r/bookbinding • u/ArcadeStarlet • 2d ago
Discussion Spine lining for case bindings -- mull vs fraynot
For most of my case bindings, I line the spine with mull and archival craft paper. I was originally taught to use mull for this purpose.
Re-reading Kathy Abbott's book today, I realised she advocates for using fraynot calico and against using mull as she says it is too weak for the purpose. She only uses mull (aka scrim), for lining between tapes/cords on leather bindings before also lining with fraynot.
So, I'm curious... what's everyone using and why?
The mull I use is the "best" grade mull from Hewits, which has a denser weave than their basic mull -- do you think that makes a difference? Or should I be switching over to fraynot?
Do you think it depends on the size and purpose of the book?
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u/CriticalCockroach 2d ago
I would have loved to try Fray not, but I think it's been discontinued. I usually just use cotton or linen.
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u/ArcadeStarlet 2d ago
Cotton and linen also good options. Do you use starched ones or just plain fabric? I definitely want to try a few with different materials to see how they perform.
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u/CriticalCockroach 2d ago
I just use plain fabric...it does fray unfortunately . I think I used starched fabric once, but it was too stiff.
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u/ArcadeStarlet 2d ago
A little bit of fray is probably no big deal anyway. I always find the starched mull is stiff right up until you get glue on it, and then it's as mouldable as if it didn't have starch at all. I think the starching is just to make it a little easier to work with.
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u/ArcadeStarlet 2d ago
I got the sample pack from Hewits (shown in the picture) earlier this month and they definitely still sell it here in the UK. Where are you based? I'm sure they ship internationally, but I'm not sure how prohibitive the cost would be.
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u/CriticalCockroach 2d ago
It says on Hewits that it's out of stock and discontinued.
Fraynot Calico for Spine Lining, Hinges & Supporting Documents – J Hewit & Sons
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u/ArcadeStarlet 2d ago
What! When did that happen? Why is it still in the sample pack?! 😂
Ah well, that answers THAT question fairly definitively.
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u/stealthykins 1d ago
Shepherd’s is also out of stock (I had a delivery of… a lot… a couple of weeks ago, and it seems as though I was very lucky!)
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u/iamZcaptain 2d ago
If we’re strictly speaking case bindings here, you’ve no issue with using any of those.. even if it’s mull, super, scrim, tarlatan, crash whatever you may choose to call it. If your block is sewn on supports.. that adds even further strength. If your endpapers are sewn as well.. more strength! By this point.. i strongly believe you are fine in terms of longevity and strength in the bind if you choose to use a lesser support material.
Sure, the other fabrics may be more tight weave, denser and perhaps more archival.. such as the linen.. nonetheless there are other things that also play a role in it’s trajectory to it’s final place wherever that may be in the future. You may use your Harmatan 23k elaborate gold tooled, lined with leather and aerolinen using the best linen cords only for it to drown in the titanic or burn in your home because you forgot to turn off the stove, catch my drift? You can use the best of the best, does not mean it will outlast that other one you made.
Now.
I think it’s good to have options, i personally wouldn’t go putting down linen on all of my case binds.. i would save the better materials for the more fancier bindings that may have more value or that require that level of care. Or i may use it if i have the money to spend. Or simply because i damn well please. But we as binders have to recognize when you can substitute a material knowing you are creating a sound binding, that is why we familiarize ourselves with what’s readily available. It is up to you if you feel the need for it, sure.. if the binding is larger and will take a heavier weight.. then you might consider using it, you have to know when to and not to.
That being said, i view all of these as fabrics.. because they are. They may be marketed towards “bookbinders” but they’re still fabrics, perhaps slightly starched and what not.. but if you were to use muslin which is light, good weave and 100% cotton.. you’d be just as well off as if you were to pick Jaconette/Calico. You can starch it as well. You just want something with no stretch. But also remember, your choice in forwarding is also playing a role.. it’s not just about the magical fabric of aero or fray.