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