täckbanden

Täckbanden are fabric strips used in traditional bookbinding to cover and reinforce the spine of a book. They serve to encase the binding cords and provide a smooth surface for attaching the cover, while protecting the spine from wear. Täckbanden are typically made of linen, cotton, or silk, and can be coloured or patterned to contrast with or harmonize with the book’s cover. In many historical bindings they run along the length of the spine and extend slightly onto the boards; in some cases they are decorative elements as well as functional reinforcements.

Historically, täckbanden were common in early modern and 19th-century bindings, especially in hand-bound or bespoke books. With the rise of modern mass binding, the use of täckbanden has declined, but they remain important in conservation and restoration, where original materials are preserved or faithfully replaced.

In conservation work, practitioners assess the condition of a book’s täckbanden as part of the spine; damaged bands may be detached and replaced with materials chosen to match the original in appearance and strength. The technique requires careful matching of fabric type, weave, and color to maintain the book’s historic integrity.

Etymology: the word derives from Swedish täcka, 'to cover', and band, 'band' or 'strip'. See also bookbinding terms, spine reinforcement, endband.