Double vs Single Needle Coptic

Double needle Coptic binding.

Curious about the differences in both technique and results, last spring I decided to try double needle Coptic binding.  Since then, I've done a few projects using the double needle Coptic and enjoy the results.

Here's what I've found.

Initially, as with any new technique, the binding process takes substantially longer although it's actually quite simple and not too dissimilar from single needle.

Because there are multiple threads dangling from each signature, it is quite a feat to keep the strands from tangling - and they do desire to tangle.  The trick, if you don't have some sort of loom handy, is to allow them to dangle over the edge of your work table, using your legs to separate each pair (obviously, this works best if you have 6 binding holes, thus 3 pair).

My main interest in the double needle binding was visual - how would it visually differ from single needle binding.  And a secondary concern was function - would it change the structure or functioning of a binding.

Top: Double needle
Bottom: Single needle

With single needle binding, I've always had visual anxiety about the bindings at the head and tail of the spine - because they jump to the next signature, they do not form a full link.

But the binding is more uniform with double needle - the links are full at each the head and tail of the spine.  (Notice the difference between the far right band of links in the comparison photo.)

Another visual difference with double needle binding is the additional threading, which gives the threaded links along the spine more visual weight.

Thread passes back and forth
multiple times in each sewing station.

Two things frustrates me about the double needle binding. First, the bulking of the signatures due to the thread passing back and forth between sewing stations multiple times.  Second, these threads inside each signature are more loose than I prefer.

I find both of these things unsettling, as I prefer less bulk inside the signature and the tighter thread offered by single needle binding.

Knots inside the final signature.

What I really appreciate about double binding is that all of the knots are in the final signature - no knots in the other signatures - and this leaves a very clean look throughout the book as well as in the final signature.

Overall, I find the double needle binding makes no substantial change to function or structure, yet enhances the internal orderliness and external visual strength of a book.

Although I will stick with single needle as my primary binding, I'll definitely be using double needle Coptic binding more frequently.