DIY notepads...glueing?

Do you have to glue them? Could you not stitch them?

If you do want to glue them, gather the pages together and make a very neat block with them. Get two pieces of wood with straight edges and put one below and one above the block of pages. (The bottom piece could be bigger than the block, but the upper piece should be a strip as it is easier to manage. Exactly line the edges of the two pieces of wood and the edge of the block that is to be glued. Hold it carefully so it does not slip and put a clamp at each side, leaving the side to be glued exposed.

The adhesive of choice used to be cow gum, but that is no longer available I think. The alternative is Studio Gum or Rubber Adhesive. Paste this onto the exposed edge of the block then leave to dry for the recommended time and then a bit more. You might need to give a second coat. When it is dry remove the timber strips and you should have a neat, glued edge.