The binding stitches form of chain from the folded edge of one signature to the next. Before stitching, you will need to punch holes in the covers and signatures of your book. The coptic stitch is a decorative stitch, so its something that you would do only for a book with an open spine. Still, i think stability is crucial, and im happy to spend that extra time to create a more durable book. I was not able to find good instructions on making a two color coptic stitch, so i decided to make my own. One of the benefits of coptic binding is that its not as hard as i thought it was.
However, she did say her paper was 140lb which is the same weight as the watercolor paper i. The thread travels along the spine backandforth and is continuous. Last year i learned the coptic book binding stitch. Watch our quick thread waxing demonstration here 2. As one of the oldest known forms of the codex, it is fitting that we started with coptic style bindings. Id only use two sewing stations if the book is max 3 inches tall. Journal paper, decorative papers and other materials to bind 1 hardbound coptic binding book and the usage of bookbinding tools during the workshop. Today, the skill of medieval book binding is carried on by hobbyists and highend book producers. Coptic binding is a great introduction to aspiring bookbinders and anyone who is curious about handmade books. Well begin by having fun and painting the paper for our book, using different mark. Dec 04, 2019 4 needle coptic binding book 4 needle coptic binding signatures measuring 5 x 312 inches i actually finished this levelup coptic binding book last weekend but have been almost literally sitting on it, having had it under heavy books trying to get it to behave. What i really like about the coptic binding stitch is that you can use this bookbinding technique for almost anything that is fairly stiff for your covers. Create sketch books or journals for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones. In this online class we will learn the techniques and process of making a oneofakind handmade coptic stitch notebook.
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 longstitch. It has the appearance of a chain stitch once its finished. You will need a clean, flat surface to work on like a desk or the kitchen table. Coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial the easy way tortagialla. Jul 28, 2015 in this weekend project, well be making a tough travelers notebook using the coptic binding method. Aug 04, 2016 unless you go really extreme, that is. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet.
This is the second book binding i have purchased from amazon. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials youtube. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials. Okay, so i welcome you to yet another instructable. Coptic binding or coptic stitch can be done using many different sewing patterns. Please wash your hands and practise social distancing. We will start the sewing process from the middle hole in this saddle stitch bookbinding tutorial.
Starting off with too much can result in loops and tangles too. Check out our resources for adapting to these times. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials duration. The double needle coptic stitched book was the most challenging and rewarding book we made. Sometimes its also called chain stitch in bookbinding, but more often its called coptic stitch binding. With this easy to follow coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial, binding your own book is easy and fun. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Sewing the pages together increases the durability of the book. Apr 19, 2017 watch part 1 creating the cover here coptic stitch part 2. The fact that it includes two actual bone bone folders is a huge factor to why this kit surpasses the others.
It also showcases a clear view of the spine and the colorful threads holding the. Aug 16, 2010 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. The wood panel book is made from brazilian rosewood leaving the coptic binding visible. Coptic stitch binding tutorial bookbinding tutorial the.
Choose your coverspostcards sets of two glued back to back, old book covers, heavy card stockand punch holes with an awl purchased at hardware stores for about eight dollars about a quarter inch from the left edge. But for this version, the teacher was using handmade paper which i dont have, and wrapping each signature in two different colors of it to add interest. 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. In the late middle ages, books were expensive and relatively rare, and binding was the responsibility of the bookseller.
Eventbrite twiggs gallery presents double needle coptic bound book with painted papers two days saturday, october 26, 2019 at twiggs gallery, boscawen, nh. A coptic stitch style binding also often referred to as a chain stitch binding is one that doesnt use any glues and where the signature stitchings are generally exposed or left completely open thus allowing flexibility without sacrificing strength. The coptic stitch is a nonadhesive, handsewn binding. Build a sturdy notebook with coptic book binding make.
Ten tips for a tightly bound, solid coptic stitch book. Continue to pull this thread through until you have two pieces of equal length, making your needle doublethreaded. The curve allows you to hook around as you are sewing. Coptic stitch journal project ideas blick art materials. Szirmai, the chain stitch binding dates from about the sixteenth century in ethiopia and eritrea. I wanted to take a live class but couldnt find one locally, so i turned to the internet. The beginning of this article includes basic instructions for making a hole template and preparing the covers and signatures for binding. Another cool aspect of this binding is that it allows the book to lie open completely flat, something thats good if you need to use it for reference like a notebook or a cookbook. Bind them together and create a book you and your family can cherish for years to come. If glue is seeping out of the corners, lay a scrap piece of newsprint over it when you use. There are two main reasons coptic binding is popular. Coptic bindings, the first true codices, are characterized by one or more sections of.
These books typically had paired sewing stations, sewn using two needles for each pair of sewing stations so if there are 2 holes, use 2 needlesor 6 holes, 6 needles etc. Oct 16, 2019 i recently created a couple of books with a french doors structure. Coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to lay completely open when flat and at an angle. Use a bookbinding needle or an awl to punch a hole at each mark.
Directions for sewing the coptic binding with multiple needles. You can fill a sock with beans, rice, or beanbag filler. Introduction to coptic book binding with sue bjerke wet. A single needle coptic binding uses 1 needle and 1 thread for the entire book. That thing you saw that time but you cant remember what its. When using the coptic binding method to bind your book, you may use as many holes as you like for stitching. So far it is way better than any other that i have seen or used. I used a single needle to sew the coptic stitch through 9 sewing stations, and i added a wrapper to each signature from using junes dill paper. Two color coptic stitch edge decoration clear tutorial i was not able to find good instructions on making a two color coptic stitch, so i decided to make my own. Sewing a multineedle coptic binding can be a frustration if you find youre running out of thread. I will post more pictures of this 1needle coptic tomorrow.
Calculating thread length for coptic stitch binding. A perfect method for a sketchbook because the open book lies flat. Now with your thread on the outside of the signature, thread down through the hole of your outside cover, and then back into the hole you just came out of. In this weekend project, well be making a tough travelers notebook using the coptic binding method. In this class, we will talk about history, the painting style and paint a design on 4x6 wooden book cover. To bind a book, start by folding your pages in half and stapling them together at the folded crease. Double needle coptic stitch requires passing through each hole in the spine twice with a. I wrote this in my notebook with no reference as to where i saw it. The sewing is done through pairs of sewing stations with a. In week two, participants will bind the painted cover into a book by learning the classic coptic stitch. Create a stunning combination coptic longstitch archival book by erica munoz 15 feb 20. Have you noticed how the sewing thread in my coptic bound books.
Jan 25, 2007 sewing a multi needle coptic binding can be a frustration if you find youre running out of thread. Create a stunning combination coptic longstitch archival book. Start by taking your first signature and from the inside, thread both needles one on either end of the thread. Introduction to coptic book binding with sue bjerke wet paint. I think its a great method for when you have book covers that.
In the first few weeks of school, we started with nonadhesive structures. At this point you will have created the covers for your book. The term is also used to describe modern bindings sewn in the same style. For both i used a coptic binding on the spines, but you could use a simple pamphlet stitch, an accordion. 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. You can create a blank book first and later fill it in. 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. All you need is paper, needle, and thread for a great book. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet ibookbinding.
Coptic book binding samples handstitched binding with the book s spine exposed. 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. The coptic binding makes a journal that opens flat for ease in use. Theres no point in going to the trouble of sewing this stitch if youre just going to cover it up. So, if youve ever wondered how to make a coptic stitch book using traditional bookbinding techniques then. It is streamlined and still has all the essentials for beginning book binding. If you already have your holes punched, go directly to the coptic stitch tutorial. Glue the two remaining flaps of book cloth to the book board. Sadly, with multi needle coptic binding doubling the number of sewing stations also means the time spent on sewing doubles. Double needle coptic bound book with painted papers saturday, may 30 from 11. Different threads are used for different pairs of stations. This stitch can be used to make edge decoratons for selfbound books. It makes no difference whether its an even or odd number of holes for this binding. Coptic binding part 2 sewing it all together handmade.
I present to you a delicacy of coptic stitch binding encased in a beautiful wave pattern. Each thread travels backandforth between the 2 stations before climbing up across the spine. Align the front cover with a signature and pass the needle from the inside of the first hole in the signature. Apr 12, 2019 to bind a book, start by folding your pages in half and stapling them together at the folded crease. Make sure your paper, book cloth and book board are acidfree if you want your book to be archival. Coptic stitch binding tutorial bookbinding tutorial.
Dont miss our video demonstration of how to coptic bind a chapbook. Coptic stitch book binding on a humongous scale demonstration by using giant book with extra. I have a formula for calculating how much thread you need. I typically punch holes on a selfhealing cutting mat, but an old wooden cutting board will serve as well. This style of book binding was used by the early egyptians and was one of the earliest commonly used styles of book binding. Saddle stitch bookbinding tutorial bookbinding workshop. Sep 07, 2014 ok, so the title might be a little misleading weve actually crammed in 18 of the best coptic stitch also known as the chain stitch or coptic sewing book binding instructions and tutorials we could find on the web, along with a collection of video tutorials and many copticstitch related resources pdfs, stitching patterns, photo. Coptic binding with multiple needles sewing directions. This is a book with two spines and two covers that open in opposite directions like two doors and a single back cover.
A 2needle coptic binding uses 2 needles and 1 thread for each pair of. 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 unique binding method is one of the oldest in human history, dating back as early as the second century, and allows the book to lay flat when opened to any page. 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. The next step is to create the signatures and then sew it all together. Ok, so the title might be a little misleading weve actually crammed in 18 of the best coptic stitch also known as the chain stitch or coptic sewing book binding instructions and tutorials we could find on the web, along with a collection of video tutorials and many copticstitch related resources pdfs, stitching patterns, photo. See more ideas about book binding, handmade books and book making. This is one version of a coptic binding, a book with an unsupported. Coptic binding part 1 creating the cover handmade books. These bindings have chain stitch sewing that laces through the board. Originally the coptic binding process was used by early christians in egypt the copts some 2000 years ago and hence its name. Ethiopiancoptic bindings work of the hand by henry hebert. The sewing is done through pairs of sewing stations with a needle. This introduction is an overview of examples of twoneedle coptic bound books and a description of this type of book.
The course will cover the nittygritty details of taking raw materials and forming them into a functional book, as well. A 2needle coptic binding uses 2 needles and 1 thread for each pair of stations i. Start by taking your first signature and from the inside, thread both needles one on either end of the thread through your holes. Gogo getaway coptic book binding with niki rowland duration. Next, line up the creased edge of your book with the center of the tape and press your book down into the tape. This is a coptic stitch book i made recently using one of the handmade rose papers from junes paper club. Wax the thread by holding it against the bees wax and pulling the tread across. Coptic stitching is the most popular form of book binding. The coptic binding stitch is a classic and popular method for binding a handmade book. Nov 03, 2016 coptic binding part 1 creating the cover.
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