Coptic binding is a traditional bookbinding technique dating back to ancient Egypt, characterized by its exposed spine and the use of single sheets of paper or parchment sewn together with a distinctive Coptic stitch. Unlike modern bound books with folded signatures, Coptic binding employs individual sheets stacked and sewn in pairs, creating a chain-like pattern along the spine. This method enables the resulting books to open flat while displaying the elegant stitching along the spine. Coptic-bound books often feature a variety of cover materials and decorative elements, making them popular among artisans and book artists for their historical significance, aesthetic charm, and functional design, allowing for both functionality and artistic expression.
Bookbinding Terms:
Coptic Stitch: A distinctive sewing method used in Coptic binding, characterized by a series of chain-like stitches along the book's spine.
Signatures: In bookbinding, signatures are groups of folded sheets of paper that are sewn together.
Stations: Stations refer to the evenly spaced holes or positions along the folded edge of each sheet where the needle and thread pass through during the Coptic binding process.
Book Board: Book board/Binder Board/Davey Board/Chip Board is a stiff and durable material used to create the covers of a book. It provides support and protection to the bound pages.
Bone Folder: A bone folder is a tool often made from bone or plastic that bookbinders use to crease and smooth paper, fold sheets, and manipulate materials during the binding process.
Spine: The spine of a book is the part that runs along the edge where all the pages are attached. In Coptic binding, the spine remains exposed, showcasing the distinctive stitching.
Endpapers: Endpapers are sheets of paper that are glued to the inside covers of a book. They serve to attach the bound pages to the covers and protect the book's structure.
Head and Tail: These terms refer to the top (head) and bottom (tail) edges of the book when it is oriented for reading.
Thread: The material used for sewing the sheets together in Coptic binding. Thread should be durable and flexible to withstand the book's opening and closing. We will be using Waxed Linen Thread!
Awl: An awl is a pointed tool used to create holes in the paper or other materials for sewing during the binding process.
Cover Paper: Decorative or protective paper used to wrap the book board and create the cover of the book.
Let's Get Started Making A Book!
Part 1: Make a Cover
Part 2: Materials Prep
Part 3: Binding
Other Tutorials:
The Spruce Crafts Tutorial
(with pictures)
wikiHow Tutorial
(with pictures)
HOW TO THREAD A NEEDLE
Examples:
Hannah Rowland
