How to Use We R Makers Universal Cinch Machine DIY

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

How to Use We R Makers Universal Cinch Machine DIY

If you love making your own planners, journals, and happy little handmade notebooks, you’re going to want to hear about this tool.

We R Makers Universal Cinch Binding Tool

I recently got the We R Makers Universal Cinch Binding Tool and spent some quality time putting it through its paces—plus making a stack of darling notebooks in the process.

And let me tell you… this machine is a dream for bookmaking.

Whether you’re brand new to binding or you’ve dabbled with traditional binding tools before, the Universal Cinch makes the entire process smoother, faster, and more customizable.

Today I’m sharing a full review of the machine plus a detailed step-by-step tutorial so you can create your own professional-quality books at home.

Be sure to watch the full video tutorial too!

Universal Cinch Binding Machine Review

The Universal Cinch is an upgraded take on the classic Cinch tool that so many paper crafters already love.

But this version expands your creative possibilities with a unique slot punch system that allows for many different binding applications.

Universal Cinch Binding Machine Review The Universal Cinch is an upgraded take on the classic Cinch tool that so many paper crafters already love. But this version expands your creative possibilities with a unique slot punch system that allows for many different binding applications.

Here’s what stood out to me:

✨ Versatility Beyond Traditional Binding Tools

Unlike some traditional binding tools that are limited to one hole pattern or binding style, the Universal Cinch gives you flexibility.

The slot punch design allows for customization and alignment adjustments, making it easier to experiment with various wire sizes and formats.

For this review, I used standard binding wires—but knowing I can branch out into other binding styles later is exciting.

✨ Versatility Beyond Traditional Binding Tools Unlike some traditional binding tools that are limited to one hole pattern or binding style, the Universal Cinch gives you flexibility. The slot punch design allows for customization and alignment adjustments, making it easier to experiment with various wire sizes and formats. For this review, I used standard binding wires—but knowing I can branch out into other binding styles later is exciting.

✨ Compact But Powerful

It doesn’t take up much workspace, which I love. It feels sturdy without being bulky.

It’s absolutely suitable for crafters of all skill levels—from beginners making their first journal to seasoned scrapbookers creating professional-quality books for sale.

Overall, the Universal Cinch is a fantastic solution for all your bookmaking needs. It simplifies the process while expanding creative possibilities.

✨ Compact But Powerful It doesn’t take up much workspace, which I love. It feels sturdy without being bulky. It’s absolutely suitable for crafters of all skill levels—from beginners making their first journal to seasoned scrapbookers creating professional-quality books for sale. Overall, the Universal Cinch is a fantastic solution for all your bookmaking needs. It simplifies the process while expanding creative possibilities.

✨ Clean, Consistent Punching

The punch mechanism is strong and smooth. It handles multiple sheets of paper at once and punches chipboard covers cleanly without ragged edges.

The result? Crisp holes that lead to polished, professional-looking bound results.

✨ Clean, Consistent Punching The punch mechanism is strong and smooth. It handles multiple sheets of paper at once and punches chipboard covers cleanly without ragged edges. The result? Crisp holes that lead to polished, professional-looking bound results.

How to Make a Custom Wire-Bound Notebook

Here’s my step-by-step process for creating a handmade notebook using the Universal Cinch.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR NOTEBOOK BINDING WITH UNIVERSAL CINCH:

Universal Cinch Binding Tool
Wire Loops (2:1 Pitch)
Guillotine Paper Cutter
Interior pages (copy paper, patterned paper, mixed media paper—whatever you love)
Chipboard for the front and back covers
Decorative paper (optional, for covering chipboard)
Embellishments (washi tape, ephemera, paper pieces, etc)

The Cinch binding tools typically punch circle or square holes for the wire binding...I love all my Cinch Binding tools!

The Universal Cinch punches a slot, which allows for a variety of binding options.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR NOTEBOOK BINDING WITH UNIVERSAL CINCH: Universal Cinch Binding Tool Wire Loops (2:1 Pitch) Guillotine Paper Cutter Interior pages (copy paper, patterned paper, mixed media paper—whatever you love) Chipboard for the front and back covers Decorative paper (optional, for covering chipboard) Embellishments (washi tape, ephemera, paper pieces, etc)

Step 1: Cutting Paper and Chipboard to Size

Cut everything to the exact same size.

For example:

5” x 7” for a compact notebook

6” x 8” for a slightly larger journal

Use a Paper Cutter to cut:

20–40 sheets of interior paper
1 chipboard or cardstock piece for the back cover
1 chipboard or cardstock piece for the front cover

If you’d like decorated covers, adhere patterned paper to the chipboard before punching holes, so they line up properly.

Step 1: Cutting Paper and Chipboard to Size Cut everything to the exact same size. For example: 5” x 7” for a compact notebook 6” x 8” for a slightly larger journal Use a Paper Cutter to cut: 20–40 sheets of interior paper 1 chipboard or cardstock piece for the back cover 1 chipboard or cardstock piece for the front cover If you’d like decorated covers, adhere patterned paper to the chipboard before punching holes, so they line up properly.

Start by deciding the size of your notebook. For my samples, I made smaller, easy-to-doodle notebooks—perfect for tossing in a bag.

Step 2: Punching Holes with the Cinch

Now the fun begins.

Turn on (or position) your Universal Cinch on a sturdy surface.

Use the ruler guide to align your paper stack.

Insert a manageable stack of paper into the punch slot.

Pull the lever down firmly to punch.

Step 2: Punching Holes with the Cinch Now the fun begins. Turn on (or position) your Universal Cinch on a sturdy surface. Use the ruler guide to align your paper stack. Insert a manageable stack of paper into the punch slot. Pull the lever down firmly to punch.

Repeat until:

All interior pages are punched

Both chipboard covers are punched

Tip: Punch covers separately for the cleanest result.

The holes should line up perfectly thanks to the built-in guide. It’s extremely satisfying.

Step 3: Cutting Wire Loops to Length

Measure your wire binding against the edge of your notebook.

Clip the excess wire loops and save them for another notebook.

Hang the wire loops on the edge of the Cinch binding tool.

Step 3: Cutting Wire Loops to Length Measure your wire binding against the edge of your notebook. Clip the excess wire loops and save them for another notebook. Hang the wire loops on the edge of the Cinch binding tool.

Step 4: Assembling the Notebook (Stacking Order Matters!)

This is the most important part for a professional finish.

Correct stacking order (from bottom up as you insert onto the wire):

Back cover face up.
Front cover face down.
Then the stack of Interior pages

Step 4: Assembling the Notebook (Stacking Order Matters!) This is the most important part for a professional finish. Correct stacking order (from bottom up as you insert onto the wire): Back cover face up. Front cover face down. Then the stack of Interior pages

Thread everything onto the open wire while it’s resting on the side hooks of the Cinch.

This stacking order ensures that when you close the wire and flip the notebook over, the seam of the wire will be hidden neatly inside the back cover.

That tiny detail makes a big difference in achieving professional-quality books.

Thread everything onto the open wire while it’s resting on the side hooks of the Cinch. This stacking order ensures that when you close the wire and flip the notebook over, the seam of the wire will be hidden neatly inside the back cover. That tiny detail makes a big difference in achieving professional-quality books.

Step 5: Pressing the Wires Down

Place the wire guide on the Cinch machine so the wires can cradle in easily for a smooth press.

Lift the book, wires and all off the edge of the Cinch and place the wire (with all pages loaded) into the wire-closing mechanism on the back of the machine.

Gently press the lever to close the wire.
Check alignment before pressing fully.

You want:

A clean circular shape
Ends that meet without overlapping
Don’t over-crimp. It’s better to go slowly and adjust.

Step 5: Pressing the Wires Down Place the wire guide on the Cinch machine so the wires can cradle in easily for a smooth press. Lift the book, wires and all off the edge of the Cinch and place the wire (with all pages loaded) into the wire-closing mechanism on the back of the machine. Gently press the lever to close the wire. Check alignment before pressing fully. You want: A clean circular shape Ends that meet without overlapping Don’t over-crimp. It’s better to go slowly and adjust.

Step 6: Flip the Notebook Cover Over

Now for the magic moment!

Flip the front cover over the top of the stack.

The wire seam should now be hidden behind the back cover, giving you beautifully bound results that look professionally made.

Give your notebook a flip-through. The pages should turn smoothly and lay comfortably.

Step 7: Decorating Your Notebook

Now comes my favorite part—making it adorable.

Here are some fun decorating ideas:

Washi Tape

Add strips of bright colors from top to bottom
Create borders along edges
Use thin metallic washi for subtle shimmer

Ephemera

Tuck ticket stubs or die cuts under layered paper
Add vintage labels
Build a focal collage cluster

Paper Pieces

Cut shapes with punches
Layer patterned paper frames
Add torn paper edges for texture

Gold Elements

Gold foil accents
Metallic cardstock die cuts
Gold splatter for an artsy vibe

Stamps

Background texture stamping
Title stamps like “Notes” or “Ideas”
Ink-blended stamped frames

Paper Crafting Supplies

Enamel dots
Stickers
Ribbon tabs
Fabric scraps
Clear overlays

You can go minimalist or fully layered and dimensional.

Decorated Cinch Bound notebook with washi tape and paper pieces secured with double sided mounting foam.

TYPES OF BINDING EDGES WITH THE UNIVERSAL CINCH:

1. Wire Binding (Twin Loop / Double Loop Wire)

This is the most common and polished option.

Also called:

Twin loop binding

Double-O wire binding

Why it’s great:

Clean, professional look
Pages lay flat
Durable and sturdy
Perfect for planners, journals, notebooks, and workbooks

This is ideal if you want polished, professional-quality books with crisp, secure bound results.

2. Plastic Coil Binding (Spiral Binding)

Also called:

Spiral binding

Coil binding

Why it’s great:

Super flexible
Pages fold completely back on themselves
Lightweight

Great for kids’ notebooks or thicker books

The Universal Cinch’s adjustable punching alignment makes it easy to prepare pages for inserting coil.

Wire bound notebook using the Universal Cinch Binding tool from We R Makers (We R memory keepers)

3. Ribbon or Twine Binding

Because the Universal Cinch uses slot-style punches, you can thread ribbon, twine, yarn, leather cord, or elastic through the punched holes.

Perfect for:

Junk journals
Mini albums
Gift booklets
Handmade keepsake books

This gives a softer, more decorative finish.

4. Book Rings

Metal book rings or binder rings can easily slide through the punched holes.

Benefits:

Pages can be added or removed
Industrial, modern look
Great for swatch books, sample books, or flash cards

Learn how to make wire bound notebooks using the Cinch binding tool.

5. Elastic Binding

You can thread elastic through the holes to create refillable notebooks or travel journal–style inserts.

This works especially well for smaller notebooks and art journals.

6. Custom Mixed Media Bindings

Because the Universal Cinch is adaptable, crafters often use it for creative alternatives like:

Chain binding
Decorative wire alternatives
Fabric strip binding
Leather thong binding
Decorative cord lacing

The slot punch gives you more creative freedom than many traditional binding tools that are locked into one pattern.

That's it!

The We R Makers Universal Cinch Binding Tool is a fantastic addition to any craft room. It combines the reliability of traditional binding tools with modern versatility and thoughtful features like the ruler guide and slot punch system.

It makes creating professional-quality books approachable and enjoyable. Whether you’re crafting journals for yourself, gifts for friends, or items to sell, it truly meets a wide range of bookmaking needs.

Most importantly—it’s accessible. Crafters of all skill levels can achieve clean, polished, beautifully bound results with minimal learning curve.

If you’ve been on the fence about adding a binding machine to your collection, this might be the one that opens up a whole new world of handmade paper projects.

Now excuse me while I go make five more notebooks. 😊