Coptic Stitch binding with hard cover method 1

[Crystal33Clarity]

Perfect instruction. could use a close up of the stitch for better visual but the instruction was clear enough. very helpful. thank you

[wemaysing]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! It was incredibly clear and straightforward.

[kscottfranklin]

Thanks for this really clear and simple demonstration. I'm hard at work on my first Coptic binding, and I couldn't have done it without your cool video!

[Janeliker]

thank you so much for this. I learnt various bindings on a course recently and loved coptic but could never get my head around how the teacher taught it - but your descriptions and the way you have shot it has made it very clear so well done! I now really want to make a lot more and maybe pass the technique on to friends, even those that are not so crafty or dextrous. Have you written a book?! You should do as your teaching method is a lot clearer than most of the books about binding I've read

[RebelliousOne12]

Thanks for posting this tutorial. I found the instructions really easy to understand.

[DaphLife]

OMG, I have created my first coptic stitched book thanks to this tutorial video. Thank you SO much. I am SO excited to have learned this method. I've been wanting to learn it for a long time.

[Spaceout626]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I've always found coptic stitch very confusing, but you make it very clear. :)

[ameera14]

can a coptic bond book have end sheets? and how? please help :)

[chutagalung]

thank you! I've finished my first coptic binding :) your tut is very easy to follow

[cheerbear7]

This is the first good video tut I have found on this, thank you so much. Reading this method with text and pictures only was just too overwhelming. :) Cannot wait to try this!

[janabeans]

Thank you! Thank you for posting this. I am making a really big book right now and without this tutorial I would be really lost. Thank you ! Such a great gift.

[kevinspower]

Really good video as with all the others you have posted, my only problem is the the end part with the cover where the stictch changes slightly becomes confusing because of the little jumps in footage. do you go through the top signature or the bottom (first) one?

[icekat83]

I suppose you could sew on a hard cover like this and then cover it in fabric or even leather to pull it all together. But I really wanted to find out how to do the cover with the hard spine....which I cannot find anywhere. :(

[Verycuteyeah]

Never again will I not be able to find the exact book I want

[7merel1]

I just finished my first coptic stitch binding by working along with you. ( With an occasional 'pause', and going back once or twice). Thanks for a great tutorial!

[lilith2381]

Muchas gracias por su tutorial de nuevo. La costura copta en tapa dura: ¡justo lo que estaba buscando! Gracias por su esfuerzo en divulgarlo y por este ejercicio de maestría. Un abrazo.

[afrojayjay]

I forgot how to do a step but this vid reminded me. Thanks.

[JohnL4ever]

Love coptic binding! Check out my books for inspiration melodiebooks(dot)com

[brownam06]

I am going to try this out in the morning I am glad you posted the video it clarified a few questions I had!

[Dougan317]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I'm gonna try it right away!

[kiwi73703]

I sure wish I looked at this before I completed my coptic binding. This tutorial was much easier. I use 2 threads with needles on the end of each thread. It got confusing. I finished it though - so thanks for this tutorial..

[jaescala]

@kiwi73703 Soon after I posted this video I learned more about the two needle method. A few students have made small size book with lots of signatures. The book's spine only have the two stitch chains. Using two needles is different but It has some interesting applications when you want to make a smaller format book. Thanks for the post. -Jim

[Noofsmissus]

@jaescala. Hi there Jim. Brilliant video! I feel all inspired now hehehehe. Jim I have been hunting around on the internet trying to find a demonstration or description of how to do a 'Smyth stitch' because most sites on here say it is the best stitch to use for books that will be used frequently, like text books, with the added benefit of allowing the book to be open flat. Do you know how to do it? Is the Smyth stitch the same as the Coptic stitch? Much appreciated :-)

[rohinisrs]

Dear Jim,

Thank you for this video, I am excited to make a book of my daughter's and her cousin's first little book that they wrote and illustrated together (they are six). :0)

It is very clear and empowering, and you sound very patient and kind. Besides boosting their self esteem, it will also be a great project to do together and start a conversation on the history of books and bookbinding. Thank you again!

[jaescala]

@rohinisrs Thanks for the kind words. My children are grown now. When my oldest was in first grade I volunteered to give a demo and help them make books. It was the first time I had ever shown children how to make books. We did a simple stitch, not the coptic. I was struck how quickly they learned how to sew books. As long as you are careful and can work with them, t is never to early to introduce them to sewing books! Enjoy it. - Jim

[kookiekaren]

Thanks so much for such a great demo! I'm on my third book. Can you tell me how to measure my thread, so that I will have the correct amount before I start binding? Also, should I run out of thread midway, how do I accurately attach another piece? Thanks so much for your help.

[sandraperdomo79]

great vid , you made it look sooo easy , thanks a lot

[maribelah]

Thank you so much! I was looking for something like this! Great!

[cheer6tv]

This was very helpful. When you're attaching the back cover, are you threading through the top or up from the bottom? I may be wrong but it seems that for the first two holes you come in through the top, but the next three you go in from the bottom. Also for the back cover, do you do the kettle (sp?) stitch before or after you thread through the cover? I did well until I got lost on the back cover! It seems like the video skips a few times and I can't figure out exactly what you're doing.

[pussycatbabe34]

Thanks a lot! Such a great and clear tuto, it came very helpful! and i could make without suffering too much my very first book tonight :D

[kileyspade]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I've made many books now and I learned entirely from watching this. Thanks so much!

[NeccoWecco]

Thank you! I've just made my first book!

I used the cardboard backing of an old sketchbook covered neatly with wallpaper for my covers, and bristol board paper for my pages. =) It's so cute.

[jenholmberg920]

Thank you! This was perfect. I'm on my 3rd book now. One of my own and one for each of the 2 kids. This was so easy to follow they're even doing most of it on their own!

[jaomanel]

wow man, thanks a lot

I've just made my first "handmade sketchbook"

=P

you are the man!

thank you

[crimsiris]

this was very helpful! actually, this was THE only helpful and easy-to-understand video that i found so far. i only wish that the table and your book cover weren't nearly the same color. it made the first bit (with the first stitch) hard to see, but i got it in the end :P thank you again~!

[scwheelock]

thank you so much for posting this video!

so helpful

[ameriablackie]

THANKYOU!

this was exactly what i was looking for!

[jaescala]

Gracias por su comentario. Espero anunciar más videos pronto.

[Onfire4him2008]

Yeah I love these kinds of bindings... I hate the way books are made now with glue and cheap plastic bindings

[lucivasc]

Thenk y ou from

sweden!

luciana

[graphicalera]

Thanks this helps out alot

[zenfields]

Thanks for creating and posting this--it's very well done and helpful.

[tacingran]

Thank You. Your video was clear and straightforward. I made my first book. I love it and I know I will be making more. Thank you again

[AutumnSunlight]

Really cool video... I learned a slightly different way to do this binding, but this was very helpful! Thanks for posting!

[nehasudini]

umm can you tell me what kind of papper you used and how many pages, and do you just make small holes in the papper? What kind of thread did you use? Sorry this is a lot to anwser.

Neha

[jaescala]

You can visit a recent post on my website to get a better understanding of binding thread. The link is in the more info under Jaescala above. Search for thread on my site. For paper I often suggest that you go to an art supply store and by a pad of sketching or drawing paper. It is a good source for early books. This demo used 4 sheet per folded section. you can use more if yo like. I make the holes with a shard awl once the sheets are folded. good luck - jim

[Lori94952]

Thank you for doing this video! I never thought I was going to get this ....but you made it happen!.

I have one question, on making the kettle stitch am i going under 2 sig's not encluding the one I'm working on OR encluding the one i'm working on?

thanks again

[jaescala]

The kettle stitch or catch up stitch requires that you go under the signature of folded section below the one that you are adding. Only one below. Meaning with each added section, you connect it to the section below. I hope that is clear. otherwise write back. Jim

[Lori94952]

Thanks! ONE under the one i'm working on, I got it! Please do more videos YOU so have what it takes to teach this!!

Are you a teacher in real life?

lori

[upheaval10]

great voice for videos and super demo..I would suggest that the knot at the beginning and end take place inside the folio for aesthetic reasons..

[jaescala]

Thanks for the suggestion upheaval, It is a good one. I need to make a second video to show a different version and I will try your suggestion! best, Jim

[Picmeo]

Excelent tutorial. I've been watching binding methods and this one is nice and easy.

[UselesswizarD]

Wonderful tut! Your voice is very clear and easy to understand and your directions are slow and patient. I hope you make more of these.

[kiensmf]

awesome tutorial. took me ages to find one like this, so thanks

[mariposawilke75]

Thank you! I started making Coptic bound books 3 months ago, using a book for directions. This is a very easy to follow video and I will recommend it to anyone I know that wants to learn.

[sachisachi]

I love this video! Its so helpful and very clear. But when you're working on the third signature, and you go to make the kettle stitch, do you stitch it between the first signature and the cover? Or between the second and first signatures?

Thanks so much for this video! <3

[jaescala]

Thanks Sachisachi. Always take the kettle stitch between the two signature below the one that you are working on. The third sews between the 1st and 2nd, the 4th sews between 2 and 3 and so on. Just wrap in between the two signatures just below the one you working on. Hope this helps. - Jim

[zanea001]

thanks for your amazingly easy to follow instructions. i did it in my first try. thanks again.

[AmpluexCompressa]

Excellent tutorial, strangely soothing voice.

[jakeorch]

Thanks so much! I made a book easily with the help of your video :)

[benjw13]

this video is great, thank you. I have a few questions if thats ok? What is the best type of thread to use? Also you have said to leave about 2cm from the top and bottom when doing the cover holes, but how much do you leave from the inside where the spine will be? thanks in advance. J

[snellingusuck]

this video sucks!! not recommended for schools, and langely middle school sucks,

[reverbphantom]

do you have any videos that give recommendations on how/where to put the holes in the covers?

[jaescala]

For small books, I tend to use 3 to 4 holes. I prefer to use five sewing holes and on larger books, I will use 7. Not sure why, but I prefer uneven numbers of holes. I usually allow about 3/4 inch (2cm) from the top and bottom of the book. Then I try to divide the space evenly between the top and bottom holes. Hope this helps, if not write back. Best - Jim

[reverbphantom]

helps a ton! any advice on how far from the edge to put each hole?

[reverbphantom]

your videos are FANTASTIC! Better than any book that I've been able to find!

[escoescalante]

Clearly Demonstrated and well done!

May I suggest possibly spicing up the audio... maybe if you sang a James Brown number too.

Regardless, the people want more!

[WeddingCalligrapher]

Thank you from me too - This started a great journey for me and I now love making books. I'm so pleased I found your video. :-)

[NoirOfVeins]

Thank you very much -- this helped me figure it out, finally.

[nmh73]

Jim: I, too, am thankful for you taking the time to post this video. It helped me get over the intimidation of binding the book I created the covers for months ago! My one complaint mirrors Elizabeth's comment, regarding the looseness between the final signature and the back cover. Any suggestions on tightening this up after you've finished stitching and cut the thread? Thanks!

[Stephanola]

I used this video (and a couple of other tutorials) yesterday. Now have 2 logbooks bound with this method. THANK YOU! I noticed on the 2nd cover you start needle down through top - first 2 holes - the rest you come up through the underside of the cover? Is this an error? Makes no difference? You make the kettle stitch movement look easier. Other tutorials seem to make an extra loop/ knot. You still seem to have the "chain" stitch on the binding. PRACTICE!

[jaescala]

Thanks for point out that I did not follow the same sequence on the last cover. I should have sewn al of the holes like I did on the first two.

RE: Kettle stitch. Everyone does this different. This is the way that is easiest for me. I do like the "chain" look the the sewing on the spine.

Good luck with your binding!

Jim

[jaescala]

It alternates. As you sew the length of the spine of the signature, you will exit at one end, make the kettle stitch and the enter the hole right above where you are working in the new signature and then the thread will travel up the fold of the new signature and eventually, it will exit at the other end and make a kettle stitch at the end of sewing the signature to the book. Repeat this with all signature. So you will do the kettle stitch at both ends each time.

[Rebecca0214]

Jim:  I am a calligrapher but new to the book arts. I am still uncertain where to make the kettle stitch. Could you please help? I do, sincerely, appreciate your help as I am so looking forward to making my first book!!

[jaescala]

Hello Rebecca0214.

The kettle stitch is threaded between the previous two signatures. Meaning you thread it just below the signature that you are adding. As you add signatures, simply thread the needle between the signature that is just below the one you are sewing. Let me know if this does not makes sense. best. - Jim Escalante

[Rebecca0214]

Ahhh...yes...got it!! Now here's another...sometimes you add the kettle from the right - and sometimes from the left. Does it make a difference? Many many thanks!

[Rebecca0214]

Jim: Two quick questions: what size thread do you usually use...18/3 or 30/3? Also, any good tips on where to purchase linen thread on the internet? Appreciate your sharing your wisdom and experience.

[elizabethfrances]

This is a great instructional video. For some reason I did not learn coptic binding when I took bookmaking in college. Since I saw this video last week I have made three books with this binding. I have a question about the last step, when I stitch the cover on it seems to have a lot of slack and be to loose. I am trying to make sure the stitches are tight as possible without creating a tear. Any suggestions for a loose cover ?

[angkmaurer]

This is amazing! Thanks for a great tutorial. My one question is this--for the kettle stitch, do you alway go between the back cover the first sig, or between the previous sigs that you are working on? I haven't made my mock up yet, but it seems that it might get bulky if you have multiple sigs. Is that true?

[jaescala]

Glad you liked it. As you add signatures, the kettle stitch is threaded between the previous two signatures. Meaning you thread it just below the signature that you are adding. I hope this makes sense. best. - Jim Escalante

[angkmaurer]

That was exactly what I was asking, thanks! And, wow, thanks too for the quick reply!

[swingchick]

Thanks so much for making and posting this video -- I managed to bind my first book within an hour! Looking forward to making more now!

[blooberrie108]

Thanks for posting this video. I hadn't done a Coptic binding in eight years and this really helped me remember how to do it. How do you keep the binding from being too loose while not tightening the stitches too much so that the pages rip? Practice practice practice?

[jaescala]

Go slow and look inside the signatures to make sure the sewing is tight and does not leave any slack. At the end of each signature I look inside and tighten any loose parts. Like you said, practice, practice practice. It is odd how quickly some people are able to learn to make it tight while it takes several trys for others. Good luck. - jim

[tamdy3]

That makes no sense!!

[jaescala]

Tamdy3-

I am happy to help if you have a specific question. Sewing on to hard boards is harder than sewing on folded sheets for covers. I have another video which may be easier to follow.

I am happy to help - Jim

[mommabear222]

You have made my day! I have been trying to master the coptic stitch using books for years. With your video =, I was able to create a sample book in 20 minutes. What a gift to journalers and teachers. I'm going to teach this to my writing students.

[mommabear222]

You did not mention the materials you use. Waxed floss? What weight and where do you find it? I have a store bought journal that has a much bulkier braid across the back. Could these be multiple kettle stitches, or just heavier floss?Thanks you!!!!!!! Excellent demo.

[purrplekatt]

I have numerous books on bookbinding, but I've never even attempting making one, because I have a hard time following diagrams. This video makes it so clear. Now I can make a journal out of anything I want. Thanks so much for posting this!

[Show621]

This was just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[ezmaclee]

After several grisly attempts I gave up. Now that I've seen your video I think I'll try again. Thanks. If you ever make a DVD let me know!

[mouseonthemetro]

with this method, will the finished book lie flat on its back once opened? or will the stitches give it some resistance?

[jaescala]

In my experience, the book will lie flat. That is something that I like about this binding.

[CreativeBillie]

Thanks for posting this video, it is easier to see the thread when it is a darker colour than the signatures. Please can you have contrasting colours between table and cover boards though as it was a littl hard to see what was going on when the cover matched the table ;)

Can I ask what weight of board you used for this cover? Would mountboard/bookboard be suitable for this technique or would that be too heavy.

Thanks

Billie