Definition: A deckle is a wooden frame, placed in the papermaking mould to define the edges of the sheet. As the pulp dries, it forms an irregular textured edge called a 'deckle edge'. When handmade paper is trimmed, it is usually torn rather than cut, to create a faux deckle edge which compliments the natural deckle edges.
Prints and drawings on handmade paper are often float mounted to display the deckle edges, showing the quality of the paper. Machine made paper sometimes has two deckle edges or may have a fake deckle, but only handmade paper has four natural deckle edges.
Common Misspellings: deckel, decal
