How to Sew a Two Colour Front Bead Headband // Adventures in Bookbinding

[@MrsStormtrooper]

I started watching your videos so I could save what was left of my poor "Fellowship of the Ring" (to say it was ruined would be an understatement), but now I'm in love with bookbinding. Thanks a lot for the great content, cheers from Brazil!

[@DASBookbinding]

I'll look at rebinding later in the year. All the best, Darryn

[@gabidois]

Notou o título do bloquinho que ele tá usando? :o

[@BJEurekaSprings]

I this morning I finished my first headbands on a book. Using silk proved elusive. My fingers had trouble holding the silk and I could not focus clearly on the tiny wraps (poor vision). So I pulled the threads and tried again with 18/3 linen. So much better results. The first one was done following these instructions, the second using Bookbinders Chronicle. The results have subtle differences and when I sewing the first band on the second book I used what I liked best from each set. Loved the results. Even used a rectangle shaped core. You are the bookbinding resourced I go to first and my skills improve using your techniques. Thank you for taking the time and effort to provide all this instruction. Enjoy the holidays, hoping for news videos next year. A student in the Ozark Mountains, USA.

[@CoryButler]

Flagging the center of the signatures! Brilliant! I wishes I would have seen this video a few hours ago, if not a year ago. I love making end bands, though I’m not very skilled at it. Great video! I can’t wait for the double-core video.

[@DASBookbinding]

The best part of idea is to use a long piece of paper so you flag both ends of the book at the same time. Certainly not my idea. Might of heard it from a video of Etherington. But also saw a demonstration by Kathy Abbott doing endbands last year, and it may have been her.... I'm not in a rush to do the double core. I think I put a link to someone in the description that has a video doing the double core. Have fun! DAS

[@kasper9716]

11:54 why have I never thought of using a bone folder to push the needle through?!! This is genius! I’ve hurt my fingers so many times trying to get a stubborn needle through; I never considered using a bone folder and I’m a little embarrassed I never thought of it…anyway, thanks so much for the awesome tutorial!!

[@chaoskitteh]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I was having such a hard time understanding how to make these, but now I get it. Thanks again!

[@cedricpernette24]

You definitely are my hero: I was so desperate about hand made headbands - and you made it look so easy! So I will train, and train again. Thank you so much! I love your videos! PS: I can share some French or Russian materials about bookbinding if you wish.

[@DASBookbinding]

Good luck with the headbands. I haven't done a French double in awhile, so am doing some practice runs. Always interested in bookbinding from other cultures. I have seen very little from Russia. I'd be particularly interested in anything about Russian stationery binding. The reinforcing bands on ledgers used to be called Russia bands, because the leather was this special red Russian made leather, which is no longer made. All the best, DAS

[@Salgadelli]

Marvellous!!! Thank you thank you thank you for this marvellous class!!!

[@andreasflensmark8616]

Thank you so much, you made it very clear and easy to understand. It seemed like a daunting challenge, but you have eased my worries :)

[@Thiscouldbeyou]

I wish I had gotten around to watching this one last night while tying a headband.

[@DASBookbinding]

There is always another one. DAS

[@Thiscouldbeyou]

@@DASBookbinding Yup, I've got a date with my sewing frame this weekend - so, I guess I'll try out your methods. I love the trick of pinning the core to the book cover.

[@fludrbywest3886]

Looks easy, I must do this just. I’m a beginner your a great Instructor 💖❣️🙏🏻✨thank you very much

[@ismailuser4588]

Hello. I have watched this video several times and benefitted from it tremendously. There is one aspect to the operation that I think the fans would find useful. It is the bodily posture during this operation. Everytime I do a headband, standing over my workbench and neeling slightly, I end up with a terrible back pain. I have to rest a little to attempt the second one. What, in your opinion should be the best posture to go forward with this operation (or, maybe, all the other operations?) Standing up, sitting over the bench...The ergonomics of the process? If you can address this aspect of the craft it would be valuable to keen amateurs to my age of 60+. Thanks!

[@DASBookbinding]

As a 50+ with fairly worn out joints I have to be careful with how I work too. I stand at the bench for most jobs but usually sit for headbands. I often do headbands while watching TV. I think the main thing is getting confident enough that you don't need to be looking at the other side all the time. Then you can work with the job just below shoulder height and your arms can be kept at a comfortable level and you can look almost straight ahead. Next time I do an endband - getting close to starting videos again - I'll address this. Good luck! DAS

[@lisajarvis3820]

Ohhhhhh pretty stitch the double one!

[@HansWeberHimself]

“Very German to tie down on every section.” Yeah, my people are nuts. But I will follow their path.

[@DASBookbinding]

With the surname Schneider I feel allowed to make fun. But I would discourage tying down on every section for this endband. I certainly do on structural endbands. In this case it will make it very hard to get even tension across the end band and defeat the decorative goal. You can even see where I took my lunch break in the middle of the orange. I don't think it is a golden rule to tie down on every section for a decorative endband to bind in a german style. You just need to do it more often than an old school English trade binder. DAS

[@HansWeberHimself]

@@DASBookbinding Makes sense. I appreciate you reasoning with me. Weavers and Tailors got to stick together! :) You got me into the hobby, actually. I’m just meddling a bit though. Today I used chicken feet leather to make corners on my 4th project. That looks really good. Like dinosaur skin. Got them at Etsy for 1 USD a piece. Really like your channel, including the music and style.

[@elliedelacy8193]

Really great tutorial. I'm learning so much from your videos. You explain and demonstrate things so well, it makes it easier for someone like myself to understand. I'd love to try hand sewn headbands on my miniature dolls house books, I'm not sure if I'll be able to find thread fine enough though! You work really hard to give us these tutorials, just know it is appreciated very much. Thank you!

[@DASBookbinding]

Thanks for the nice words, and you're welcome. You can use polyester thread too. Probably last longer than silk which does decay with time. Surely headbands on minute books is too hard:) Happy binding, Darryn

[@2010Mictlan]

Saludos desde México!! Es excelente tu canal!! Acá en México no hay gente que comparta sus conocimientos como tú lo haces. Todos tus videos son excelentes. Desafortunadamente para mi no ando al 100% en inglés y algunos conceptos y materiales se me escapan. Aún así siempre aprendo algo. Felicidades!!!

[@DASBookbinding]

Wonderful to hear from Mexico! I'm really glad you enjoy the channel. I'm very sorry there are no subtitles. All the best, Darryn

[@2010Mictlan]

@@DASBookbinding , gracias por compartir tus conocimientos!! Un fuerte abrazo!! Estoy al pendiente de tus videos. Thank you so much!!

[@alitotti7392]

Thank you so much !

[@sedonaleach]

Perfect!! So easy to understand!!

[@mogonigik]

I needed this tutorial, excellently done.

[@DASBookbinding]

Good to hear. Take care and happy binding! DAS

[@alejavierperez]

Estuve buscando esta explicación muy buena mucho tiempo. Gracias.

[@tongkhaok8526]

Thank you so much.

[@martinnyberg9295]

⁠The textblock looks machine made, and like you cut it in thirds for practicing. I suppose one way of getting practice materials is to buy or get for free old worthless books from an Op-shop. Is that a good idea you think, or is there any drawback to practicing on commercially bound text blocks?

[@nyperi13]

Great tutorial -- thanks very much! 📖

[@DarkNinetales55]

These tutorial are fantastic. I am making my first book currently. During what step should a headband be added? Before the endpapers, after, or during some other part of the process?

[@DASBookbinding]

After endpapers have been attached. The text needs to have been trimmed, if this is the plan, edges decorated, if in the plan, and spine needs to be in the final shape. In the video I do a lining of thin cotton. But after the headband is sewn the is usually more spine lining and maybe a hollow tube attached. All the best, Darryn

[@larisazambonekocic5529]

Thank you.

[@vaidoo]

Very Nice Videos Congrats ! Ιt would be very useful to do some video with lacing boards techniques in Leather Binding.

[@DASBookbinding]

Coming very soon. I did record making this text block.

[@peterbernardthompson8608]

Thank you again for your wonderful videos. Such and inspiration! I have given headband sowing a try. I am disturbed by the fact that when I do the tie downs passing the thread below the kettle stitch, the thread is then then visible on the inside of the text block at that page, which, doesn't seem very appealing. Or is it just an accepted thing as part of the hand bound book?

[@DASBookbinding]

It's a sign of quality - hand sewn endbands.

[@peterbernardthompson8608]

Thank you!

[@ronnimarzolf8726]

Where can I get one of those big wooden clamps like you have in the video, and what should I properly call it?

[@DASBookbinding]

That's a finishing press made by Frank Wiesner. www.wiesnerwoodcraft.com/ All the best, Darryn

[@reniseh4481]

Hello, it looks great, you doing a great job explaining it, thank you. Can I ask if the threads are visible inside the book?

[@DASBookbinding]

Only if you look very hard. The thread gets buried deep in the fold and on a backed book most people would not notice. Some end bands that are sewn with fine silk look like machine made end bands and the best way to tell they are hand sewn is to look for the tie downs. DAS

[@sherryhudson7812]

Terrific video of a tricky process. Couple of questions..what weight of thread are you using and what allows the band to stay on top of the book and not roll around to the spine?

[@DASBookbinding]

It is a bit precarious sitting on top there. But the design of the tie downs etc mean it wants to stay there. But then a bit of PVA on the back of it and maybe line the spine including the headband and it rock solid.

[@David-sq2en]

Note here... the book you use now is a rare find, borderline collectible. But they have make a new book, with what seems to be expansion to cover headbands from a larger geographic area, title of new book is: "ENDBANDS FROM EAST TO WEST: HOW TO WORK THEM"

[@darkwriter_xx94]

I was so nervous to begin sewing headbands. I believed it would have a steep learning curve but you made this so simple to follow. From what I’ve seen silk thread is the traditional choice but could I use a cheaper alternative like polyester thread?

[@DASBookbinding]

Absolutely. Silk looks great, but it actually degrades fairly quickly - 100 years or so. In book terms it's almost temporary. Polyester is fine and many people prefer it. To get rid of the nerves, just do practices. I have some fake text blocks that are just double fanned waste paper. They are square backed and I line the back with a bit of cotton and I just practice on the over and over again. After I'm done I just cut the old endband off and start again. I don't bother with flags etc and just tie down anywhere. Even on a book, if it goes wrong, you can just cut it off and start again. Many steps in bookbinding you can't go back. With endbands you can, so no stress. Good luck! DAS

[@bigjarn]

I'll have to try this thanks for [posting A QUESTION, have you made a tear out page art paper book? I asked you here because I just received a Christmas request.

[@DASBookbinding]

No. If I were going to do this I would use a fairly fast structure to make, such as the stiff board binding. Not sure I'd like to put a lot of effort into a book and have it torn apart.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnjGeGWsabmLrZI Ciao, DAS

[@bigjarn]

@@DASBookbinding As a Christmas gift perhaps I'll make a refillable one Masonite central, board with the tear out pad on top and turn over with a tiny trap ledge to rest the paper on for drawing, The flip up cover would be the special part .

[@antiquatedspanner912]

One thing I never understood is why skip signatures with the other thread, surely it would make it more secure yes it would waste material but it would be for the sake of strengthening the headband. Maybe the stitching on the textblock is doing most of the work, but as an experiment I did this headband with a practice textblock with no stitching and the ones that were skipped fell out. Personally I think its worth investing but if theres any reason that I don't know or missed in this video wpuld be highly appreciated

[@DASBookbinding]

Less about materials, more about time and what is the minimum between tying down. There is long backstory to this, which I'll over simplify. Endbands were a structural component to books - think medieval wood board books, and other limp covered books too. From maybe 16th century onwards the structural element became less important as the materials in books changed. They became decorative, and the extreme of this was maybe English 19th century where they might be tied down at the start end and middle only. They are still well attached and supported by being glued on when the spine is reglued and the spine liner goes up behind them. The most you should tie down is the centre of every section. This is a good compromise between strength etc. Or you go a bit further and do like I did. Up to you.

[@pedrogarcia-jt6ov]

Excelent

[@sethnelson6740]

Just curious - why wouldn’t you tie down with the white thread so you don’t see it as you read the book? And your videos are fantastic! Thank you!

[@DASBookbinding]

The tie-down are right in the fold of the paper and are hard to see. And white thread wouldn't show up very well in a video:) Ciao, DAS

[@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis]

Hello. I really like to build headbands. I want to ask you about the fat spat you're using. Is it always the same or does it play a part in the fat of the book?

[@DASBookbinding]

You’ve got me stumped. I can’t work out what “ fat spat” is. The thread maybe?

[@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis]

@@DASBookbinding Yes, that's what I mean..

[@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis]

Forgive me for my English.

[@DASBookbinding]

@@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis No I change thread depending on the look I want. I normally use silk which gives a very fine look. The linen thread gives a more robust look. It is thinner than the thread I use to sew the sections together. I hope I answered your question. Let me know if I didn't. All the best. Darryn

[@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis]

@@DASBookbindingThank you very much. I mean the thick of the core.

[@petegoodridge7127]

Your "Today most head bands...are purely decorative" perplex me. What were they before? I can't seem to find a reason for them. I'd like to be able to explain things to others. Thank you.

[@DASBookbinding]

Early books, think medieval period, the headbands were sewn on heavier cords which then often laced into the boards. Then there was sometimes a secondary headbands sewn over the primary which went through the spine covering material. So the headbands acted as board attachment, sewing support and covering attachment. There was a lot of variation in this period. Not every book had these features. All the best, Darryn

[@lisajarvis3820]

In a book I have about book binding it states that the headbands on the spine are for three purposes = 1) decorative purpose 2) to help strengthen the spine ends 3) to stop the top and bottom spine edges from being damaged with wear and tear

[@gemmi1]

Hi, if you have a book with signatures, do you go in the middle of the signature or between each one?

[@DASBookbinding]

Tie down in the middle of the signature/section. The thread is likely to pull up if in-between the sections. DAS

[@gemmi1]

@@DASBookbinding thank you!

[@Admiral86Untidy]

I know you may never see this but i did have a question. Tho it may be overkill and unnecessary, is it possible to do regular headbands on books done in a library style? I know that usually there is just a cord inside the leather or buckram when its folded over but for my own personal interest as an amateur bookbinder. Would this upset the binding at all?

[@DASBookbinding]

Yes you can and it was done historically. Just don't put in the piece of cord in the head cap and this and a headband on the book want to live in the same spot. If working in leather you can still form a more traditional head cap over the sewn headband. DAS

[@phoebebaker1575]

Interesting

[@gemmi1]

I'm struggling with cutting the string at the end, I had too much, then cut and glued but my bead stitches started falling 😭 is there a way to make it really secure?

[@DASBookbinding]

Before trimming, put a bit of PVA on the back of endband and let it dry. Then after trimming put a little dab on the ends too. This holds it together well. eventually the spine lining will also be behind the endband giving even more support.

[@gemmi1]

@@DASBookbinding thank you so much for replying!

[@graciouscompetentdwarfrabbit]

100% unrelated to the subject of the video: The first book you used "Antigo e moderno", do you speak Portuguese?

[@DASBookbinding]

When I worked for a Brazilian company I think my boss thought I did. But no I don’t. Someone gave me a few text blocks they said had no value to use for practice and demonstration work.

[@iskandarzulkarnain9376]

are you sure about that method? how if mass production, hundreds or thousands of books. is it possible with that method?

[@DASBookbinding]

I'm fairly sure. Mass produced books don't have hand sewn endbands. Narrow strips of cotton tape have a bead put on the edge and these are just glued on.

[@TheTrueorgin]

It's hard to follow when you keep zooming out. Nice work though.

[@p.h.freitas6727]

Still seems very hard.

[@johnacsyen]

The near zoom is better. Zooming in and out a bit disorienting

[@DASBookbinding]

Got it. Will think about it for future endband videos. Ta, DAS