Caterpillar Sewn Book, Copper Wrap Clasp

Originally posted on bookclasp.com , 2004.

Branching out, I decided to try something more challenging, so I made this book, in oak boards. It is sewn with the caterpillar stitch, which I was able to do following the instructions found in Volume III Non-Adhesive Binding: Exposed Spine Sewings, written by Keith Smith and available on his website.

The book clasp is made from copper, roller printed to give the texture, annealed to make folding easier.It was finished and patinated using a liver of sulfur (potassium sulfide) solution. Metal clasps wrap around the fore edges of the top and bottom boards.

The clasp strap is recessed into the board beneath the clasp, and extends through a slot cut into the edges of the copper wrap on the bottom board. It hooks into a similar slot cut into the clasp on the top board.