Beginners' bookbinding

What is the course about?

You will be introduced to bookbinding through a series of projects designed to provide a good working knowledge of materials and techniques. You will develop skills in both the production and design of hand made books enabling you to go on to explore more complex binding skills and structures.

What will we cover?

You will explore bookbinding through a series of interesting structures. We will experiment with paper folding and simple stitching to create folded books, pamphlet and zig-zag and long stitch bindings. You will also learn how to sew a multi-sectioned binding with hard cover.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Select and use appropriate materials
- Recognise the importance of grain direction
- Make a range of non adhesive bindings
- Make a single section binding
- Sew a multi-sectioned binding with a hard cover.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for beginners and will be taught through step-by step instructions and demonstrations. Some level of manual dexterity and attention to detail will be required. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions during the classroom sessions. You will have access to Google Classroom if you wish to engage in further study and for additional information which supports the techniques taught. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through demonstration, practice and discussion you will be taught as a group and individually as required.The course is structured to manage the work within the class but you may wish to work on individual ideas outside of the course time.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Materials needed to complete the projects are included in the cost of the course. You may wish to purchase extra from City Lit during the course. The bindery is equipped with most hand tools although you may wish to provide and use your own hand tools. A list of equipment and suppliers will be provided at the first lesson but if you already have all or some of the following you might like to bring them with you - Pencil, metal ruler, craft knife, bone folder.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

VD369 Bookbinding: Notebooks and folders
VD327 Bookbinding: Box-making
VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
VD354 Creative Arts for bookbinding 1: decorative paper techniques
VD359 Beginners' bookbinding: evening course.