metals gleam…a far cry from off-the-shelf binding services. The shop also offers binding workshops that start from £45 for basic, medium-sized pieces.
But because each journal is hand-made to order, expect a bit of a wait, especially if you ordered multiple gifts. Also, the premium pricing may deter those looking for something along the range of simple or budget notebooks (these are keepsakes and not quick buys, after all).
I was in for the handmade copper bookbinding experience, and it was excellent
I was in for the handmade copper bookbinding experience, and it was excellent, such a fun day, and I learned so much. William is very kind and knowledgeable, defo recommend it to any book lovers.
– David Magliari, Google Review
Every last detail is finely crafted
Incredible craftsmanship. Books made with care & pride. Every last detail is finely crafted. Was given one of his books as a gift & can honestly say it’s one of the most lovely/unique gifts I’ve received, will keep it forever.
– Ryan Clee, Google Review