Sidosmuotot

Sidosmuotot, often translated as "binding molds" or "binding forms," refers to a historical technique used in the creation of books, particularly in manuscript production. This method involved using pre-made wooden or metal forms to hold and shape the pages of a codex during the binding process. Instead of sewing individual quires directly to the spine, the pages were often clamped within these molds. This allowed for a more standardized and potentially faster assembly, especially for larger projects.

The use of sidosmuotot is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, possibly as an evolution from earlier scroll-making techniques. These molds would have provided a stable structure, ensuring that the pages remained aligned and the sewing or other fastening methods could be applied uniformly. The exact construction and application of these forms varied, but they generally aimed to create a secure and flat surface for the bookblock. Evidence for their use is often found in surviving medieval bindings or through textual references in craft manuals of the period. While less common with the advent of printing and more sophisticated binding machinery, the concept of using forms to guide the assembly of book pages has modern parallels in certain bookbinding techniques.