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Silk thread • coloured

for sewing headband - Roll of 30 mts

Colour: 237 - green
Product information "Silk thread • coloured"

Give your book project a masterful touch with this elegantly shimmering natural thread made from 100% reeled silk (mulberry silk). This high-quality silk thread is ideal for embroidering hand-stitched headbands, as traditionally used in French bookbinding. Thanks to its smooth texture, high tensile strength, and fine surface, the thread can be guided precisely, forming a decorative and durable headband sewn directly onto the book block.

Instructions: French Headband with Silk Thread

This detailed step-by-step guide teaches you how to traditionally hand-stitch a French headband. Using silk thread and a suitable core (bâtonnet), you’ll create a decorative and functional headband sewn directly to the book block.

Preparing the Core (bâtonnet)

  • Cut a thin, flexible leather strip (or parchment / linen tape) to match the width of the book spine.
  • Optional: Slightly round the strip so it can be wrapped evenly.
  • This bâtonnet will serve as the backbone of the headband.

Positioning and Securing

  • Place the book block spine-up into a sewing frame or clamp.
  • Secure the bâtonnet at the top of the spine (head) using a small drop of starch paste (colle d’amidon) to keep it in place.

First Stitches: Anchoring

  • Start with a double-threaded silk thread (use two colors for pattern effect).
  • Guide the needle under the bâtonnet and back over the spine to create a wrap.
  • After one or two wraps, stitch through the last kettle stitch of the top section – this anchors the headband to the book (classic *tranchefile à la française*).

Weaving the Pattern (Broderie)

  • Repeat the wrapping, alternating colors each time.
  • With Thread A: from right to left under the bâtonnet, then back over the spine.
  • With Thread B: mirrored from left to right.
  • This creates the characteristic diagonal pattern of the French headband.
  • Tip: Don’t pull too tightly – the headband should be firm, but not constricted.

Further Anchoring

  • Every third wrap, stitch again through the section to secure the band.
  • Continue step by step across the width of the spine until you reach the opposite edge.

Finishing

  • At the end of the spine, make two extra wraps for reinforcement.
  • Knot the threads carefully at the back, and optionally secure with a drop of glue.
  • Trim any excess threads and press gently with a bone folder.

Bottom Headband (Queue)

  • Repeat all steps at the foot of the book block (bottom edge).
  • Ensure the pattern is as symmetrical as possible compared to the head.

You’ll achieve a traditionally sewn headband that is both functional and visually impressive.

  • With Bead: using a round core like hemp cord
  • Solid Color: for simpler books
  • Pattern Variations: diagonal or braided styles

Properties of "Silk thread • coloured"

Dimensions
Length (in m): 30
Size: No. 40 = dtex 750 = 13,33 nm
Surface & Texture
Surface: glossy
Technical details
Usage: Make your own headband
Material
Material: 100 % silk
Other properties
Category: Sewing thread
Minimum order quantity: as of 1 piece
Sales unit: 5 rolls
Usage: Make your own headband
Version: triple-twisted

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