Handmade Books - Coptic Stitch - Saturday 25th October - 10am - 4pm

Coptic stitch is a beautiful style of binding with an exposed stitch on the spine that looks like chain stitch. The style of these books means that they open completely flat. Coptic style books are ideal as gifts or to keep for yourself as a sketchbook, diary or notebook.

During this workshop Janina will guide you through all the steps to make an A5 portrait book from scratch, using Coptic stitch to bind the book.

First will be preparation of the covers, cutting these from greyboard, and covering with decorative paper, and then allowing these to dry.

Next we prepare the inside pages by folding and nesting the pages to make ‘signatures’.

We will then make holes in the covers and the papers for sewing and will finally sew all the pages and cover together using Coptic stitch.

If you are not familiar with this style of book, here is a link to a Pinterest page which shows examples of different Coptic stitch books made by Janina, to give you some ideas of the possibilities.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janinamaher/workshops-jm-coptic-stitch-bookbinding/

What do I need to bring?

• Cutting tools: Large cutting mat, sharp cutting knife or craft knife (not a scalpel, as this is too delicate), metal ruler, scissors

• Sharp pencil

• Blunt ended sewing needle with large eye (eg tapestry needle size 20)

Optional tools if you have them, or can be borrowed on the day

• Bone folder (for creasing paper)
• T square ruler (for getting accurate 90 degree corners)
• Small sharp awl or braddle (for making holes in paper and card)
• For gluing either a small foam roller and tray, or a stencil (flat ended) brush

Terms & Conditions - The fee for the workshop is payable when booking. If you need to cancel your booking, we are unable to offer a refund. You may however be able to nominate someone else to attend the workshop in your place. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to sickness or insufficient places sold.  If we have to cancel you will be refunded the full amount paid or given the option to transfer your booking to another workshop.