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 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 3/8" further in. Both ends are marked thusly. Between these sets of three marks at each end, pairs of marks are made. There 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 5/16" to 3/8".

The original sewing pattern of the example book is very similar in configuration to that we are using to attach the end sheets, so the original stitching can simply be followed (the same holes "re-used"). However, this is not always the case. If the original differs significantly from the pattern shown and the measurements given above, it is ignored and no attempt is made to "re-use the holes".

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.