Bookbinding Taster Workshop: French Link Stitch

Upcycle old art into something beautifully bound at this bookbinding class in London.



2.5 hours

Class size 1 to 12 (public classes), 4 to 24
  £30
Join this French link stitch bookbinding workshop in London and learn how to create a beautifully hand-bound notebook using one of the oldest and most elegant bookbinding techniques. You'll discover how folded paper sections are sewn together with an exposed decorative spine, creating a notebook that opens beautifully and lies flatter than many traditional bindings.
This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for anyone curious about bookbinding, paper craft, or making their own journals and sketchbooks. No previous experience is needed, just come along and enjoy learning a mindful new craft in a relaxed and welcoming studio.
What to expect:
  • Learn the fundamentals of French link stitch binding, an elegant exposed-spine sewing technique.
  • Fold and prepare your paper into signatures using specialist bookbinding paper.
  • Stitch your notebook together using the distinctive French Link Stitch pattern.
  • Discover tips for creating your own handmade journals, sketchbooks and notebooks at home.
You'll leave with two of your own hand-bound notebooks, a new practical craft skill, and the confidence to continue making beautiful books for sketching, writing, journalling or gifting.

Upcoming dates for Bookbinding Taster Workshop: French Link Stitch

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 8 Oct 2026, 4:09pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

45 upcoming dates between 18 Oct 2026 and 31 Dec 2027.

  • Sun 18 Oct 2026, 2pm-4:30pm
  • Fri 6 Nov 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 7 Nov 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 20 Nov 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun 13 Dec 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun 27 Dec 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 15 Jan 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 16 Jan 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 29 Jan 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 12 Feb 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 13 Feb 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 26 Feb 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 12 Mar 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 13 Mar 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 26 Mar 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 9 Apr 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 10 Apr 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 23 Apr 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 7 May 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 8 May 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 21 May 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 4 Jun 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 5 Jun 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 18 Jun 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 2 Jul 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 3 Jul 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 16 Jul 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 30 Jul 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 31 Jul 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 13 Aug 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 27 Aug 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 28 Aug 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 10 Sep 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 24 Sep 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 25 Sep 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 8 Oct 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 22 Oct 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 23 Oct 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 5 Nov 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 19 Nov 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 20 Nov 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 3 Dec 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 17 Dec 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat 18 Dec 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Fri 31 Dec 2027, 10am-12:30pm
What you'll get
  • A small A6 notebook made by stepping through the process.
  • A finished larger notebook made with assistance.
  • 16 sheets of high-quality 130gsm internal paper
  • Access to coloured card and collage scraps.
  • All tools and materials to complete the binding process!
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
Scrap papers or artwork you'd like to upcycle, A4 or A5 size (depending on your desired notebook size) -- this is not mandatory, we have plenty of scraps you can use!
Add-ons available for this class
  • Unlimited Tea + Coffee (pp) (£2)
  • 125ml Glass of Wine (Red/White) (£5)
  • Bottle of Fizz (£33)
  • Beer (330ml IPA/Lager) (£5)
  • Bookbinding Kit to Keep (£15)
You can add these when you book (optional).
Location

Something Good Workshops, From Platform 1 Of Deptford Station Or Next To SALT, London

Find us up the railway ramp. Our ramp is accessible from Deptford Station (platform 1, behind the lift) or up from the ramp off Deptford High St next to SALT bar.

Bookbinding Taster Workshop: French Link Stitch location
Verified reviews


Our reviewers receive the same incentives regardless of the ratings or comments provided

ClassBento loader icon

Recent reviews of Bookbinding Taster Workshop: French Link Stitch

  • 5/5 from Jo Needham, attended Sep 2026: Great class - super friendly teacher. Lovely space and atmosphere. French book binding slightly more advanced craft to learn but the teacher made it super fun - and we took away some beautiful books.
  • 5/5 from Lynsey Cosham, attended Sep 2026: Met with my lovely friend at Something Good so we could refine our book sewing skills. Emily was so nice, and kind and helpful, and we both left feeling happy with our work and much more confident to book bind on our own and remember the steps. Was such a nice way to spend a Sunday morning.
  • 5/5 from Michelle Griffin, attended Sep 2026: The French Link Stitch workshop with Emily was great. Fantastic teacher and chilled atmosphere. I bought some waxed linen thread at the end (so many beautiful colours!) to make more books at home.
  • 5/5 from Sara Haider, attended Aug 2026: I really enjoyed the French Link Stitch bookbinding workshop. The steps were easy to follow. Will definitely be coming back for future workshops.
  • 5/5 from Charly, attended Jul 2026: Absolutely loved learning how to make a french link stitch notebook - our teacher was brill- very patient, clear and went over and above to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy with their creations! Can’t wait to go to future sessions (also air con in this heatwave was a 10/10 addition too)
Your teacher

Something Good Workshops
Something Good Workshops

5.0 (466)
female Women-owned

Hi, we’re Emily and Jess, the creative minds behind Something Good Workshops!
Our journey began in 2019 when Emily launched Something Good Workshops (originally known as MADEptford) as a way to spread crafty joy and raise funds for running the London Marathon. What started as a one-time idea quickly grew into a passion for bringing people together through creativity. Since then, we’ve hosted a wide variety of workshops, from arm knitting to body casting, in all kinds of spaces - corporate offices, cosy pubs, pop-up shops, and even people’s homes.
After taking a short break, we’re back with fresh energy and an exciting new partnership. Jess has joined the team, and together, we’re on a mission to spark joy and empower people to explore their creativity in relaxing, welcoming spaces. We believe there’s something magical about slowing down, working with your hands, and leaving with something you’ve made yourself - whether it’s a chunky knit blanket, a personal shrine, or a collage bursting with personality.
What makes us unique? We’re all about creating an environment where people feel at ease, whether they’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker. Over the years, we’ve held workshops in so many different settings, and one thing always stands out: the joy people feel when they realize just how creative they can be.
We’re not just here to teach a craft - we’re here to help you unwind, have fun, and leave with a tangible reminder that you’re capable of making something good.
We can’t wait to meet you at a workshop soon!
class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london