Ethiopian Two-Needle Binding // Adventures in Bookbinding

[@endriasargaw8086]

What are the chances the first person to watch and like this video is an Ethiopian? ... So sad that a lot of bibles that are from circa 16th and even 15th century have been looted from northern Ethiopian churches and monasteries and sold on Ebay by people who have no right to own them. Thank you for bringing my cultural heritage to the world.

[@DASBookbinding]

Wonderful to hear from you and thank you for watching! I am very sorry to hear about your loss of heritage. I hope one day they can be returned somehow. All the best, Darryn

[@ordinaryimages]

Seven years ago I made with no reference, a six station 8”x11” link stitch scrapbook to house work produced in a photogravure workshop. Today I learned - with your ever present clarity - that the binding has a name…and how I should have made it ; ]

[@Aba_Dagnew]

Love & greeting from Ethiopia. I am thrilled to hear my country mentioned in your great channel. Ethiopia is a land of multitudes of ancient Christian manuscripts. No wonder one book binding technique is named after it. I hope you will find other Ethiopian binding techniques in the future. Keep the good job.

[@janeberrisford8555]

Beautiful - thank you for sharing

[@CaGloria]

Me encanta tu trabajo te felicito. Ahora entiendo porque comprendo todo lo que dices, y es porque tienes acento australiano facil para mi. Un Saludo desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@suziequeue1964]

Thankyou for this. I love your videos and was able to follow the video with much pausing and rewinding. I felt that you went a little too fast demonstrating the first chain stitch but I got it in the end. It will take a lot more practice. I find holding the pages with some padded clothes pegs very helpful so that the boards and/or text block doesn’t skate around too much. Very interesting about the history of this binding. Thankyou.

[@stellag108]

thank you🙏

[@mykelbrinkerhoff7550]

This is my favorite binding technique! I’ve bound about 4 or 5 books in this style

[@Gatahada]

I love your videos and explanations so clear. I am very grateful that in each one you give tips and binding details as well as historical data. I would love to be able to translate the videos into Spanish since understanding them in English takes twice as much work =S Thank you and keep doing this videos, please ^_^

[@daveturnbull7221]

Lovely looking end product Darryn. The thought of using two needles fills me with trepidation - I usually manage to stab myself at least once when sewing a text block so with two (or heaven forbid 4+) I think I'd need to invest in some serious finger protection first. I do like your reasoning about the name of this binding although I'm still on the introduction in Szirmai so haven't read his take on it yet. I do think that where possible the name should reflect the region of the binding as well as the actual style.

[@69Buddha]

I love the thoroughness of your attribution of styles, so thanks for giving so much attention to the semantics. I'm not a huge fan of exposed link stitch bindings for some reason (I know I'm probably in the minority with that), but I look forward to seeing the more traditional wooden covers once you sort it out! Thanks for another great video!

[@AngelavengerL]

This is my favorite style of binding. The look of colored threads coordinated with decorative covers gives such an artistic feel. I like how they open flat which is perfect for sketch/art books. I think one of the pluses of this style vs the regular coptic stitch books is the end stitches look the same as the internal ones. It always annoyed me how the kettle stitch on the ends of the one thread/needle method look not as nice as the internal braided stitches. With this 2 needle method the end stitches get the beautiful braided look too. I made a cute valentines themed notebook for my hubby last year that he'd requested for doing his Dungeons and Dragons notes in, and am currently working on a much larger drawing book for my sister. The paper is this gorgeous 500 lvl drawing paper that will be perfect for her to try out coptic markers with but also still use her favorite colored pencil and pastels as well.

[@valeriacolivoro25]

I miss you teacher... I hope you are well

[@StorytimewithMsgana]

I will definitely show this tutorial to my Eritrean binding teacher here in Asmara and see what he thinks. We’re planning to start on some traditional binding lessons.

[@DASBookbinding]

Wonderful to hear from you! Good luck with the traditional binding and I'll look forward to seeing the results. Darryn

[@rathernotsayatall]

Hi! Do you have an update on the subject?

[@rajatghosh8869]

Very nice sir..I want to learn more from your video.😊

[@susanjerrell9220]

I have been watching your videos for the last couple of months and must admit you know more about book making than anyone I've seen. (Not the gambling kind of book making 😃) However, I have a teensy suggestion for content of a video from you. You use terminology that is not normal daily life language for most lay people. You are probably so accustomed to this that you don't even notice it. But I will watch anything you publish in the future as well as continue to watch your older videos.

[@DASBookbinding]

Glad you like the videos. I'm fairly deliberate with the use technical language. For simpler projects I will often say something like a folio or folded sheet of paper. But more advanced subjects, like this video, I'll do this less. My videos are aimed at people wanting to do bookbinding as a hobby and less so for just a crafty one-off. Though I have a few videos suitable for these people. Happy binding! DAS

[@irmabecx4758]

Does this binding have any functional advantages or disadvantages compared to the coptic style? Really liking the coptic stitch sketchbook I made, like you said it does lie flat. :)

[@DASBookbinding]

There is more thread in the sewing, which I guess might make it stronger, but it does seem to make the binding a bit looser. I was a bit slower sewing these, but maybe with practice I'd speed up.

[@MissGroves]

Fantastic video, I love Coptic binding for albums and sketchbooks and use coloured threads sometimes

[@JulieEvans-b9k]

Thanks for this great video, I do like the way you add the first signature. When you attach the final signature do you complete the link stitch prior to adding the board and another link stitch on top. Or do you just wrap the thread on the last signature before completing the cover and it’s link stitch please. Many thanks, Julie

[@2200chuck]

Hi. It's been several months since you put out an episode. Are you ok?

[@PaperArtsSue]

Wondering the same - hope all is ok

[@ahmetugur]

When sewing the book with 4 sewing stations, if you use 3 needles instead of 4, you would do 25% less work and end up with continuous line of thread.

[@bernarddonnelly2041]

As you are dyeing the thread you could dye half the length , leaving the other half plain. This would mean that you wouldn't have a knot in the first section, reducing swell

[@carlpeberdy9086]

Just saying hello to help with the algorithms.

[@ሃይማኖተአበው-ኈ1ጐ]

Great video! There’s another Ethiopian/Eritrean style leather bookbinding technique using string and a leather braid to keep the whole book intact for many generations! Happy to share information if you’re interested!

[@DASBookbinding]

I would love to know more. You can send more information to [e-mail] Thanks! Darryn

[@asailijhijr]

I wonder if there exists a pair of needle-thin curved forceps that you could use to grip straight needles in the cases where you need curved needles so that you don't have to deal with the annoyance of curved needles the rest of the time.

[@DASBookbinding]

I think that might just add another complication. But if it works for you. I'm sure there is some medical device like this.

[@gabrielkinzel3389]

Hey, have you thought of making a black-paper book? Would there be any benefits for that over white paper? I’ve seen black-paper notebooks before, but never in a proper sewn binding.

[@DASBookbinding]

Black paper is common for albums. On the down side it is hard to write on and I can't think of any huge benefits, and thus why most paper is white I guess. I might do albums eventually. I've been looking for a good black paper to add to my store.

[@mountaintownnaturalist2646]

Would two holes be sufficient for a landscape 191x279 mm Ethiopian style sketchbook with 140 lb paper, or should I do an extra pair of holes?

[@DASBookbinding]

I would do 2 pairs

[@CaseyBorders]

Hey, it's been a while since you posted a video. I just wanted to check in and see if everything is ok.

[@karascholten8810]

Hi, I love your videos and I have learned so much since finding your channel. Keep up the great work! I'm curious if you might try making a video explaining the basic definition or differences in binding types (methods)? I've been watching your playlists and often find myself needing to simply Google what the name of the binding type means. I have a few books on hold at my local library to help me learn these basics in the meantime, but I thought it would be a good idea for a video on your channel. Cheers!!

[@DASBookbinding]

I had hoped to do some overviews or introductions to bookbinding this year. But my schedule is now in a mess. Might be next year now.

[@m3mcnall]

So sorry to hear your place was flooded. I hope you can recover soon. Best wishes from the USA.

[@mohamed-ug4sk]

I hope you are fine . You haven't posted anything in a while

[@brainfornothing]

Hi ! Just to say "hello", I hope you and your family are doing very well. Cheers !

[@Audioanalisys]

A steel press for 300$ is that a good deal? Are there certain things I should be looking for (problems, known issues) thanks

[@DASBookbinding]

Such a hard question to answer in a few sentences. $300 in the US or Australia for a 19th century copy press is okay if it is in good condition, is large enough to fit an A4 book, has only light surface rust, no cracks and has all the pieces (no missing handle ends or cover plate over the platen collar). dasbookbinding.com/2019/05/02/press-restoration/ If you are in Brisbane I know of a good one for sale at present.

[@Audioanalisys]

Thanks!! I was wondering where can I get nice paper. I’m making a personal bible, I’m separating the books ( so I don’t need the super thin paper). I was wondering what is (top notch) paper. I went to my local paper store but they did not have much.

[@sahafiandisheh1746]

Hello Master. is a lot of time you did not have a video. I look forward to your valuable and informative videos every week. But with the unfortunate week, he is waiting for me. I learned a lot of you. I hope you have no problem and be healthy. God bless you

[@nenavandalen183]

I really enjoy all your videos. You explain so clearly and precise, and I can see perfectly how they are made. Thank you and please don’t stop making videos, I’ve learn so munch. Your really are the only one that takes time to show how they are made, the history and the proper terminology. Fantastic! Just one question, with what do you wash your brushes after applying the glue? Mine seems to get ruined.

[@DASBookbinding]

Water and soap. But the real trick is to thoroughly wet the brush with water before you use it. Happy binding!

[@nenavandalen183]

@@DASBookbinding thank you that make sense!

[@rathernotsayatall]

Hello Darryn, I've lately been interested in the leather lined binding of Bibles, I find they have a lot of flexibility making them really comfortable to read. Have you ever considered making a tutorial about this? Thank you for your work! -Louis

[@DASBookbinding]

Hi, I think you mean the limp covered bibles with Yapp edges. It is on the list, but probably well into next year. I think the use of leather for lining (or the end pages) is a very recent thing developed by some (or one, and then copied) niche bible binder. I do not think this was standard for commercially bound bibles. It was common to use a fake leather looking material. I'm not sure real leather was ever used. I'm not sure I will do it this way as I see it as non-traditional. I also not sure I like the way they sew around the margins. I see this a significant failure point in the future for these bibles. But the limp covered bibles with the App edges, I really like. The corners are hard!

[@rathernotsayatall]

@@DASBookbinding Fabulous! Doing it your own way is even better, including history into your work makes it so much more interesting to watch.

[@hoarmurath]

Missing your videos Sir. I learned a lot from you.

[@gillramsay1112]

Such a pretty book. Thank you so much as always for all your help and knowledge, truly inspiring 😃

[@Divya-mq3qo]

You are doing a great teaching job...Keep rocking

[@Leo1406hongkong]

It is inspiring, not only the sewing but also the points you have made throughout the turtorial. Thank you!

[@gemmi1]

Hi, when you finished off after attaching the last board, I noticed you linked around two signatures below rather than the one under the board. Was that a mistake or is that what you're meant to do to finish? Mine seems to be sitting weird now.

[@DASBookbinding]

Sorry, I haven't looked at these in over a year and my memory is a bit fuzzy on the details. But I'm sure there is a reason to go down the 2 sections, I just don't remember it, and my models must all be packed away somewhere still. Sorry, not much help. I do hope to do more of these in the coming year.

[@gemmi1]

@@DASBookbinding that's okay, thank you so much for replying!

[@iknownothing-49]

Miss your videos. I hope you are well.

[@ArsLibris]

Good stuff man! I love Szirmai as well :D

[@thickschmeat7560]

Hey DAS, hope you are doing well! Thank you for this very informative guide on this style of binding, I am thinking of making some as notebooks as I start college. I am, however, open to suggestions on what other binding types I can do, or I might as well do them all! haha! hope you are doing good and hope you post more!

[@DASBookbinding]

I highly recommend the sewn-board binding instead of this one for working notebooks. Good luck at college! DAS

[@kirstencristobal3204]

Do you think 100gsm paper oslo paper is good for binding a book that was printed from a pdf?

[@DASBookbinding]

Sorry, have not come across this paper. A search on the internet shows me grease proof paper - which I think would not print well.

[@Turgon92]

Excuse this comment,but its the first one(also "No views" by the time i clicked on it) and my first time commenting...well,first! Looking forward to the actual video!

[@adamwintersteller6838]

Is it possible to have a cover go fully over the spine, or would that compromise the action of the spine too much? Part of the appeal is how well it lies open.

[@DASBookbinding]

You have to be a bit clever about it if it's going to look good. There is a binding style called a sewn board binding. You can sew it just like this but with different board attachment and a spine cover. There are many variations of sewn-board, and I think I show 3 of them in my video. I think sewn-board binding is much nicer and stronger binding style and just as simple.

[@adamwintersteller6838]

@@DASBookbinding Hey thank you! This style looks very promising!

[@elisacorado]

Love your tutorial ❤ thank you so much! can you make a video tutorial about guard compensation ?

[@DASBookbinding]

I wish I was in a position to make any video! I'm getting so close to starting again. Can you give me some context for your question. A guard has a number of different uses in bookbinding and in the context of the Ethiopian binding I can't work out which use you mean. I'm thinking you mean for endpapers?

[@sehamalawadhi327]

Would love to know how you kept the thread connected to the needle ?? what knot did you use ???

[@DASBookbinding]

It's a little trick where you pierce the thread and pull it back over the needle. I think I show it in detail in the video about needles and thread.

[@Demosophist]

The codex was invented around the time of the birth of Christ by the Romans, and was initially used to bind circulars of new edicts and Roman rule changes that were sent out to distant parts of the empire. It's my theory that it was this invention of the codex that triggered the shift in mentality that inaugurated the Christian era. It increased the percentage of the population who were literate and began a long process of accumulation of texts, leading to the Gutenberg era which obsolesced the scriptoria. (See McLuhan's *Gutenberg Galaxy*). The codex was a hidden technology and wasn't discussed very much, even by people in the Innis tradition who were aware of the effect of technology on mentality.

[@Demosophist]

Also note that the Arab conquest of Africa denied cheap paper to the Roman world which was the primary cause of the fall of Rome. For some time the Romans attempted to fill the void this created with parchment, but it was too expensive to be used for administrative purposes. It wasn't until the Europeans figured out how to make paper from rags and old cloth that relatively inexpensive paper made a comeback. Again, you'll find this recounted by Harold Innis.

[@Demosophist]

This two-needle method is also reminiscent of the "saddle stitch" used in leatherwork.

[@የነገውትውልድ]

Thank you vary much.

[@mplcreative]

Did you get your studio back together after the flood?

[@DASBookbinding]

More complex than you might expect. It's still a construction site. But I am trying to claim a small part back so I can start work again. Maybe soonish.... I can't wait!

[@inkland2003]

any new videos uploaded? thanks.

[@DASBookbinding]

Soon. Maybe in a few weeks.

[@angela14962002]

💗💕💗

[@leatheraccessories646]

Know that this is not done! 🤔😊 Haven't you seen any signs of life for so long? Do you want to leave us ,, orphans ,, ??? 😂😂 I hope you're OK and I'm waiting for a new video!

[@DASBookbinding]

Doing okay but the recovery from flooding is going slower than I'd hoped. DAS

[@leatheraccessories646]

@@DASBookbinding ok ! I didnt know .sorry

[@trigestigro4707]

@@DASBookbinding jess. I hope you are doing well. Floods are complicated. Wish you the best

[@CaseyBorders]

Where do you order off cuts like this?

[@DASBookbinding]

These are offcuts from when I have paper mill reams of paper cut to size, such as A4 short grain. The large paper wholesalers and big printers that do their own cutting throw huge amounts of these offcuts into recycling. If you can find one you might ask them if you could have some or offer them a small amount of money for it. If you're in the Brisbane area I'll give you a handful or you can buy a whole bundle for $10.

[@CaseyBorders]

@@DASBookbinding Far from the Brisbane area, but I'll ask around here. Thank you for the advice!

[@phoebebaker1575]

I love the idea of using two needles; like two katana swords or two forks for eating. Seems very ambidextrous (omnidextrous?).