This was my very first attempt at coptic stitch binding on a little notebook. I wanted to try a type of binding with a sewn spine rather than a glued one. I’m quite pleased with it but I think it needs a lot more practise yet!

The nice thing about notebooks made with this type of binding is that they lay completely flat when they’re open, so they’re great for storing things like recipes where you want the book to stay open without holding it.

And here’s a couple of little books I made for Christmas gifts. They are both A5 size, the one with the horse cover is case bound with a leather spine and contains a selection of papers made by a 19th century working paper mill, the Frogmore Paper Mill, that incorporate meadow grass, hops and coffee grounds. The narwhal book is my second coptic stitch attempt and includes photocopied vintage marine life prints in the centre of each signature. For both of them, the covers are just decorative wrapping paper, but as wrapping paper isn’t very durable – it’s made to be easily torn after all! – I gave them a couple of coats of clear satin varnish to protect them and hopefully make them more hard-wearing.

They were a lot of fun to make and I hope their new owners will enjoy using them!