A paper template is made, and the location of the sewing stations is marked on both the template and the text block. (Note: The experienced conservation technician often dispenses with the making and use of the paper template, instead sighting the marks by eye and sewing "freehand". The template is a great aid for the inexperienced and it is advisable to use it until it is comfortable to work without it. Also, the marks on the text block are exaggerated in the photo for the sake of illustration. In practice, they are minimal and are totally obscured by the holes of the needle; they are not visible when attachment of the end sheets is finished.)
The kettle stitch is marked about 3/16" in from the end of the book, followed by another mark about 3/16" further in, followed by another about 5/16" to 3/8" further in. Both ends are marked thusly. Between these sets of three marks at each end, pairs of marks are made. These are generally about 2" to 3" from the ends and about the same distance apart. The distance between the two marks of each pair is again about 5/16" to 3/8".
It's a good idea to mark on the paper template which end of the book is which. The head end is marked in our example.
