The term is also used to describe modern bindings sewn in the same style. Journals for no reason crochet scrapbooking junk journals. Headbanding is the process of strengthening the head of a book. I wanted to take a live class but couldnt find one locally, so i turned to the internet. Journal paper, decorative papers and other materials to bind 1 hardbound coptic binding book and the usage of bookbinding tools during the workshop. Early christians living in egypt are thought to be responsible for developing the coptic style of binding pages, by stitching their edges together and to front and back covers. Coptic book binding samples handstitched binding with the books spine exposed. Curved needles work very well when sewing a coptic stitch, while a straight needle works great on a long stitch. This first method is known as coptic stitch binding. Double needle coptic bound book with painted papers saturday, may 30 from 11.
There are two main reasons coptic binding is popular. It needs to be the same height as your book, but it only needs to be about 4 wide. Last year i learned the coptic book binding stitch. If youre lefthanded or have a southpaw who you hold close to your heart, you know. The cover is made out of recycled and handmade material. Morack studios 4needle coptic stitch book made with. It uses thread to sew folded pages together into a stack, and allows the book to open flat on every page. This introduction is an overview of examples of twoneedle coptic bound books and a description of this type of book. Nov 20, 2019 lots of handmade books made with a coptic bookbinding stitch here. Coptic binding with multiple needles sewing directions. Sewn with an ethiopian sewn boards method using four needles. Bring the needle to the left and run it behind the thread loop, with the needle tip facing right.
The coptic stitch is a nonadhesive, handsewn binding method introduced during the fourth century a. Quite simply the best, most perfect bookbinding needle i have ever used for medium sized books. For those a little unsure about what a the coptic stitch style actually is, well give you a little intro. In this workshop, students will learn to sew a 4 needle coptic binding. Doublethread your needle and tie a knot at the end. With this easy to follow coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial, binding your own book is easy and fun.
Bookbinding needles bookbinding tools 101 bookbinding. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet ibookbinding. There are three basic variations of the pamphlet stitch. As mentioned above, we prefer curved needles due to the grip and ease it provides. Pages are intaglio, reliefrolled intaglio and letterpress printed on somerset book heavyweight. In this 4 part book binding tutorial youll learn everything from making your book covers to punching holes and stitching the signatures. Create sketch books or journals for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials youtube.
Directions for sewing the coptic binding with multiple needles. The double needle coptic stitched book was the most challenging and rewarding book we made. Youd never believe how easy it is to create and bind your own book. The wood panel book is made from brazilian rosewood leaving the coptic binding visible. The traditional ethiopian coptic binding used four or six needles. If there are 8 stations holes then the book requires 4 seperate threads to complete the binding. The coptic stitch bookbinding method is another way to bind your book with a spine that opens up completely, so you can lay your book flat. Have you noticed how the sewing thread in my coptic bound books. Usually you would use something thinner like a teasing needle, but for this book the thread is relatively thick and must pass through each hole at least twice. Test needles of different lengths in order to find out the ideal length that you are comfortable with. You must have taken my introduction to artists books course first, or be an experienced book artist. The binding stitches form of chain from the folded edge of one signature to the next. Other than looking at the main shape of the needle, i also look at the end of the needle.
Various forms of this stitching technique have remained popular. In this technique, the cover and signature are sewn at once. Also known in english as knotless netting, knotless knitting, or single needle knitting, the technique is distinct from crochet in that it involves passing the full length of the. Decorative design techniques such as inset windows will also be covered. I love this project, and am looking forward to beginning the year with this for my students notebooks although with the kettle stitch this could be the toughest project of the year. Emphasis in this class will be placed on board preparation, drilling and channeling vgroove sewing holes, and multineedle sewing. Coptic bindings, the first true codices, are characterized by one or more sections of parchment, papyrus, or paper sewn. Sometimes its also called chain stitch in bookbinding, but more often its called coptic stitch binding. Gogo getaway coptic book binding with niki rowland duration. Different threads are used for different pairs of stations.
I usually measure the length of the book times the number of signatures, plus 2 more times for the covers. Well follow this method to create a blank coptic bound book. If the pages arent pressed well, they will press themselves overtime after youve sewn the book which creates a loose binding. Coptic stitch binding tutorial bookbinding tutorial. You can weight your signatures under heavy books to relax them if you want. Generally, a shorter needle is easier to maneuver during the sewing of the book signature, especially at the tight corners and bends. Then, cut a piece of binding tape thats about 2 inches longer than your book and lay it stickyside up on a flat surface. This allows the folds to be as compressed as possible which in turn allows the s. I was in a class on 2 needle coptic last saturday and someone brought this calculation. Online is a wonderful place to learn new skills, including bookbinding but it can be hard to sort through the different options and. The result is a stronger binding construction, and even the backbone can be prevented from damage. These books are hand bound with a 4 needle ethiopian coptic stitch.
I think its a great method for when you have book covers that. Coptic binding or coptic sewing comprises methods of bookbinding employed by early christians in egypt, the copts, and used from as early as the 2nd century ad to the 11th century. Coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to lay completely open when flat and at an angle. Next, line up the creased edge of your book with the center of the tape and press your book down into the tape. Coptic binding or coptic sewing comprises methods of bookbinding developed by early christians in egypt, the copts, used from as early as the 2nd century ad to the 11th century. I have bound thousands of books and tried many many types of needles, but these have the perfect balance of a strong shaft that can be used in place of an awl with a firm grip, small head to avoid making a large hole in the paper and a. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet.
You can make either book with either kind of needle, but we find it much easier using curved for coptic, which we find also allows for the binding to be tighter, and we find it less awkward to use straight needles on something like a. Calculating thread length for coptic stitch binding. Instructions on creating the coptic binding stitch. Come 10 minutes earlier to enjoy a cup of tea, browse through our sample books and explore our collection of books related to bookbinding and book arts. This is one version of a coptic binding, a book with an unsupported spine that opens completely flat. Ten tips for a tightly bound, solid coptic stitch book 1 press those pages use a bone folder to crease each page individually or each section really well. The simplest method of binding a single signature codex, or a book bound on one edge, is with a pamphlet stitch. Its great for sketchbooks, and larger display books. This little book is hand bound with a 4 needle ethiopian.
I sold this book early in my book binding days and i have always regretted it. Then press the text block at least overnight before you sew. To bind a book, start by folding your pages in half and stapling them together at the folded crease. Build a sturdy notebook with coptic book binding make. Bring the needle around and under the thread between the cover and the signature.
Coptic stitching is the most popular form of book binding. This style of book binding was used by the early egyptians and was one. Im a big fan of multineedle coptic binding, but you can apply all my tips. That being said, dont go too deep, but you want the holes big enough to be able to get the needle and thread through several times. Coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to.
Functionalitywise, coptic binding doesnt use any special glues and results in a book that can open flat. Coptic stitching is one of the easier forms of stitched bindings, making it a great way to start learning, and it is one of the most intriguing with an exposed spine and intricate, visible stitching pattern. We all used it and although a couple of people came pretty close to not having enough thread we did all make it without adding any thread. There are 4 basic features that we look at when selecting our bookbinding needles. Making bookbinding headbands tutorial ibookbinding. It also showcases a clear view of the spine and the colorful threads holding the signatures page groupings together. Bring the needle to the outside of the book cover, and poke the needle up through the pierced hole in the cover, to the right of the thread. Book crafts paper crafts types of binding bookbinding tutorial origami diy notebook cool books handmade books smash book. It made from weave cotton, good adhesive penetration for allowing glue to bind, while leaving the backbone of the book flexible. This is done by the sewing a cord onto the backbone behind the boards, which secures the signatures together more firmly. So, if youve ever wondered how to make a coptic stitch book using traditional bookbinding. Well begin by having fun and painting the paper for our book.