The longstitch binding method on a journal creates a useful book that lies flat and is easy to construct.
The Creative Quest in Glendale, AZ has a class called “book of the month.” You go in on class day and two hours later, you’ll come out with a completed book. The class is fast-paced and fun, because the drudgery of book binding–the measuring and cutting–is largely done for you. One of the owners, Kathie Shephard, teaches the class and she doesn’t let you stare into space. In Kathie’s class, you pay attention. And you love it.
Longstitch journal. It has a boxy shape that's useful.
The last journal I made there was a longstitch journal. The books are wedge-shaped, like a binder. That might make it hard to chuck in your purse, but there are advantages to the longstitch journal.
The longstitch journal has a distinctive spine. Each column of stitches holds two signatures.
The biggest advantage is the room for fat pages. If you like your journal pages collaged and stuffed with memorabillia, this is the journal for you. The spine makes it roomy. When you make this journal, plan ahead and don’t pull the stitching as tight as I did. (It’s an old problem, I knit bullet-proof scarves, too.)
Making it is not hard. When you add the second (and the rest) of the signatures (groups of pages) you don’t have to force them in because there is enough room in the spine. The stitching is not difficult and goes the same way for all the signatures.
The inside pages are easily accessible for drawing and the whole thing lies flat. It doesn’t get much better then that. I know you’ll want to make one, or a few. Here are some easy instructions for doing your own longstitch journal, courtesy Teesha Moore. And here are more websites and videos to help you make that just-for-you journals.
The stitching helps the journal lie flat.
Have you made one of these? I’d love to see one that’s been filled in to see how it looks.
–Quinn McDonald is a writer and certified creativity coach. She teaches people how to fill up their journals.
Hello, i want make a journal like this but i can´t see the instricctions for doing it. Can you help me? thanks!
Alex, this was a course I took at The Creative Quest in Glendale, AZ. I can’t post the tutorial, because that would be stealing from the person who taught the course. I’m sure if you go to You Tube and search for Long Stitch Journal, you’ll find plenty of tutorials.
Here’s the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahvirsik/5316481519/
Ah, there it is! It got filtered out because it had a flicker link. What a great book! What are you going to fill it with?
Yes, Quinn, very fun and not complicated! Here’s my second one: Thanks for your inspiration! This one looks better than my first. As usual, I get better with practice.
I can’t see the journal, but practice is what makes things work well. So glad you love the idea!
Quinn, thanks so much for posting this. I just made one! I haven’t filled it in however. I’d been familiar with the longstitch linkstitch binding but not this one so I’m glad for the chance to see this and be able to figure it out.
Leah
thanks, Leah! Aren’t they fun? And not at all complicated, either. Good for you for making one!
Qinn
I am enjoying your blog and it is giving new inspiration all the time.
Thanks, Mary. Glad to know I helped.