A client told me my headbands were too tight and it made me rethink my whole process

I was binding a custom poetry book for a local writer here in Austin, and when I delivered it, she said the headbands felt stiff and were pulling on the spine. She said it looked great but didn't feel right in the hand. I'd always used a standard 3mm cord and pulled it tight, thinking that was just how it was done for a clean finish. After that, I started experimenting. I switched to a 2mm linen cord and now I only tension it enough to sit snugly, without any real pull. I also pre-shape it around a dowel before attaching it. The difference is huge. The books open more easily and just feel more comfortable. Has anyone else had to adjust a 'standard' technique after getting direct feedback from a user?

2 comments

2 Comments

oscarkelly6d ago

Yeah, I read a blog post from a bookbinder who said the same thing. They called it "engineering for the hand" not just the eye. Your fix with the smaller cord is exactly right, it's about how the thing gets used.

betty1266d ago

Tbh that reminds me of my old car. The cup holder was too small for anything but a tiny soda can. Felt like they never tried to use it.