COPTIC STITCH : bookmaking

 

EXPOSED STITCHING gives these books instant curb appeal. You will find examples of Coptic stitch binding at your local bookstore or on a library shelf if you're in rare books and special collections room. Yet this binding style is popular today for good reasons. This workshop explores two variations: single-needle sewing along the spine and double-needle sewing across the spine.

When you finish this workshop and first open it, you will smile.

  • up to 6 people aged 12 and better

  • $150 each

  • minimum of 6 - 8 hours over 1 or 2 days

  • All materials and light snacks are included. Lunch is provided for the 1-day workshop

  • Completing this workshop gives you access to Workspace Rental and tools associated with bookmaking.

  • Check the current workshop calendar, or email us to request a date.

Wear comfortable shoes and work clothing. Please dress for the weather: we are not air-conditioned, and in winter, much of the heat rises to the top of our 20-foot ceiling. Bring questions, your camera, and a notebook to record your process.

What is Coptic sewing?

Several FORMS of this binding date back to the 4th Century and the Egyptian Christians known as Copts. The sewing is exposed on the book spine in a chain pattern of tear-drop-shaped links, making it visually appealing to bookmakers and book users.

Because these spines are unsupported (no added tapes, mull, glue or other materials), they are flexible, which allows the inside pages to lie open perfectly flat. Covers are made flush so the book block will not sag when it is stored upright on a shelf.

Good to know

BECAUSE THEY OPEN FLAT, Coptic format books are especially useful as albums, sketchbooks, and for recording recipes and assembly directions–anytime you need both hands free while keeping an eye on the page. Coptic stitch books are ideal as artists’ books combining experimental materials and perfect for one-of-a-kind, made-with-you-in-mind gift books, either blank or pre-filled with memorabilia.

This workshop allows you to rent workspace, helpful tools, and equipment for your bookmaking work. You'll need to supply your paper, book board, and binding materials. Click here for Workspace Rental options.

Since cover boards are built separately, they are often made of unusual materials like wood, metal, plastic, polymer clay, etc. The text pages can also be made of any combination of those same materials, as well as different colors, weights, and types of paper, and can include pages like envelopes.

Workshop content

  • Showcase of examples of single- and double-needle Coptic stitching

  • Discuss characteristics of the format, sewing materials, and station placement

  • Fold text pages and create a punching pattern

  • Prepare covers and drill or punch for binding

  • Measure thread and thread needle(s)

  • Hands-on stitching, adjustments to thread tension, and tying off at start & finish.