Historic Intro to Medieval Sewing —Virtual Live Webinar with Kit on December 10, 2027

A Journey Through the Foundations of Early Bookbinding

Virtual Live Webinar with Kit on December 10, 2027 @ 3:00 pm MST

Travel through the history of medieval bookbinding and discover the sewing structures that shaped the earliest codices of Western civilization. In this live online webinar, participants will explore the historic techniques used from Late Antiquity through the Gothic period while creating three hand-sewn books inspired by authentic medieval structures.

This course focuses on the foundational sewing methods that gave medieval books their remarkable durability and character. Beginning with the sturdy Romanesque bindings of around 500 AD, continuing through the refined Carolingian structures of the 8th–10th centuries, and concluding with the more elaborate Gothic sewing styles of the 10th–15th centuries, students will gain hands-on experience recreating the evolution of medieval codex construction.

Rather than emphasizing decoration, this class centers on the structural artistry of sewing itself. You will learn how folded gatherings (quires) were traditionally sewn onto double supports—typically cords or leather thongs—which formed the backbone of the book and influenced everything from durability to spine shape and board attachment.

During the webinar, you will create three small books, each featuring a distinct medieval sewing method that reflects a different historical period and approach to book construction.

What You’ll Learn:

• The historical development of medieval sewing structures from Late Antiquity through the Gothic era
• The differences between Romanesque, Carolingian, and Gothic sewing techniques
• How to prepare and fold gatherings (quires) for sewing
• Techniques for sewing onto double-cord supports
• How sewing structure affects the strength, flexibility, and longevity of a book
• Best practices for maintaining tension, alignment, and historical accuracy during sewing

Projects Included:
During this class, you will create:

• One Romanesque-inspired sewn structure
• One Carolingian-inspired sewn structure
• One Gothic-inspired sewn structure

What’s Included:

• A complete supply kit shipped to your door with prepared materials for all three books
• A live online webinar with detailed step-by-step instruction and demonstrations
• Downloadable written instructions for future reference
• Access to a recording of the webinar after the event
• Optional follow-up email support for questions and troubleshooting

Tools Not Included in the Kit:

• 12” ruler
• Scissors
• Pencil or white colored pencil
• Bone folder
• Awl
• Sewing weight (optional)
• Self-healing mat (optional)

Who It’s For:
This course is ideal for beginners, historians, book arts enthusiasts, reenactors, librarians, conservators, and anyone interested in the origins of the codex and medieval craftsmanship. No prior bookbinding experience is required.

Join us online and explore the structural foundations of medieval books while stitching together the techniques that carried written knowledge through centuries of history.

Shipping & Processing Time
Please allow approximately 8–12 business days for your supply kit to arrive before the webinar. All materials are carefully prepared and packed by hand to ensure quality. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation and tracking number as soon as your kit is on its way.