Coptic Stitch Binding

The Coptic Stitch

The coptic stitch is one of the oldest bookbinding stitches still used by book artists today.  As early as the 2nd century AD, binders used the stitch, sometimes covered in a leather wrapper, though often left with an exposed spine.  One of the earliest extent group of codices are the Nag Hammadi Codices from the 3rd/4th century AD.  

While the binding fell out of fashion after the 11th century, contemporary book artists have brought the stitch back in force.  It is now a highly popular structure for bespoke books, such as those sold on Etsy or other craft oriented for sale sites.