Sewing

Now I was ready to begin sewing. The first day, June 21, 2002, was daunting, but by the second day my fears faded. I used the traditional sewing method that has existed for about 1,000 years, so perhaps that thing called instinct ignited within me. It really is a relaxing task to sew quires onto cords (five in this case), plus I had the advantage of ambidexterity as well as patience.

Because sewing is complex to describe, I will extensively quote the process from Joseph W. Zaehnsdorf, one of the greatest craft-binders:

The "sewing press" consists of a bed, two screws, and a beam or cross bar, round which are fastened five or more cords, called lay cords. Five pieces of cord cut from the ball, in length, about four times the thickness of the book, are fastened to the lay cords by slip knots; the other ends being fastened to small pieces of metal called keys are then passed through the slot in the bed of the "press," and the beam screwed up rather tightly; but loose enough to move freely backwards or forwards. .... The first sheet is now to be laid against the bands, and the needle introduced through the kettle-stitch hole on the right of the book, which is the head.

The left hand being within the centre of the sheet, the needle is taken with it, and thrust out on the left of the mark made for the first band; the needle being taken with the right hand, is introduced on the right of the same band, thus making a complete circle round the band. This is repeated with each band in succession, and the needle is brought out of the kettle-stitch hole on the left or tail of the sheet. A new sheet is now placed on the top, and treated in a similar way, by introducing the needle at the left end or tail; and when taken out at the right end or top, the thread must be fastened by a knot to the end, hanging from the first sheet, which is left long enough for the purpose. A third sheet having been sewn in like manner, the needle brought out at the kettle-stitch, must be thrust between the two sheets first sewn, and drawn round the thread, thus fastening each sheet to its neighbour by a kind of chain stitch (Zaehnsdorf 20-22). ¹

After sewing about three quires the bookbinder's thread must be replenished using neat knots at the kettle-stitch area. Also, when new thread is introduced it is pulled through wax until flakes can be seen on the thread. It is important that the sewing be as tight as the string of say a guitar, as well as neat and even. The cords should be as straight as possible because they will be evident under the leather spine. I finished sewing the textblock on June 28, 2002, after over 20 combined hours of sewing.

For my first attempt at sewing, I feel I did well. The alignment of my kettle stitches could use improving and my two outer cords (especially the one on the far right) are a bit bowlegged. But, overall my lines are neat and tight.

Proceed to Attaching the Boards