Had to pick between linen thread and a synthetic core for a restoration job

I was rebinding a 1920s novel last month in Austin and had to choose between traditional linen thread and a modern synthetic core for the signatures. I went with linen because I figured it matched the age better, but now the spine is already showing some stiffness. Has anyone else run into issues with linen thread on older paper?

2 comments

2 Comments

elliotr3926d ago

it's already showing some stiffness" yeah no kidding lol. I tried linen on a 1910s textbook once and the binding felt like I'd glued a piece of plywood to the spine. It's just too rigid for that old brittle paper, man. Synthetic core might feel like cheating but at least it flexes with the pages instead of fighting them. I'd say rip it out and redo it with a nylon core before the spine cracks something. Live and learn I guess, but that's a pain.

robin_wright26d ago

Ever try heat-testing a synthetic core before committing? I had a batch of poly webbing once that melted into a gooey mess when I hit it with the iron, ruined a whole Saturday and a nice copy of Moby Dick. Lesson learned: always test a scrap first so you don't end up with a sticky, sad book.