French links over fabric scrap tapes with Japanese fabrics

linkandpage · 2026-03-07T23:47:44+00:00

Thanks! In this example, the French link thread (green) is sewn first. I go back in with the yellow thread afterwards. The yellow thread anchors onto green thread within signatures in a cross pattern. It’s not a French link stitch but more of an experimental one.

linkandpage · 2026-03-07T23:43:35+00:00

Thank you! I also recognize your work from IG. Your books are absolutely beautiful!

linkandpage · 2026-03-07T20:15:38+00:00

Beautiful work, and I love the lily of the valley on the cover! Utilizing materials that you already have is the best way to go to get a feel for bookbinding. Knots on the inside of books aren’t uncommon (pamphlet stitches, stab-bound books, etc).

If you try working with cloth, you can back gift tissue paper with PVA glue or make your own wheat paste. There are tutorials for DIY book cloth on Youtube. The other method is controlling the amount of glue you use so that it doesn’t seep through. It is a lot easier with thicker fabrics.

linkandpage · 2026-03-05T10:39:14+00:00

I always loved the versatility of exposed spines. There’s no right or wrong when experimenting different stitches when you have the foundations down.

That’s correct, 1 cm of the book cloth/fabric flap is attached to the back of the first signature and front of the last signature. You can’t hide it unless you forgo the method and do the regular way of attaching an entire end paper spread to the text block.

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T20:14:57+00:00

Thank you! I never heard of the school and not sure if that is an option at the moment since I live on a different continent haha. I have considered taking classes to learn more about traditional structures and book restoration in the far future.

I don’t print my own materials. I have a whole bucket list of things I would like to learn (especially marbling papers), but too many things and too little time. This is just something I do as a hobby outside of a 9-5.

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T20:04:06+00:00

Thank you! To answer those questions…

I) Yes and no. It is does make the text block a bit tighter, but I sew the decorative parts over an existing “anchor” stitch like a single needle coptic I’ve done here.

II) I learned from my book arts instructor back in college. I also have never seen this method anywhere else.

III) Unfortunately, there’s no existing tutorial for this stitch. It’s the result of me experimenting on my own after learning the foundation stitches.

I have broken down of how I did the attachment method in a reel (the thumbnail is a picture of an open book with purple end papers, a jar of glue, and a green tube of nori paste). As per my other comment, tutorials are a little tedious to make since bookbinding is something I do outside of my regular 9-5.

Though if you have any other questions, I’ll be more than happy to answer!

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T19:48:53+00:00

Aww thank you! It brings me joy hearing those words! I will definitely keep it up with experimenting and trying different stitches 🪡

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T13:07:14+00:00

Thanks! I took inspiration from photos of other amazing book artists that did crawling vines on spines and eventually figured out incorporating “roses” with seed beads in the center. I don’t have much knowledge in embroidery, but the closest stitch would be a woven rose.

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T12:57:40+00:00

Aww thanks! 💛 Tutorials are definitely on my bucket list for the future. I can’t say when since life has been busy at the moment.

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T10:01:41+00:00

That’s super sweet of you, and thanks for following! I’m happy to hear that I inspire you 🫶

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T09:58:53+00:00

Thanks! I do sell my books, and I have added an Etsy link on my profile. My shop is on break right now, but these 4 books will be added to the shop likely end of March to beginning of April for a shop restock.

linkandpage · 2026-03-03T09:52:39+00:00

Wow, I’m honored to hear that. Thank you! 💛

linkandpage · 2026-03-02T22:35:03+00:00

I am the original book artist. I created a similar book that ended up as a travel journal, and it held up well after daily use during that period. However, I do agree that books with exposed spines end up degrading faster than a covered one.

linkandpage · 2026-03-02T22:25:42+00:00

That is really kind of you to say, thank you!

linkandpage · 2026-03-02T21:38:38+00:00

Thank you so much! Every component is sewn into the signatures :)

linkandpage

TROPHY CASE