A pair to remember

3 hours, all materials included: $70

Practice makes perfect, especially when there’s much to remember. Learn all the steps involved in assembling a text block and sewing it in the traditional long stitch, plus preparing the spine for casing it in a hard cover. Then while it’s fresh and before you can forget, perfect your technique and do it all again. After completion text blocks will require about two hours for drying. Younger participants may require some adult assistance with measuring and punching.

No prerequisite.
Ages 9 to adult.
Wear comfortable shoes and work clothes.

Details

  • Sources for papers and supplies

  • Paper and bookbinding terminology

  • Finding and working with grain direction

  • Using a bone folder for creasing and tearing

  • Folding and gathering signatures

  • Making a punch pattern and punching with an awl

  • Using a book cradle

  • Measuring and lengthening linen thread

  • Adding linen tapes for strength

  • Correct needle threading and classic bookbinder’s knots and long stitch

  • Gluing and reinforcing spine assembly with mull and paper

  • Selecting and applying decorative endbands and ribbon bookmarkers