Variations on the Sewn Boards Binding workshop

This workshop is not currently scheduled, but it could be in the future. Please contact me if you are interested.

This workshop highlights the versatility of the Sewn Boards binding by presenting three variations on the classic quarter cloth structure.

Sewn Boards Binding: 1987 Prototype: This variation is based on Gary Frost’s first prototype for his Sewn Boards Binding. A quick and utilitarian notebook, the outer card folios are glued shut, the spine lined, and a breakaway spine wrapper is added while covering the book in sturdy bookcloth.

Sewn Boards Binding with Sewn-In Wrapper: Before sewing, a long strip of card is hinged around the one of the card folios that start and end the book. After sewing, the card strip is folded around the fore edge of the card folio it is hinged around, across the spine of the book, folded again at the fore edge of the second card folio, and rests inside that folio. The structure provides quick, low-adhesive protection for a text that cannot wait for a more formal binding. The wrapper can unfold as a wide panorama, presenting book arts possibilities.

Sewn Boards Binding with One-Piece Covering: This binding is covered in one piece of material, rather than the more standard quarter binding. The covering material can be book cloth or strong text-weight paper.

All three open flat, are perfect for edition work, and can be constructed quickly in a sparsely equipped home studio.

Note: This is a fast-paced, intermediate-level workshop. Students should be making sewn books independently, outside a workshop setting. Librarians, designers and similar book professionals with limited hands-on experience are also welcome.

Each of these structures can also be taught individually as single-session workshops. Please inquire.

The online format is a series of live tutorials via Zoom. The tutorials are recorded and the videos are available to registered students for 90 days. Students need not be present for the live sessions. Workshop fee includes supplies and a detailed handout, which are mailed to arrive in time for the first session. Zoom links will be sent the week before class, and a tool list no later than three weeks in advance. Please check your spam filter if you have not received these messages in this timeframe.

Students outside US and Canada please contact me to discuss options for supplies.

Payment in full is due at time of registration. See FAQs for refund policy.