stab-sewn, stab-holes ☜☞ marcas de cosido, orificios


The gatherings (or sections or quires) of most books are sewn down the center of the fold. Thin books or pamphlets, and sueltas certainly belong in this category, would sometimes be sewn through the entire book or pamphlet parallel to the fold and about ¼ inch from the fold inward. When sewn in this manner, they are said to be “stabbed,” from the holes stabbed through the leaves to receive the thread. It was far faster to sew a book together this way, and it was done with the view that stab-sewing could be easily reversed and the book properly sewn through the fold in preparation for a permanent binding. Unfortunately, there are many examples of sueltas that were stapled into folders in the early 20th century in which the crumbling acidic boards and rusty staples have left their stab holes. [CB]
 
  • Additional note: besides the stab holes, the example image also shows discoloration in the paper and a previous owner’s illegible signature.

    [Private collection SzT]

stab-sewn, stab-holes
stab-sewn, stab-holes
stab-sewn, stab-holes
stab-sewn, stab-holes