Fanbinding

Fanbinding is a term used in the crafts of bookbinding and artist books to describe bindings that incorporate fan-shaped elements. The term does not have a single, universally accepted definition, and practitioners may use it to refer to different techniques that produce a fan-like spread when the book is opened or when the covers are examined.

In some uses, fanbinding describes decorative applications of leather, parchment, or paper cut into triangular or curved segments arranged in a radial or arc pattern along the spine or on the cover to create a fan effect. In other uses, it refers to structural elements where fan-shaped folds or folded sheets (fans) are integrated as supports or guard sheets, aimed at increasing flexibility or allowing a wider opening of the book.

Techniques and materials vary, including overlays and inlays, fanfold guards, and sewn connections. The production typically requires careful alignment, trimming, and finishing of edges to ensure smooth operation. Materials commonly involved are leather, vellum, parchment, and archival papers, chosen for durability and compatibility with conservation standards.

History and reception: The practice is niche and most visible among contemporary binders and artists working with experimental formats. There is no widely adopted standard method or formal criteria for what constitutes a fanbinding, and definitions may differ between makers and communities.

See also: bookbinding, accordion binding, concertina binding, fan-fold structures.