Our project for August in the Handmade Book Club was called the Double Herringbone Binding. I designed this structure after reading some books on embroidery. This was a rather challenging project, but it was also tons of fun. I created mine with a leather cover; however, Kraft-tex and cork fabric are great options, too. Here’s the Double Herringbone I created.
This binding required a lot of stitching, so I recommended that club members do a trial run on a sample piece of cardboard. Even though it was a challenging book, they did a phenomenal job!
See What the Club Members Made
Mary used watercolor paper with a mixed media design for her stunning cover. (Inspired by our August guest artist, Vickie Finley!) Buffy’s chunky book makes me wish I could just hold it in my hands. ❤️
Kathy created her Double Herringbone with a painted Kraft-tex spine, watercolor paper signatures, and eco-prints on copy paper that she glued to bookboard for the cover.
Jeneia used cork fabric and marbled paper for her cover, Fil au Chinois waxed thread, and Grumbacher mixed media paper.
Romana’s book was created using a leather cover, mixed media paper with handmade paper signature covers, and a leather cord with key closure. Diana created her clever Double Herringbone library using vintage book covers, recycled paper, and waxed linen thread.
First, how adorable is this photo?! Jean used medium-weight leather, Canson 98# mixed media paper, Crawford waxed linen thread, and a vintage rayon ribbon for a closure.
Both Avital and Teresa used Kraft-tex for their lovely covers!
Leigh’s book was made with cork fabric, watercolor mixed media signatures, and a vintage buckle closure. Louise made use of a scrap of black leather, and she incorporated a buffalo nickel button and turquoise leather strap for her closure.
What Did the Club Members Say?
Loved this binding. Challenging at first but then you get on a roll with it. Thanks Ali. – Jean G.
New to the club and really enjoyed this project. Excellent instructions got me through some of the head scratching moments. Looking forward to the next one! – Kristina H.
Wonderful book. Love the leather you used. Will visit my meager leather stash, discover I don’t have anything large enough and then ponder my next step. Thank you so much! – Joann C.
What a fantastic binding, just lovely, Ali, thank you! – Dorothy W.
This was quite a challenging book! The bulk of the signatures forced me to take a break between sewing the first and second thread colors. My hands got quite a work out, but was fun! I ordered a Japanese hole punch for this project, which just arrived, bringing me down to the wire! Loved everything about making this book! Thank you Ali! – Donna R.
One of the clearest explanations of a Weaver’s knot I have seen! Thank you! – Kris
Behind the Designs
We had a new type of session in August called “Behind the Designs.” The intention of this workshop format is to encourage Handmade Book Club members to think creatively about each monthly project and inspire them to make books that reflect their artistic interests and personalities. We were thrilled to welcome the talented Vickie Finley as our first Behind the Designs artist!
WHAT IS THE HANDMADE BOOK CLUB?
The Handmade Book Club grew out of my love for teaching and community. Having spent more than 10 years teaching in-person classes, I decided to reach a wider audience in 2019 and founded the online Handmade Book Club.
The Handmade Book Club is a community of bookmakers from around the world. Each month, I teach a new bookbinding project to the club members. In addition to making books, we love learning about ways to fill our handmade journals. That’s why we have guest artists and speakers join us every month! Club members also have access to a robust selection of past projects within the archives.
Whether you’re an experienced bookmaker or a complete novice, the Handmade Book Club is a community for you. You can try out a free book project here.
Awesome bindings!!!