Girdle Book

 Registration is closed for this event

January 25th, 2014 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Nicky Yeager
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: January 25th, 2014 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: February 22nd, 2014 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 5

The Girdle Book was a popular method for people to carry a favorite book with them as they traveled in Northern Europe from the 14th C. to mid 16th. Even though it was a popular binding, less than 30 exist today. The leather of the cover extends beyond the stiff boards at the tail into a long soft strip that is tied in a fat knot and slipped through a belt (girdle). The book hangs upside-down; when the reader raises and opens it, the book turns rightside-up and can be read with ease. Students will learn how to saw wood, lace a textblock to wooden covers, make a cover out of leather and basic metal working skills.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Bookbinding


Materials to Bring: Basic bookbinding tools – needles, bone folder, ruler, scissors, knife

Workshop + Materials Fee: $610.00

Date & Time: Saturdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22 | 9:30am-5:30pm

LocationThis workshop will take place at 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class


About the Instructor | Nicky Yeager

Nicky Yeager trained as a bookbinder and conservator. He has studied binding structure and design while a student and then as a librarian in collections throughout the US. Making books that work well and last while looking good is the focus of his design mindset.