Bookbinding: 10 projects for beginners

What is the course about?

The course provides students new to bookbinding with an introduction to a variety of bookbinding techniques, materials and equipment through a series of short complete projects.

What will we cover?

Over the ten weeks of the course we will make a range of book styles; including a series of folded books, pamphlet-sewn books and multi-sectioned books with soft and hard covers of board, paper and cloth. We will explore books with exposed sewing, and Japanese-style stab-sewn books. You will learn several sewing techniques, what adhesives to use, and how to use cloth, paper, board, small tools and equipment.

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

- Use a variety of sewing techniques to create single and multi-section books
- Use paper, board and cloth to make book covers
- Correctly identify grain direction in paper and board
- Select and use the appropriate adhesives, tools and materials to make books and items from paper and board
- Use the experience and knowledge gained on the course to continue onto other bookbinding courses.

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

The course is aimed at beginners and no previous bookbinding experience is necessary. Students with some experience who wish to revise their range of bookbinding techniques are also welcome but please be aware that we will start from scratch. If you have any queries about the level of the course then please contact visualarts@citylit.ac.uk
Some level of manual dexterity and attention to detail will be required but this will be taught through step-by step instructions and demonstrations. There will be plenty of opportunity to practise techniques during the sessions.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, to use the hand-outs which support demonstrations and to follow health and safety information, and you may also be invited to take part in group discussion. 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?

You will be taught as a group and we will work through the projects together. Individual attention will be given throughout the course and during each session, as required. There may be some small group work from time to time and it is hoped that you will be able to support each other and actively engage in the class group as a whole. Any work you can do outside the class, in the form of research or practise, will help you get more out of the ten weeks, but it is not essential, and no required ‘homework’ will be given. You will be expected to make your own working notes during the course.

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

All materials are included in the course fee and will be available in the classroom. There is a small tool kit available for use during the course. If you have a basic bookbinding kit, please do bring it. Should you wish to purchase your own things you will be given guidance on what to get during the first session. Please bring a pen, sharp pencil, eraser and notebook to every session. Small brushes and an apron will also be useful during the course.

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?

- VD190 City Lit bookbinding course
- VD435 Simple leather binding
- VDVD328 Piano hinge bindings
- VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes.