Sawn-cord Binding with Pencil Closure— Mar 20, 2027 @ 10 am to 4 pm

Create a sawn-cord binding with a clever pencil closure. You’ll sew the text block, work cords into channels cut across the spine, and finish the book with three vellum loops that hold a pencil along the fore edge. Beginner friendly, with all materials and tools provided.

Category: Classes

In this hands-on class, you’ll create a sawn-cord binding featuring a distinctive three-loop vellum closure that uses a pencil to secure the book.

The text block is first sewn, then saw cuts are made across the sewn spine. Cords are worked into these channels, creating the structural connection between the text block and the boards. The finished binding adds three vellum loops along the fore edge, allowing a pencil to become both a useful writing tool and part of the book’s closure.

Under guided instruction, you will:

Fold, prepare, and sew the text block
Make accurately positioned saw cuts across the sewn spine
Work cords into the sawn channels to create the binding structure
Attach the boards and prepare the book for covering
Cover and finish the binding
Create and position three vellum loops
Incorporate a pencil into the finished closure

The result is a functional hardcover binding that combines an unusual cord structure with a clever closure designed to keep a pencil right with the book.

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner

No previous bookbinding experience is required. This class is appropriate for first-time binders as well as those interested in learning a new book structure and closure.