Lesson 1Quality criteria for durability and open-flat performance (swell, flexibility, longevity)Learn what makes a hand-sewn book strong and easy to open flat by studying swell, joint flexibility, spine rounding, and material ageing, and set clear quality standards for your workshop and client projects.
Defining durability and service life targetsSwell control in sewing and roundingJoint flexibility and board hinge behaviorSpine shape, backing, and opening angleTesting books for strain and early failureLesson 2Thread types, weights, and sewing structures: kettle stitch, long-stitch, multi-section sewingStudy thread fibres, sizes, and waxing, then explore main sewing methods—kettle stitch, link stitch, long-stitch, and multi-section sewing—and their effects on swell, flexibility, and repair possibilities in hand bindings.
Linen, cotton, and synthetic thread optionsThread sizing, strength, and waxing methodsKettle stitch and link stitch fundamentalsLong-stitch and exposed sewing variantsManaging swell in multi-section sewingLesson 3Endpapers, pastedowns, and flyleaves: function and material choicesUnderstand the role of endpapers, pastedowns, and flyleaves in structure and looks, how they safeguard the text block, manage opening, and provide design choices, plus selecting and readying apt materials for each part.
Functional roles in support and protectionSingle, double, and made endpaper constructionsMaterial choices: text, decorative, and clothGrain direction and folding of endpaper unitsTipping, pasting, and hinging techniquesLesson 4Paper types and grain direction: choices for 200-page sewn booksSee how paper weight, texture, and grain direction impact folding, sewing, swell, and openness in a 200-page sewn book, with tips on checking grain and picking paper for purpose and binding type.
Identifying grain direction by touch and curl testsChoosing paper weight and bulk for 200-page textsSurface, sizing, and opacity for print and illustrationManaging paper swell and compensation guardsMatching paper to binding style and end useLesson 5Mull, crash cloth, and spine liners: purpose, materials, and placementLook at mull, crash cloth, and spine liners as vital supports that spread stress between text block and boards, with advice on fibre types, weave, glues, grain, and exact placement for sturdy yet flexible spines.
Comparing mull, crash, and paper liningsSelecting weave, weight, and fiber contentAdhesive choice and application thicknessLiner width, position, and shoulder coverageLayering multiple linings for heavy booksLesson 6Types of sewing supports and stations: tapes, cords, and raised vs. recessed cordsCheck out sewing supports and station setups, including tapes, cords, and recessed versus raised supports, and how these affect strength, spine shape, and the look of the final binding.
Planning sewing stations and spacingFlat tapes versus round cords in sewingRaised versus recessed support aestheticsLacing-on and board attachment methodsSupport choices for heavy or tall booksLesson 7Anatomy of a book: sections, spine, endpapers, headbands, boards, endleavesUnderstand the parts of a sewn hardback: sections, spine, joints, endpapers, headbands, boards, and endleaves. See how each connects structurally, the terms used, and how choices impact handling.
Sections, signatures, and text block formationSpine, shoulders, and joint definitionsEndpapers, endleaves, and their interfacesBoards, squares, and fore-edge alignmentHeadbands, tailbands, and caps overviewLesson 8Boards, board thicknesses, and edge treatment for hardback constructionStudy board materials, thickness choices, and edge finishes that shape stiffness, safety, and style in hardback making, noting grain, warp prevention, and fit with covering materials.
Comparing binder’s board and other substratesChoosing board thickness for 200-page booksBoard grain direction and warp preventionCutting boards, squares, and shoulder fitBeveling and shaping board edgesLesson 9History and styles of hand binding relevant to luxury gift booksReview main historical and regional hand-binding styles that shape today's luxury gift books, highlighting structure, usual materials, and decoration norms adaptable for modern work.
Overview of medieval and early modern bindingsFrench, German, and English style contrastsFine trade bindings of the nineteenth centuryArts and Crafts and private press influencesAdapting historic models for gift editionsLesson 10Adhesives and their properties: animal glue, PVA, wheat paste—where and when to use eachCompare animal glue, PVA, and wheat paste for stickiness, bendiness, reversibility, and ageing. Know where each works best in traditional binding steps and how to mix, store, and use safely.
Key adhesive properties and terminologyPreparing and using hot animal glueMixing and modifying PVA for bindingsCooking and thinning wheat starch pasteChoosing adhesives for each binding step
