2 needle coptic binding books

I think this last one took me 3 days to sew it together. Sometimes its also called chain stitch in bookbinding, but more often its called coptic stitch binding. The thickness of the needle also suggests its durability. I usually measure the length of the book times the number of signatures, plus 2 more times for the covers. This introduction is an overview of examples of two needle coptic bound books and a description of this type of book. The only books to have widespread distribution are his eight booksonbooks. Manufactured from the finest grade steel, they are sold in a package of fiv. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet.

Coptic stitch binding tutorial bookbinding tutorial. The book above is currently available in my etsy shop. The binding stitches form of chain from the folded edge of one signature to. Dating from the second century, coptic bindings use a multiple loop stitch to bind page sections to a front and back cover. The coptic stitch method has been used since as early at the second century a. It works great for sketchbooks, photo albums and journals. We stock straight and curved bookbinding needles in two sizes. Oct 16, 2019 i recently created a couple of books with a french doors structure.

Coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to lay. This historical binding was developed during the second to third century in egypt. I found this link while researching for my grand tour altered book class. 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. And unlike the more common coptic binding that uses 1 needle and a continuous piece of thread, this paired needle version uses uses 2 needles and 1 piece of thread for each set of sewing stations. 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. In the first few weeks of school, we started with nonadhesive structures. Top 10 coptic stitch binding tutorials on the internet ibookbinding. These bindings have chain stitch sewing that laces through the board. 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 method of binding was first used to bind together leaves of papyrus in islamic egypt, and evolved alongside the everchanging book technologies, binding everything from parchment to vellum and paper books. Coptic binding with multiple needles sewing directions. Coptic binding or coptic sewing comprises methods of bookbinding developed by early christians in egypt, the copts, used from as early as the 2nd century ad to the 11th century.

Its time consuming, but definitely worth it in the long run. Looking for some rules of thumb for measuring out linen thread for coptic stitch binding. Coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial the easy way tortagialla. In this coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial, linda tieu takes you. The coptic binding makes a journal that opens flat for ease in use. This pack of curved needles by lineco includes three stainless steel needles that are 2. You can continuously stitch the whole book without changing. I decided to make a few books with my leather crafting. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the other end. The coptic binding allows the book to lay open flat making it very easy to write or draw in. This is a book with two spines and two covers that open in opposite directions like two doors and a single back cover.

Because it was made as a wedding gift, i wanted it to open flat the way a coptic opens, but because the bride and groom had both spent time in japan, i. Doubleneedle coptic journal with paste paper by claire maziarczyk. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials duration. Adapting the technique of interlacing threads in carpet making, a. Apr 19, 2017 buy unique handmade books and journals or learn how to make a book. Coptic bindings, the first true codices, are characterized by one or more sections of parchment, papyrus, or paper sewn through their folds. Dec 04, 2019 4 needle coptic binding signatures measuring 5 x 31 2 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 bookbinding tools set has different tools for your bookbinding, can be applied to handmade or diy books bookbinding while you want to make books or repair old books and other crafts. The stitching is a 2 needle ethiopian coptic stitch. Hilke kurzke, book artist, printmaker, writer, bookbinder. The ethiopian bookbinding technique is a chain stitch sewing that looks similar to the multi section coptic binding method. This would depend on the thickness of the thread you are using. With this easy to follow coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial, binding your own book is easy and fun. Southern charm part 1 the covers printable mini book coptic stitch duration.

This binding style is perfect for creating photo albums, guest books, sketchbooks, journals and notebooks. Single and double needle coptic stitch binding tutorials youtube. The 3 holes are the 3 sewing stations, 2 on the front cover and 1 in the edge of the spine. Still in use today, an advantage of journals sewn in the coptic style is that they lie completely flat when open. Theres no point in going to the trouble of sewing this stitch if youre just going to cover it up. Functionalitywise, coptic binding doesnt use any special glues and results in a book that can open flat. When buying an assorted set of needles, always make sure that there is more than 1 needle of every size. Jan 29, 20 coptic binding with multiple needles sewing directions.

Bring the needle to the left and run it behind the thread loop, with the needle tip facing right. Our curved needles are ideal for coptic binding and restoration. 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. This little book is hand bound with a 4 needle ethiopian.

If youre lefthanded or have a southpaw who you hold close to your heart, you know. Cut 6 of waxed linen thread, and thread the bookbinding needle. See more ideas about stitch book, book binding and stitch. Jan 03, 2017 this introduction is an overview of examples of two needle coptic bound books and a description of this type of book. See more ideas about book binding, book making and handmade books. Tracing the history of coptic bookbinding from early uses through modern applications can help illuminate its relation to. It also showcases a clear view of the spine and the colorful threads holding the signatures page groupings together. Jun 05, 2019 this is a coptic stitch book i made recently using one of the handmade rose papers from junes paper club. Bookbinding needles bookbinding tools 101 bookbinding. It also showcases a clear view of the spine and the colorful threads holding the. As one of the oldest known forms of the codex, it is fitting that we started with coptic style bindings. For both i used a coptic binding on the spines, but you could use a simple pamphlet stitch, an accordion.

Starting on the lefthand side of the signature, poke the needle into the first hole in the signature, from the inside going out. You will want to choose a needle that does not break easily. Mar 30, 2012 curved needles work very well when sewing a coptic stitch, while a straight needle works great on a long stitch. The coptic stitch book will open flat for maximum use of the pages. This method of sewing together paged documents was common practice through the eleventh century peterson, 41.

Mar 31, 2014 the double needle coptic stitched book was the most challenging and rewarding book we made. It made from weave cotton, good adhesive penetration for allowing glue to bind, while leaving the backbone of the book flexible. Coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to lay completely open when flat and at an angle. Coptic stitch journal project ideas blick art materials. Nov 03, 2016 coptic binding part 1 creating the cover the coptic stitch is a decorative stitch, so its something that you would do only for a book with an open spine. The thread goes along between the stations twice, hence it results a thicker spine. Have you noticed how the sewing thread in my coptic bound books.

This is one of the workshops i run on a regular basis. If the holes are too large, the thread can shift side to side more. Pull the thread through, leaving a 2 tail inside the folded pages. This will ensure that you have a backup available should your working needle break. Head to the end of the post for a detailed supply list with links and measurements. 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. A signature is a group of individual sheets, and in bookbinding we call individual sheets leaves. A station is one chain of threadknots that hold the pages together in a coptic stitch book. Instructions on creating the coptic binding stitch. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search.

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. The term is also used to describe modern bindings sewn in the same style. Use an awl that fits the size of the needle and thread you will use. Lineco binders needles have a length thats easy to handle and a slightly blunted point to reduce snags. The ethiopian coptic stitch dates back to the 4th century. For stepbystep instructions, please see the subsequent videos in this series. Lineco stainless steel curved needles for book binding and. Learning coptic binding has been on my crafty to do list for a while now. Create sketch books or journals for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones. If you are doubling the thread, double it before knotting.

In bookbinding methods like coptic stitching we will fold individual sheets of paper, group several together, and sew the groups together into signatures. These books typically had paired sewing stations, sewn using two needles for each pair of sewing stations. Oct 28, 2019 coptic binding is favored by many readers and hobbyists, as it allows a book to lay completely open when flat and at an angle. A 2needle coptic binding uses 2 needles and 1 thread for each pair of stations. The coptic stitch is a nonadhesive, handsewn binding method introduced during the fourth century a. Bring the needle to the outside of the book cover, and poke the needle up through the pierced hole in the cover, to the right of the thread.

In this project our book will contain 5 signatures with each signature containing 5 or 6 leaves. Sewing the pages together increases the durability of the book. Learn 2 different versions of the popular coptic stitch binding. However, working with 1 needle and 1 thread obviously has a. Its a beautiful book with an exposed spine in which you can see the sewing of the pages. The nicest looking bind for them thus far is the coptic stitch. Various forms of this stitching technique have remained popular for over 1,500 years and are still in use today. Different threads are used for different pairs of stations. An book in an asian design with a visible binding in two colors. 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. Jan 01, 2017 coptic stitch bookbinding part 2 sewing it all together duration. Because it was made as a wedding gift, i wanted it to open flat the way a coptic opens, but because the bride and groom had both spent time in japan, i wanted to style it as a japanese binding. Szirmai, the chain stitch binding dates from about the sixteenth century in ethiopia and eritrea. Youd never believe how easy it is to create and bind your own book.

Start by taking your first signature and from the inside, thread both needles one on either end of the thread through your holes. 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. In week two, participants will bind the painted cover into a book by learning the classic coptic stitch. The sewing is done through pairs of sewing stations with a. Diy coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial sea lemon youtube. For stronger coptic stitch binding, measure the yardage and then double it. This book is a coptic book made to look like a japanese stab binding. The only books to have widespread distribution are his eight books on books. Use the curve of this needle to create coptic stitches. Place the back cover on the worktable facedown with 1 paper signature on top of it, all holes lined up and facing you.

Coptic binding is a great introduction to aspiring bookbinders and anyone who is curious about handmade books. Cut several yards of perle cotton embroidery thread. Each thread travels backandforth between the 2 stations before climbing up across the spine. Coptic binding or coptic stitch can be done using many different sewing patterns. A 2needle coptic binding uses 2 needles and 1 thread for each pair of stations i. I think its a great method for when you have book covers that. Generally, i would prefer needles with a longer shank where you put the thread through for easy threading and a narrow butt the end of the needle to avoid the painful experience of having to pull the last bit of the needle through the book signature. Coptic binding part 1 creating the cover handmade books. Coptic stitching is the most popular form of book binding. Single sheet coptic stitch by linda newbown making tools, book making, book journal. Coptic bindings are seen as the first true codices in book history.

Introduction to coptic book binding with sue bjerke wet paint. Coptic binding tutorial bookbinding workshop singapore. Structure of the visual book, text in the book format, bookbinding for book artists and the five volumes of nonadhesive binding. 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. Caterpillar bookbinding stitch part 1 handmade books and.