Coptic book binding is one of the oldest techniques, and great for beginners. Pages are hand stitched together using chain-stitch to create an attractive exposed spine.
Coptic binding is a unique form of bookmaking where folded sheets of paper, called signatures, are sewn together in a chain-like pattern. This technique creates books with open spines and pages that stay flat when you open them. This makes it perfect for journals, sketchbooks, and other books where you want to see the entire two pages side by side without a crease. It’s often used for smaller books due to the nature of the stitch and because it is usually done by hand. Coptic binding adds a beautiful, handmade quality to a book.
Because the Coptic stitch is decorative, you would only do it for a book with an open spine. There’s no point in going to the trouble of sewing this chain stitch if you’re just going to cover it up.
Coptic book binding is named after the Coptic Christians in Egypt who first used this method in the 2nd century to bind papyrus sheets together. Books were bound in this way right up until around the 11th century when a more robust method was developed. The overall design is still in use today because the binding is strong in spite of the exposed spine.
Concertina books are perfect for those who are looking for a format that encourages a continuous flow of work.
Concertina books, also known as accordion sketchbooks or fold-out journals are expandable books that are a joy to use, and hold so much creative potential. The sheets fold out in a concertina format and are connected along one long edge. Each page is two sheets of heavy art paper joined together for extra stability. These little sketchbooks are perfect for weaving together images, words, and movement across the page.
PARTIES & WORKSHOPS
If you would like to host a Coptic Book Binding or a Concertina Book making party for yourself and your friends, please do get in touch. All materials are provided and the cost is £100 for up to 5 people and £20 per person thereafter. Workshops are 2.5 - 3 hours long.
“ I attended a book binding workshop Paulette hosted and had a brilliant time. She gave everyone attention and didn’t make you feel silly if you couldn’t follow along, instead she was patient and went over everything slowly and with her style of teaching it was easy to catch up. I loved doing the course and came away with a gorgeous handstitched book.”
Ivana Doniselli
“Paulette came to my home to run a concertina art book workshop for myself and my friends. We each made several lovely folding books, had a lot of fun and learnt new skills that we could continue to build on by ourselves. Paulette is a very talented and inspirational teacher. I can’t wait for the next workshop! ”
Lisa Bridge, Rainbow Shaman