1. SEWING THE Y’RIOT TOGETHER

There are basically two methods, one which is known as the ‘blind-stitch’ which has been practiced since around 1800 and one prior to this known as the ‘cross-over stich’. We will concentrate on the former here since that is what is used today, though in repairs to pre-1800 scrolls one would try to match the stitching used.  Initially one has to make holes evenly spaced in the tough parchment using a needle (preferably gold plated) starting a little way away from the parchment.

‘Blind-stitching’ folds works by folding the parchment under, so that in the front one, one can just discern stitches going through the fold as the stitching only shows properly from the back. This is why on the two side of any ruled out k’laf one has to leave an addition c. mms onto the margin length to allow for this foldover.

One does not start right at the end of the k’laf but leaves a small gap to allow some give when the k’laf is held open/stertched. The giddin is pushed through the k’laf (this isn’t as easy as it sounds as the material is quite tough). A loop is created, the needles threaded through it and pulled tightly to the right which knots it tightly.

This is a ‘sailor-stitch’. The first simple stitch may then be doubled back to strengthen, though this is not absolutely necessary. Similarly the last stich may also be doubled, or the middle one. This is called ‘prior-stitching’.

 Otherwise it is ‘simple-stitching’ only vible along the underside of the k’laf because of the fold over.

 The last stitch loops through the ‘prior-stitching’ twice an pulled tight to knot the giidin securely. The excess giddin is then cut off close to the knot.

Glueing on re-inforcement strips of parchment is an option, however not really necessary for a new work. However on repairs to sewing on old scrolls they can be valuable. They should not be positioned right up to edges either. (remember the glue must be kasher - a sythetic PVA will do if glue made from old k’laf boiled is not available.

The alternative to blind stiching which was the practice