A Wardrobe of Paper Cases

In this one session online workshop we will quickly construct a text block using a very speedy sewing technique. This will free up the remainder of our time together to concentrate on folding a variety of paper cases to dress this text block "mannequin".

As each case is presented, suggestions will be given on appropriate sewing techniques and endsheet constructions for that particular structure. All structures are low or no adhesive. All can be constructed in a sparsely-equipped home studio with minimal specialized equipment.

This workshop is appropriate for intermediate binders, beginners who are ready for a fast-paced workout, and anyone who wants to add more paper cases to their repertoire. Ages 18 and up.

Supplies:

Essential - 

• PVA
• Bone folder, preferably sanded for a narrower tip so it can be used for precise scoring
• Beeswax for sewing
• 2 Bookbinding needles (Karen recommends John James bookbinding needles)
• Awl
• Cutting mat, 12 x 18" 
• 18" Straightedge or ruler that can be cut against
• Smaller straightedge, 8 to 12" long
• Scalpel, Olfa, or X-Acto knife with a fresh blade
• Scissors
• Small glue brush
• Dividers, an inexpensive set from Talas item #TTB033004
• Or
• "Paper rulers" strips of 1/2" wide to use for quick measuring when ruler is awkward or unnecessary

Recommended - 

• Punching cradle (instructions to make one here
• A small piece of non-skid shelf mat to casually anchor the text block to the bench for unsupported sewing
• Finishing press OR scrap board to put around the text block while gluing up

Optional - 

• Small 30/60/90 degree triangle
• Small 90/45/45 degree triangle
• Square with base, Talas #TTB041001, or some device to keep text block and boards square
• Spacer, 1/4" x at least 8"
• Whatever tools not on this list you always find useful

Materials, unless noted, all materials are grain direction parallel to the spine  - 

• Text-weight paper, enough for at least one and up to four books
  • 32 sheets @ 6.25 x 8.5" unfolded (folded size 6.25 x 4.25")
• Cardstock template for punching sections, 1 @ 6.25 x 2"
• Decorative paper for wrappers, heavyish text weight that can fold with and against the grain without crackling. Handmade paper or Elephany Hide is ideal, Burga or many other common endsheet papers will be fine.
  • Paper Case with Tuck-In Endsheets
    • 1 @ 12.5 x 7"
  • Dove Dale Paper Case
    • 1 @ 9 x 12"
  • Paper Case with Locking Spine
    • 1 @ 12.5 x 16"
  • Tipped Wrapper with Flexi Ends
    • 1 @ 6.25 x 10"
• #18/3 unwaxed thread, 7' per book