Nicky Oliver: Sewn Endbands

In this workshop Nicky will focus on two basic styles of headbands: the single and double core. Devised for the beginner and for those wanting to learn a basic, yet effective technique. The hand-sewn headband compared with the machine-made “stick-on” version adds strength to the head and tail of your book. It also allows you decorative freedom and it creates a more handcrafted look. We will also be looking at and experimenting with the various cores and threads available as well as making leather, paper and cloth headbands. 

Materials cost: £10 (or only £5 if you bring your own books to work on). 

Tools list: finishing press; needles; scissors and/or shears; scalpel/craft knife; bone folder; threads – silks, cottons and polyester; PVA; paste; core materials – leather, wire, hemp cord, laminated cloth, vellum, racket string, leather cord; decorative papers; “Flagging” strips – small post-it strips; fraynot and Japanese paper (for the spine). And old books with sections, about A5 size, to work on (optional, reduces materials cost to £5). 

Note: if bringing your own old books to work on they must be books with sections, not ‘perfect bound’ glued; with the spine cleaned off, clean bare sections; if the sewing is weak probably best to line the spine with a bit of Japanese repair paper or fraynot; rounded and backed even better but not vital. Charity shops are a good source for old books to experiment on!