The girdle book is a Medieval binding structure featuring a long extension of leather which could be attached to a traveler’s belt. The leather extension terminates in a decorative knot.

In this four-day workshop, students will construct a girdle book on the foundation of a typical Medieval binding:

Text block sewn on double raised supports; wooden boards shaped all around, with special attention given to the inside spine edge to match the text block’s shoulder, then laced on and pegged; sewn headbands; covered in vividly-colored leather; strap and pin closure, simple bosses at the corners.

Note: This is a fast-paced, advanced-level workshop for students who are experienced with traditional binding. Students should be comfortable marking up and sewing on cords, and have successfully made books on their own outside a workshop setting.