Start bookbinding

What is the course about?

This is an introductory course in bookbinding. The class is designed to give you a good start by familiarising you
with the necessary tools, materials and some of the core techniques. Projects will build up on one another and
provide a fertile base for future exploration.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will cover the three core elements of folding, sewing and gluing through a series of progressive projects.
We will start with folded structures in paper and cloth. Then we move onto a combination of folding and sewing
with paper and card. In the third session will rise to the challenge of binding a hard cover book.

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

- Create book structures through folding, sewing and gluing
- Explore these structures further as a base for future projects
- Name the most common bookbinding tools and use them safely
- Be aware of grain direction in paper and ways to determine grain direction
- Be able to distinguish and name some book structures
- Progress onto further classes within bookbinding.

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

This course is aimed at beginners. A general ability to use small hand tools will be helpful.

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

- This course will be taught online through weekly live sessions and/or video
demonstrations.
- Feedback, Q & A and group chats using Google classroom
- You will have the opportunity to engage with your online learning community and tutor through Google
Classroom
- Online resource, inspiration and task handouts with be available to download in each session
This course will be delivered online, and will involve tutor presentation and class discussion. Student preparation
and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged.
This course will be taught using live sessions using Google Meet and Zoom
• A computer or laptop will be needed, a fully updated google chrome browser works best
or use a phone or tablet, your device will need a microphone, and optionally a camera.
• You will need to login into our Google Classroom before our sessions start as all course materials will be stored here. You will be emailed a joining code nearer the time.
• You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient bandwidth at times.

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

You will need to acquire a limited range of small hand tools and materials. A list of suppliers and tools will be made available before the course. A lot of the materials can be sourced from around the house and up-cycling is encouraged through out.

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?

Suitable follow on courses include:
VD190 City Lit Bookbinding
VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes.
VD262 Ten Projects for Beginners
VD435 Bookbinding for beginners:simple leather binding
Your tutor will be able to advise you during the course.