A good book has a strong spine
One final design decision to make before I can begin binding – what color thread to use on the spine.
With thread selected, I can begin the sewing. For a Coptic binding you use this style of curved needles. It can feel like you’re working with fish hooks!
I begin by sewing the first signature onto the cover. Here you can see where I have sewn through those pre-punched holes.
With this style of binding one of the sets of holes is angled to come out on the edge of board. It always feels like it’s not going to work out, but somehow it does.
This is why you need the curved needles. Part of the binding process is taking the needle and swooping it behind the set of stitches on the signature below. This is what ends up creating the stacked chain look of the stitching along the spine.
Nearly done sewing in all the signatures. In theory, you could sew in an endless amount, but I tend to like around ten.
It’s important to keep your threads neat and organized as you go.
Attaching the back cover.
And just like that, your pile of papers and boards have suddenly become a book!
I always enjoy this style of binding project because it comes together so quickly once it gets going. There are a ton of instructional videos and guides online that can take you through the process in detail. The first time might be a little challenging, but once you’ve finished your first book you’ll be able to replicate it with ease. Why not give it a try!
