Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
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- Start Date: 02 Oct 2025End Date: 23 Oct 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)Course Code: VD416Tutors: Kate RochesterFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
Japanese binding is visually interesting and versatile. It is particularly useful for binding single sheets as the book is constructed using a stab stitch, where the cover and pages are pierced through from front to back and all sewn at the same time. Traditionally the bindings are based on four basic sewing patterns but there are many examples of contemporary stab stitch books which experiment with these patterns to create a wealth of exciting new designs. The traditional Japanese folding case (Chitsu) is an elegant and adaptable structure used to house the books which is constructed from board and paper or cloth and finished with toggles.
What will we cover?
On day one will learn how to fold paper, make paper strings to form the inner binding, make decorative corners and sew traditional patterns. On day two you can choose to make further traditional-style books and/or experiment with non-traditional patterns to design your own sewing style. In weeks three and four, we will make a four-sided folding case to keep all your bindings in. We will be using a mixture of papers from Japan, India and Nepal. If you would prefer to work in Japanese paper only, you are welcome bring your own and your tutor will inform you of suppliers on the first day.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Sew multiple books in a variety of sewing styles
- Experiment with sewing patterns using samplers
- Construct and cover a four-sided folding case
- Use basic hand tools safely.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners. Some level of manual dexterity and attention to detail will be required but this will be taught through step-by step instructions and demonstrations.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by demonstration, individual and group tuition. The course is structured to manage the work within the class but preparation or practice work may be carried out between classes if desired. Study materials will be available on Google classroom and you will be sent a link to join this classroom before your course starts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All materials are included in the cost of the course and tools are provided. We will use a range of different papers for the projects, including Japanese paper for one of the books. Should you wish to use Japanese paper for all the book projects you will need to provide your own and bring these to the first session. If you would like to use decorative Japanese paper for the case lining, your tutor will advise you about where to purchase this during the first session. Please bring a sharp pencil, notebook and pen to each class as you might wish to make your own notes to supplement the course handouts handouts which will be available on Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- VD442 Pocket bindings: books with reusable covers
- VD439 Sewn boards and drum leaf bindings for book arts
- VD435 Bookbinding for beginners: simple leather binding
- VD409 Visible stitches, spectacular spines: experiments in exposed sewing
Kate Rochester is an artist bookbinder based in London. After completing her BA in Art History at East London University she studied bookbinding at the London College of Printing. In 2004 she founded Hanbury Press which produces limited edition books and hand-printed papers using traditional hand-binding methods. Later she joined the bookbinding team at the Wyvern Bindery, as well as studying master classes at Studio 5 Book Arts studio in Barnes. Kate currently works on commission and runs her independent press from her studio located in East London. She regularly teaches Book Arts workshops and courses at Citylit and The London Centre Of Book Arts. In 2023, Kate became a QEST scholar after completing a year’s study in further master classes in Design Binding.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.