A Belgian gem.
A pleasant introduction to a non-adhesive binding, which is shrewdly constructed: the sewing connects the book block with the boards and the spine.
The result is a simple looking, perfectly working book, opening flat and free. A jewel.
Hedi Kyle (USA) rediscovered this binding, which mysterious origin was attributed to the Belgians, and generously taught it.
Meanwhile, lately the secret is unraveled: Anne Goy (B) presented her binding for the first time in 1986. She describes it as 'une reliure à couture intercroisée', a binding with an interlaced sewing, which she developed while looking for a solution to keep the Japanese binding sewing pattern but on a structure enabling the full opening of the pages.
She has recently decided to name it Crisscross Binding, because of the movement the thread follows making the sewing.
Anne Goy gave permission to give this workshop on her technique.
This class is based on a model and a description Hedi Kyle made, specially for this workshop, for your teacher Cor Aerssens.
It is a good opportunity to widen your field of vision on making books.