Hardback notebook and slipcase
During the workshop at York Bookbinding, I learnt how to make a casebound notebook using the coptic stitch method for the inners, also using the kettle stitch to secure the sewing. We also added a decorative headband, and used a combination of cloth and marbled paper for the cover. The Slipcase involved precision in glueing elements together to form a protective case for the book that is snug so that the book shan't fall out or get stuck in. Drying time was key in the process of each element, using weights and the press for their success.
The workshop
Bookbinding basics
We started by learning the basics of bookbinding first; a pamphlet stitch, or saddle stitch, book. Mike had printed inners with information about bookbinding as well as instructions on how to do what we did during the workshop. We folded the paper and coloured card for the cover using a bone folder then stitched the two together. A technique I learnt is when folding, you start by creasing at the edge first, not the middle. This prevents unwanted creases.
To stitch the book together, you put three holes in the crease, start in the middle, out to one hole, over to the farthest hole, then back in the middle hole. You have to make sure the string over the middle is between the two ends, so that you can trap it in the knot that you do at the end. You tighten the string by pulling in the direction inline with the direction you have last stitched. So the two ends will be pulled in opposition to each other.
 |
| Looking at the book terminology in my pamphlet notebook. Wearing a York Bookbinding apron. |
To make the hardback notebook, we started by folding the paper for the inners. We did 6 sections with 4 sheets, making it a 48 page book.
Learning more about York Bookbinding
While waiting for elements of books we were making to dry, Mike showed us things around the bindery that may be of interest to us. This included reparation and restoration, tooling irons, and some of their live projects.
 |
| The covers of a Bible they are repairing that is 500 years old. On the front is a royal crest, indicated by the royal crown. This means that it would have been in the royal library at one point. |
 |
| Gilding tool for type saying 'Bible' in gothic font |
 |
| Decorative gilding tool |
 |
| A fully repaired and restored book. The spine had broken off and come away, so the book has been rebound and a new spine made and attached onto the restored covers, then the old spine stuck on top. |
 |
| Demonstrating how a headband is made; it is sewn into the sections. This is different to a decorative headband, which is remade and simply stuck onto the spine of the book. |
