Bookbinding 201: The Coptic

Originally used by the early Christians in Egypt (the Copts) some 2000 years ago, the coptic bound book is characterized by its strength and attractive chain-link stiches across the spine. Coptic bound books lay flat when opened, making them the ideal platform for journaling, sketching, and a variety of artist book concepts. Students will become familiar with bookbinding tools, materials, and terminology, as well as sewing skills that will allow the student to complete a coptic bound book from start to finish. This includes skills such as folding signatures, wrapping book board with decorative paper, and sewing multiple book block sections together. Bookbinding 201 workshops are great way for students with bookbinding experience to refresh or hone skills and a great taste of what bookbinding offers for beginning students. Students will need to provide one or two large sheets of decorative paper for the covers of their books.