Stitched Pads - Hahnemuehle
Shop our range of stitched pads, perfect for working with a variety of dry and wet mediums.
Stitched Pads: Popular Questions from Artists
What are Stitched Pads?
Stitched pads are art pads where the pages are sewn together along the spine, creating a durable and flat-laying design. This binding method ensures that the pages remain secure while allowing artists to work across spreads without damaging the spine.
Often included alongside sketchbooks, stitched pads offer the flexibility of pads with the structure of a bound book. Available in various sizes, paper types, and textures, they cater to both wet and dry media, making them a versatile choice for artists.
While stitched pads and sketchbooks share similarities, such as sewn bindings and portability, the terms are not always interchangeable. Stitched pads often have a simpler construction with sheets bound securely for ease of use, while sketchbooks feature a book-like design that can be more popular for sequential or ongoing work.
Artists use stitched pads for their durability and flat-laying design, which allows for easy working across spreads. The stitched binding ensures pages stay securely in place, even with frequent use, making them ideal for both rough sketches and long-term projects.
Many artists appreciate the simplicity and tactility of stitch pads. Their versatility and ability to handle a wide range of media make them a favorite for sketching, painting, and journaling.
‘I can fully batter this paper. It will take anything I throw at it. I can lay a heavy slick of oil pastel, rub at it with my fingers, attack with a dollop of turps, scratch into it with a wax pencil, stress its surface with whatever comes to hand, soak it in sloppy ink, and generally treat it far worse than it deserves.’
- Sarah Waite, ‘Artist Review of Khadi Handmade Bound Stitched Pads’, Jackson’s Art Blog
The origins of stitched pads date back to ancient bookbinding techniques, where sheets were sewn together. During the Renaissance, stitched pads and sketchbooks gained popularity among artists who used them to record studies and ideas.
Over time, their design evolved, with modern stitch pads offering a balance of functionality and durability, making them a popular tool for artists working in a range of media.
At Jackson’s Art Supplies, we offer a curated selection of stitched pads designed to meet the needs of professional and beginner artists. Our range includes popular brands such as Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, Khadi, Seawhite, Stillman & Birn, and Jackson’s own high quality collection.
Whether you need a sturdy stitch pad for mixed media or a compact option for sketching on the go, we provide exceptional products, expert advice, and eco-friendly packaging. Backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, we’re committed to supporting your artistic journey.
Shop Stitched Pads
Discover Jackson’s range of stitched pads for all your creative projects. With options for watercolor, sketching, and mixed media, our collection caters to a variety of styles and techniques. Choose from soft or hard covers and a range of sizes to suit every type of artist.
Need help? Visit our Contact Us and Help & Advice, or read the Frequently Asked Questions below.