FOBA 2026 - Erin Fletcher - Variations On Single Signature Bindings

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Erin Fletcher
Variations On Single Signature Bindings - Wednesday & Thursday, June 24-25, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

Books come in all shapes and sizes. Some may span only a single signature, while others become a thick tome. In this workshop, we’ll explore the former as we create a multitude of models with both soft and hard covers.

To help us punch all of the signatures for our models, students will begin this workshop by making a collapsible punching cradle out of binder’s board covered in Lokta paper. Then students will make a series of simple softcover pamphlets using a variety of sewing patterns before moving on to hardcover structures. All of these structures allow the book to lay flat and are perfect for artist’s books, chapbooks, presentation pamphlets, or short stories.

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Bone folder
• Craft knife
• Cutting mat
• Decorative paper (1or 2 full sheets)
• Glue brushes, various sizes
• Japanese Screw Punch with 3mm or 3.5mm bit
• Needles (no. 18 sharps)
• Pencil
• Pin vise or awl
• PVA
• Ruler with metric measurements
• Scissors
• Thread (18/3 dyed unwaxed linen)
• Triangle (45°/90°/45°)

Optional

• Beeswax
• Teflon folder