Want to create a unique and stylish DIY wire bound notebook with a half-hidden wire binding? This technique tucks the wire spine partially behind a folded cover, giving your handmade notebook a clean, professional look that stands out from standard coil-bound books.
Whether you're making a personal journal, a gift for a friend, or a product to sell, this binding method is surprisingly simple once you know the trick. You'll design custom notebook inserts in Planify Pro, create a printed cover on sticker paper, and use a Cinch binding machine to complete the wire binding. If you're new to planner making, our beginner's guide to making a custom planner covers the basics.
What you'll need
| Paper 70gsm, or any copy paper you have |  Chipboard / Book Board max 1.2mm thickness |  Binding Wires 20mm |
 Cinch Binding Machine |
Not sure which binding supplies to choose? Our guide to different binding styles compares wire, coil, PVA, and signature methods. For printer recommendations, see our best printers for making and selling planners.
Creating the Notebook Inserts
- Start with a pre-existing A6 template in Planify Pro, or create a new one
- Ensure the page size is set to A6
- Design your desired layout
- Add elements like a graph widget for notes
- Customize the layout with colors, fonts, and visual elements
- Add background patterns to personalize your pages
- Choose and customize widgets
- Set inner margins to provide space for hole-punching
- Add stickers or other decorative elements (optional)
- Finalize your insert design
- Copy the design from the left side to the right side of the page (mirror design)
- Review the complete insert layout
- Export the design as a PDF file
Printing the Notebook Inserts
- Print on A4 or US Letter paper
- Set custom scale to 100% in your print settings
Making the Cover
- Adhere the cover to four pieces of chipboard (1–1.2mm thick)
- Trim any excess cover material
- Score the spine fold line
- Fold the edges neatly
- Apply white glossy sticker paper to the inside for a clean finish
Binding the Notebook
- Fold the cover in the middle
- Position the insert pages inside the cover
- Punch holes through the cover and inserts for wire binding
- Insert 20mm wires through the holes
- Add the inserts and cinch the wires closed using the binding machine
Your half-hidden wire notebook, front view.
And the back view, showing how the spine stays partly hidden.
More DIY planner and notebook tutorials
Enjoyed this half-hidden wire binding tutorial? Try these other handmade projects:
- DIY Lay-Flat Sketchbook — PVA binding that opens completely flat
- DIY Tarot Planner Box — a planner box with wire-bound inserts
- Booklets with Signature Binding — the signature method for professional booklets
- Binding Books: Guide to Different Styles — wire, coil, PVA and signature compared
- Best Printers for Making and Selling Planners — choosing the right printer
Just getting started? Read what you need to start a planner shop, or browse all our DIY tutorials.
