Skip to main content
This workshop teaches a range of hand-embroidery stitches and the best techniques for sewing into leather.

Historical examples of embroidered bindings typically date back from the close
of the 14th century to the mid-17th century and were primarily done on silk, satin, velvet
or canvas. These highly decorative bindings grew out of the tradition of textile bindings
that became popular in England during the 14th and 15th centuries. The embroidered
designs found on these bindings are easily classified within three categories: heraldic,
scriptural symbolism, and floral and arabesque designs. The makers of these bindings
included both professional (predominately male artisans) and amateur needleworkers
(typically women in their homes).

Within the past few decades contemporary bookbinders and book artists have
been incorporating embroidery and other sewing techniques into their work. For many
of these artists, it was an easy transition to bring the two mediums together. The range
of materials and methods has certainly expanded beyond the historical examples.
Using thread over traditional binding techniques allows the artist to express their vision
in an unusual way and introduces a different tactile experience to the binding.
Embroidered threads can be used to draw in the abstractive or add highlights and
shadows in an illustrative design. The threads can be kept neat or left to tangle.

In this workshop, students will learn a range of hand-embroidery stitches and
the best techniques for sewing into leather. We will look specifically at the stitches
most commonly found on historical models and ways to use them on a modern
binding. We will also discuss ways to transfer the design onto leather and how to
prepare the finished embroidered leather for covering. No prior experience with
embroidery or leather is necessary, but some hand skills are encouraged.

 

You may register for this event at https://gbw.formstack.com/forms/embroidered_leather_workshop

When
June 16th, 2018 9:00 AM to June 17th, 2018 4:00 PM
Location
Texas A&M Libraries
Conservation lab
College Station, TX 77843
United States