September's Workshop

Double Needle Coptic Binding

with Dolores Guffey
Saturday, September 8, 12 noon. Materials Fee $1. RSVP Dolores.

Dolores' lovely Coptic Binding

Coptic binding refers to methods of bookbinding developed by early Christians, the Copts, in Egypt and used from as early as the 2nd century AD to the 11th century. The exposed spine highlights the sewing. There are two types of Coptic binding: single needle and double needle. We will be learning the double needle variation for this workshop. My philosophy in teaching workshops is to provide instruction and guidance for the creation of a prototype of the structure. With this model in hand you will be ready produce a beautiful end product at any time.

Materials to bring:
♦ 8 Signatures: please cut and fold signatures prior to the workshop:
16 pieces of 8 ½" x 11" text weight paper cut in half to 5 ½" x 8 ½"
Fold 4 sheets of 5 ½" x 8 ½" in half for a finished signature measuring
5 ½" x 4 ¼"
♦ 2 Cover Boards: 5-5/8" x 4-3/8" grain long (grain runs along the spine edge)
Note: you have the option of sewing on plain boards (mat board or illustration board) or, if you wish, you can cover your boards ahead of time. Please make sure that the grain of your decorative paper matches the grain of your boards. You will need to cover both sides of the boards and they should be done prior to the workshop and put under weights overnight.
♦ Piercing Cradle: if you have one, otherwise extra cradles will be available at the workshop.
♦ Thread: You can supply your own thread, or use what will be available at the workshop. Please see information about types of thread at the end of this article.

Supplies to bring:
♦ Cutting mat (or magazine on which to pierce signatures)
♦ Piercing tool (extras will be available to borrow if you don't have one)
♦ Bone folder
♦ Scissors
♦ Ruler
♦ Pencil & Eraser
♦ Bees wax (extra will be available to borrow)
♦ Desk lamp (optional) – there are outlets at each seat to plug in lamp for extra lighting at work station

Note on Needles: For this workshop, we will be using 4 needles per book, which will be provided as part of your workshop fee. They will be blunted, bent and ready to use. If you came to the July workshop, you received a needle box, please bring it with you to store these needles. If you weren't at July's meeting, boxes will be provided. Curved needles will also be available for you to try as an alternative to the bent needles.

Note on Thread: Because this is an exposed spine, colored thread shows off the binding to its advantage. I prefer DMC Cotton Perle #5, available in numerous colors both at JoAnns and Michaels (around $1.60/skein). You may purchase your own (to match or complement your covers) or use what I will be bringing. I suggest a lighter rather than a darker shade to best show off the Coptic stitch. You can also use 6-strand embroidery thread, carpet thread, buttonhole thread, or waxed linen.