Long Stitch Binding at Home
Course Code: 25FBB203V
This virtual workshop takes place on Wednesdays, November 12th – 19th from 6PM to 8PM ET.
- Wednesday, November 12th, 6PM to 8PM ET
- Wednesday, November 19th, 6PM to 8PM ET
Registration for this workshop closes on October 29th, at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
About the Workshop
In this two-session virtual workshop with CBA instructor Scott McCarney, participants will learn how to create a book using the long stitch binding technique two different ways. This binding technique is versatile and can be applied to multiple materials, making it an excellent option for any book project.
Long stitch bindings are non-adhesive and require no paste or glue. They are relatively easy and quick to sew, adaptable to small edition binding. The finished books can lay flat, making them suitable for sketchbooks and journals. The sewing technique is centuries-old, originating in medieval Germany, and historically can be found on limp parchment bindings (though we will be sewing sections onto reinforced paper covers).
On the first session, we will learn how to tailor a reinforced paper cover to a stack of folded sections, prepare sewing stations in the cover and sections, and sew a basic long stitch that creates an alternating pattern of thread along the spine. The second session we will learn a variation on the basic long stitch where the threads are parallel across the spine. Some exterior sewn thread reinforcements will be introduced that reinforce the spine and can be quite decorative.
Required Materials
Some supplies have measurements beside them, please have these items measured and cut prior to the workshop to ensure you will have time to complete the entire project.
- Text weight paper (48 sheets of 8.5 x 11 inch copy paper)
- Cover weight paper (2 pieces, 5.5 inches x 12 to 14 inches; 2 pieces, 5.5 x 9 inches)
Tools:
- Paper awl
- Paper knife (a table knife will work)
- Bonefolder
- X-acto or matt knife
- Straightedge
- Cutting mat
- Needles and thread
- Scissors
- square
- Glue stick
About the Instructor
Scott McCarney is an artist, designer, and educator based in Rochester, New York. His primary art practice has been in book form since 1980 and spans many media, from offset and digital printing to sculptural and site-specific installation. His bookworks can be found in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; and Yale University Art Gallery, among others. His work is shown internationally (Sao Paulo, Brazil; Melbourne, Australia; Baku, Azerbaijan) as well as closer to home (Hallwalls, Buffalo NY; Everson Museum, Syracuse NY; Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester NY). His teaching and lecturing itinerary is varied and eclectic, carrying the banner of artist’s books to Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Mexico, and South America. He recently concluded 16 years of teaching in the College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology.
All images courtesy of the instructor.