A client said my hand-sewn headbands were too tight and it made me rethink my whole method

I was finishing a custom journal for a repeat customer, and when they picked it up they said the headband felt stiff and pulled on the spine. I always pulled the thread as tight as I could, thinking that was the right way. After that, I tried a project where I left a tiny bit of slack, maybe a millimeter of give. The book opened so much easier. Now I do a test open after sewing every headband. Has anyone else had a client point out something basic you were doing wrong?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordancoleman1mo ago

That millimeter of slack is a great detail. Did you find it changed how you approach other parts of the binding too?

troy_fox1mo ago

That millimeter made me check every other stitch, @jordancoleman. Now I'm basically a binding detective.

wesley8325d ago

Oh man, that's so real! I had a customer tell me my bookcloth hinge was too tight on a travel journal and I realized I was just slamming glue on there without thinking. Now I do a test fold before the glue even dries, just gently opening it to feel for resistance. It's wild how the tiniest slack changes everything, makes the whole book breathe better. That millimeter tip is gold, I'm definitely stealing it for my next batch.