Bradel, Simplified, Even More Simplified Binding in person workshop, Chicago area.
May 14-18, 2026 | Five all-day, in-person sessions.
9:30 am-5:30 pm instruction, with open studio until 7:30 pm
Students will construct three binding models.
The Simplified Binding developed by Sün Evrard has an elegant, streamlined look. The book block is rounded only, not backed. A spine piece of thinned leather with a card stiffener is made off the book then attached. Boards are beveled at the inside spine edge to match the book’s natural shoulder and attached to the text block after being fully covered with decorative paper. Rolled endbands and leather hinges enhance the decor.
The German three-piece Bradel Binding differs from the Simplified in that the spine is both rounded and backed, and the boards are not shaped at the spine edge. The spine is covered with thinned leather over a stiffened paper “bonnet” that has already been attached to reinforced endsheets. Turn-ins are completed after board attachment to hide some aspects of the binding’s construction that the Simplified Binding leaves visible. Binders may choose sewn or rolled endbands.
Our third structure is inspired by a binding by Jen Lindsay. Still elegant but much leaner, the binding is stripped down to only the essential elements: boards glued onto the flange of a separate spine piece that the cords have been laced through. The leather spine wrapper is flush-cut at the head and tail, there are no endbands, uncovered boards made of laminated colored paper are attached and this attachment remains visible at the head and tail spine edge
In this workshop you will make three distinct binding structures, while comparing and contrasting the nuances of their construction. More importantly, you will be liberated from slavishly following the dictates of a named binding structure and in the future choose whatever features and techniques are right for the mechanics and aesthetics of your unique project.
This workshop requires a leather-paring knife and paring surface. Sewing frame and finishing press strongly recommended.
Note: This is a fast-paced, advanced-level workshop for students experienced with traditional binding. To complete the material in the time scheduled, it is essential that students should be proficient in constructing reinforced endsheets, marking up, sewing on a variety of supports, rounding, backing, measuring for and applying spine linings, and have some experience paring leather. Students should be making sewn books independently, outside a workshop setting. Some homework may be required between sessions.
Workshop fee includes all supplies and a detailed handout.
This is an in-person workshop. Details on travel, lodging, and working in the studio in FAQs
Please contact me if you are unsure if this workshop is the right fit for your current skills, or an appropriate stretch if you're ready for your next challenge.
Payment in full is due at time of registration. See FAQs for refund policy.
Bradel, Simplified, Even More Simplified Binding in person workshop, Chicago area.
May 14-18, 2026 | Five all-day, in-person sessions.
9:30 am-5:30 pm instruction, with open studio until 7:30 pm
Students will construct three binding models.
The Simplified Binding developed by Sün Evrard has an elegant, streamlined look. The book block is rounded only, not backed. A spine piece of thinned leather with a card stiffener is made off the book then attached. Boards are beveled at the inside spine edge to match the book’s natural shoulder and attached to the text block after being fully covered with decorative paper. Rolled endbands and leather hinges enhance the decor.
The German three-piece Bradel Binding differs from the Simplified in that the spine is both rounded and backed, and the boards are not shaped at the spine edge. The spine is covered with thinned leather over a stiffened paper “bonnet” that has already been attached to reinforced endsheets. Turn-ins are completed after board attachment to hide some aspects of the binding’s construction that the Simplified Binding leaves visible. Binders may choose sewn or rolled endbands.
Our third structure is inspired by a binding by Jen Lindsay. Still elegant but much leaner, the binding is stripped down to only the essential elements: boards glued onto the flange of a separate spine piece that the cords have been laced through. The leather spine wrapper is flush-cut at the head and tail, there are no endbands, uncovered boards made of laminated colored paper are attached and this attachment remains visible at the head and tail spine edge
In this workshop you will make three distinct binding structures, while comparing and contrasting the nuances of their construction. More importantly, you will be liberated from slavishly following the dictates of a named binding structure and in the future choose whatever features and techniques are right for the mechanics and aesthetics of your unique project.
This workshop requires a leather-paring knife and paring surface. Sewing frame and finishing press strongly recommended.
Note: This is a fast-paced, advanced-level workshop for students experienced with traditional binding. To complete the material in the time scheduled, it is essential that students should be proficient in constructing reinforced endsheets, marking up, sewing on a variety of supports, rounding, backing, measuring for and applying spine linings, and have some experience paring leather. Students should be making sewn books independently, outside a workshop setting. Some homework may be required between sessions.
Workshop fee includes all supplies and a detailed handout.
This is an in-person workshop. Details on travel, lodging, and working in the studio in FAQs
Please contact me if you are unsure if this workshop is the right fit for your current skills, or an appropriate stretch if you're ready for your next challenge.
Payment in full is due at time of registration. See FAQs for refund policy.
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