March 27 | Sewn Book Forms (4 Weeks)

In 4 weekly sessions, students will focus on learning non-adhesive binding structures. Some of these binding styles will include complex sewing structures like coptic stitch, long stitch, and Japanese stab binding.

Students will learn the traditional version of these sewn bindings as well as new variations on the bindings to make more decorative and complicated designs. Participants will work with leather, paper, book cloth, and book board to survey the wide range of techniques in sewn bindings.

At the end of this workshop all students will have the ability to identify and create the most fundamental structures of sewn bindings, recognize the tools, history, and vocabulary around these bindings.

Students will complete four sample books: Two pamphlet stitch varieties, a perfect bound book, and a more elaborate Japanese stab binding.

In addition to learning hand skills, the class will discuss the history of chapbooks, their role in publishing over time, and ways to share and sell chapbooks. If you have writing or images you would like to promote, this is a great workshop to jump start your self-publishing!