Sewing Textblocks for Perks

I've been working to get the perks made for Motoscribendi. I've done production binding for clients for years, but not often for my own projects. Here I am beginning to sew a 6" x 9" textblock, pack sewn on leather thongs.

Image of NY sewing textblock for Motoscribendi perk.
Image of NY sewing textblock for Motoscribendi perk.

The sewing frame was made for me by Tom Conroy, a Berkeley bookbinder and binding historian. He used a foot-treadle lathe to turn the arms for making the screws. Tom doesn't like power tools.

Sewing 6" x 9" textblock
Sewing 6" x 9" textblock

I've offered 5 books at 160 pages - but then I started sewing and they'll end up being 192pages. Oh well, production values are variable when things are handmade.

Pack sewn 6" x 9" text block.
Pack sewn 6" x 9" text block.

Wood & leather for this book:

Goatskin and cherrywood boards
Goatskin and cherrywood boards

Subscribe to Motoscribendi

Don’t miss out on the latest issues. Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
jamie@example.com
Subscribe