Ethiopian binding

OAB Definition

book bound with across-the-spine, exposed sewing that uses pairs of sewing stations, each pair with one length of thread and two needles. Boards typically have three holes per sewing station, one of which is diagonal to the board edge. Boards are attached with the same thread that links the sections. Traditionally made with wooden covers.

As with many historical bindings, there is a variety of binding styles for which the terms “Coptic” and “Ethiopian” are used, and a curious lack of consensus.