Visible stitches, spectacular spines: experiments in exposed sewing
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- Start Date: 27 Feb 2026End Date: 20 Mar 2026Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)Course Code: VD409Tutors: Alessia TumbioloFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
What will we cover?
We will explore sewing as structure and design through a series of demonstrations and experiments with Longstitch Binding, Buttonhole stitch, Coptic sewing and raised band sewing. We will also discuss ways of attaching covers, including: lacing in, extended cord sewing, piercing and embroidery techniques. You will create a series of models during day 1 and day 2 and on days 3 and 4 you can continue to experiment with what you have learned, or focus on producing one finished book using techniques and materials of your choice.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a variety of sewing techniques and board attachments
- Experiment with combining different styles of sewing and materials
- create a series of models and on finished book structure of your own choice
- Use basic hand tools safely.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at those with some experience of sewing and basic bookbinding techniques.
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 during the evening between classes if desired.
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 but please bring your own kit if you have one. You may like to bring some decorative papers of your own choice to use. 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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- VD435 Bookbinding: Simple leather binding
- VD292 Bookbinding: Learn to bind artists' books
- VD360 Bookbinding weekend: Endband extravaganza
- VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
Your tutor will advise you of other possibilities during the course.
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.