Advanced Bookbinding: Sewn Structures

• ONLINE | Lessons released weekly
• Course available now | 6 week course
• Access to our secret Facebook group to share makes and ask questions
• Shipping Kits Worldwide. Please expect international delays due to COVID19
• Lifetime Access

This sewn structures course will take you on a journey of the art of bookmaking through the many varied stitched structures from all over the globe. We will explore how to make books using traditional stitches as well as look at contemporary ways that book artists have adapted these traditional techniques.

This is a 6 week course and each week we will focus on one technique and push its boundaries to see what we can make.

Your course is hosted by Thinkific - you will receive an email immediately after purchase from Thinkific with details on how to access the course, so look out for that when you join us.

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at the bookbinder who wants a challenge. Ideally you will have already done some bookbinding. If you haven’t done it before we recommend you join our Introduction to Bookbinding course first, which works from folding paper, glueing covers to stitching very basic structures. This course takes what we have learned as a beginner to the next stage and is very much a more advanced course that aims to challenge you.

Delivery

The course is delivered across 4 weeks and short tutorials will be released to your inbox every week to watch at your own pace.

Each week You will also receive:

• PDFs with additional information
• Two short video tutorials of book structures 
• a materials suppliers list
• a cheat sheet which includes little short cuts and tips I have collected over the past 18 years of making books. 

Week 1 - Exposed Egyptian Coptic Book Binding

This classic stitch is a favourite among most bookbinders. The stitching is exposed and it’s especially great because it means you can open your book completely flat so it’s great for drawing and writing in.

Week 2 - East Asian Stab Binding 

We delve into the wonderful world of stab bound books which are used widely in China, Korea and Japan. If you’ve already done some basic stab binding this is ideal as we explore more complex decorative patterns.

Week 3 - Hebedo Tunnel Book

Hebedo is a Danish stitched technique similar to lace making using thread and traditionally hessian or heavy linen. We transfer this technique into a multi-layered tunnel book made up of modular sections to create a 3dimensional book where you peer within the threads.

Week 4 - Sashiko Books

This week we make some hand stitched Sashiko Pamphlet books. Templates are provided. Try our template 3 ways to get 3 designs or come up with your own. The possibilities are endless!

Week 5 - French Link stitch 

This is another great exposed binding, except we are going to focus on how we can push the boundaries of this stitch as well as incorporate tapes in our bookbinding.

Week 6 - Sewn Headbands

We complete the course with a workshop in sewing our own headbands. These are stitched at the top of a books spine to create a high quality finish. It’s makes a huge difference to all of your book projects. 

Community

You will have access to my private Book Arts Facebook group for anyone who has taken one of my courses. Here you can share your books, ask questions for anyone or myself to answer.

Coaching

Need a bit of extra support with a stitch or project? Come to one of the live meet ups on Zoom.

Tool Kits

Tool Kits are optional on this course as some of you might already have some of the tools.

Included is:

• 2x Bonefolders
• awl
• bookbinders needles
• glue brush
• PVA glue
• thread cutters
• beeswax
• book cloth
• book board
• A4 white paper
• specialist Paper
• linen thread in 3 colours

Please bring a cutting mat and craft knife.

About Me

Yvette Ja has been running bookbinding, origami and sculpture workshops for 12+ years and brings her Mixed Korean/UK heritage to her work, making it the best of both worlds! I learned how to bind books at a Victorian bindery at The Literary and Philosophical Society and have done extensive research in Artist's Books in my own practise. In 2011 I set up Book Apothecary: The Travelling Museum of Artist's Books which explored traditional and digital books through touring exhibitions. We worked with 48 artists and more than 2000 readers bringing bookbinding, sculpture, printmaking and textile books to new audiences. This project was funded by The Cultural Olympiad, National Lottery, Arts Council England and local councils.

I look forward to welcoming you onto this workshop.

Please note that for all online workshops, tickets are non refundable.