18
Finally fixed my torn endband after 4 tries lol
I had this antique restoration where the headband was completely shredded and I kept messing up the thread tension. After 3 failed attempts with a needle that was too thick, I switched to a #12 needle and used a finer silk thread. Took me about 2 hours on the 4th try but the end result actually matched the original pattern. Has anyone else had trouble with thread gauge on older books?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
jamesf2620d ago
Ngl I remember reading somewhere that old books used a specific silk thread that was thinner than what most modern kits come with. No wonder your first attempts failed if the needle was too thick for the headband material. I've always been scared off by book restoration stuff, sounds way too fiddly for my patience level. Good on you for sticking with it though, that must feel satisfying to finally get right.
6
holly_sanchez7516d ago
Wait, hold on. You're telling me they used actual silk thread in old books? Like real silk, not that synthetic junk that comes in kits now? That's wild, I had no idea silk was that strong. I always just figured it was some specific kind of cotton or linen, you know? No wonder those old books hold up for centuries if they're literally sewn with silk. Honestly now I kind of want to track down some of that old thread just to see if it's as thin as you say.
8
garcia.laura20d ago
Man, my friend tried it once and almost glued her fingers together.
5