25 January 2025 - Kathy Abbott: Stub Binding

In bookbinding, a stub is a narrow, folded piece of paper to which book sections can be sewn, rather than sewing the sections directly to one another. While not necessary or desirable for all books, they are an excellent solution for a variety of problems. Stub bindings are the perfect solution to binding books which are printed in the wrong grain direction, books with overly thick sections, or books with illustrations that cross the gutter. The stubs allow each section to open freely and perfectly flat, also ensuring that no adhesive touches the actual book-block. Once you learn how to prepare and make stubs, you can choose to bind your book in any way you please: fine binding, case binding, artists books; the choice is yours!

This workshop will focus on the process of planning, making, and the sewing of standard stubs. You will complete the course with an understanding of when and why to use this technique and a sewn, unbound model for future reference. We will not bind (cover) the text-block as part of this workshop.

NB: the workshop will be recorded and available only to those who have paid for the following four weeks.

Workshop fee £30, plus £13 for materials including postage.

Standard tools list plus: brass block or ‘L’ square (engineers square), pack of size 5–9 darning needles, pricking cradle/punching cradle, a small weight (around 2–4lb), small pressing board, masking tape.