Crossed Structure Bindings Online 2026WKSP-07-07

ONLINE: Crossed Structure Bindings with Erin Fletcher

The Crossed Structure binding is a non-adhesive binding that offers much freedom to the text block. This Twentieth century design was developed by Carmencho Arregui, who was greatly inspired by the Long Stitch bindings of the medieval era.

It is suitable in conservation or new bindings, such as travel journals or decorative bindings. The structure is uniquely constructed by interlocking the front and back cover at the spine.

In this workshop, we’ll explore three of Carmencho’s variations: Hidden, MarcoPolo and Solo.

Erin Fletcher is the owner of Herringbone Bindery, where she crafts one-of-a-kind fine bindings and small editions for various clients and institutions. Her work is regularly exhibited throughout the US and abroad. Her work is collected by The Grolier Club, Boston Athenaeum and UCLA along with several private collectors. She first discovered a love for bookbinding while studying at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This experience brought her to study bookbinding at the North Bennet Street School in Boston where she graduated in 2012. She regularly teaches book arts workshops online and at venues throughout the US. https://www.herringbonebindery.com/

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

Location: ONLINE using Zoom

Dates: July 7, 9, & 14, 2026

Hours: 6:00 – 8.300 p.m. (EASTERN TIME)

Course fee: $210 members / $270 non-members

Prerequisite: none

Maximum Enrollment: 20

Registration closes Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

This is a live workshop, but it will be recorded, and links will be made available for the registrants to view until available until October 15, 2026. The link for session one will be posted on Weds AM and sent to participants that day.

Tools:

• Beeswax - optional

• Bone folder

• Craft knife

• Cutting mat

• Glue brush - small about ½” square

• Pencil

• Pin vise or Awl

• Punching Cradle - optional

• PVA

• Needles - #18 sharps

• Ruler - with metric

• Scissors

• Thread - 18/3 dyed linen

• Waste paper

Materials :

Text Blocks: I’ll be using Mohawk Superfine 80# text weight paper, I would suggest using something of a similar weight for your signatures. I would suggest cutting the folios oversized to 160 x 240mm, fold and press before trimming to the final dimensions noted below.  (NOTE: Mohawk Superfine is available in Canada from George Hill & Co.)

Cover Paper: I’ll be using a medium to heavy-weight handmade paper for my covers. I would select papers that are sturdy, but fold well. 

Punching Jig: I’ll be using 20pt. Sandstone Archival, but any cardstock material will be suitable for our punching jigs. The grain direction for this doesn’t matter. 

BOOK 1: Hidden Crossed Structure Binding

Text Block:

8 signatures, 6 folios - final size: 155 x 115mm

Cover Paper - select 2 different colors:

1 piece – front cover – 155 x 195mm

1 piece – back cover – 155 x 195mm

20pt. Museum Board:

1 piece – punching jig – 165 x 50mm

BOOK 2: MarcoPolo Crossed Structure Binding

Text Block:

8 signatures, 6 folios - final size: 155 x 115mm

Cover Paper - select 2 different colors:

2 pieces – front and back cover – 155 x 225mm

20pt. Museum Board:

1 piece – punching jig – 165 x 50mm

BOOK 3: Solo Crossed Structure Binding

Text Block:

8 signatures, 6 folios - final size: 155 x 115mm

Cover Paper:

1 piece – whole cover – 155 x 640mm

20pt. Museum Board:

1 piece – punching jig – 165 x 50mm

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Online Workshop Process:

Materials should be prepared in advance of the workshop to the specifications which will allow participants to take the best advantage of the live format. Please review the technical requirements below prior to registration to be sure you can participate. Questions should be directed to workshop@cbbag.ca

Technical requirements for participation:

• Access to the internet and to the Zoom application
• Screen large enough to follow instructor’s video feed (cell phone is not ideal)
• Microphone or Headset / Webcam
• How to join a zoom meeting information https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193

Cancellation policy:

Participant-requested cancellations will be accepted up to 3 days prior to the published cut-off date for registration and will be subject to a 10% cancellation fee (a minimum of $5). After that, the full fee will be forfeited. In the event of the workshop being cancelled by CBBAG, the workshop fee will be fully refunded.