Bookbinding Taster Workshop: Japanese Stab Stitch

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



1.5 hours Location Deptford Class size 1 to 12 (public classes), 4 to 24   £20

Join this short and satisfying Japanese stab stitch bookbinding workshop in London and learn how to turn your leftover scraps, artwork, or printed ephemera into a beautiful, functional notebook. This 90-minute activity teaches you the basics of Japanese stab stitch binding, a simple and elegant technique where pages are bound through the edge rather than folded.
It’s a great workshop for anyone wanting to explore low-waste craft and simple bookbinding in a relaxed and friendly environment -- no experience required! It’s perfect for making your own journals, sketchbooks, zines, or thoughtful gifts and works especially well for loose sheets, prints, and mixed papers.
What to expect:
  • Start by creating a small notebook to cover the process, and then you’ll have time to utilise your offcuts to create a bigger, fuller notebook.
  • Choose or cut down your covers.
  • Prepare and stack your internal pages (specialist book paper is provided).
  • Mark and punch binding holes.
  • Stitch your notebook using a traditional Japanese stab stitch pattern.
  • Feel free to bring materials if you'd like, such as kids' art, old prints, or colourful cards.
You’ll leave the session with your own handmade notebooks and the lasting skills to continue making many more from your own treasured materials.

Upcoming dates for Bookbinding Taster Workshop: Japanese Stab Stitch

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 16 Oct 2026, 9:26am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

42 upcoming dates between 28 Nov 2026 and 31 Dec 2027.

  • Sat 28 Nov 2026, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 4 Dec 2026, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 18 Dec 2026, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 15 Jan 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 23 Jan 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 29 Jan 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 12 Feb 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 20 Feb 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 26 Feb 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 12 Mar 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 20 Mar 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 26 Mar 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 9 Apr 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 17 Apr 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 23 Apr 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 7 May 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 15 May 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 21 May 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 4 Jun 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 12 Jun 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 18 Jun 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 2 Jul 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 10 Jul 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 16 Jul 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 30 Jul 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 7 Aug 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 13 Aug 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 27 Aug 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 4 Sep 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 10 Sep 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 24 Sep 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 2 Oct 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 8 Oct 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 22 Oct 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 30 Oct 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 5 Nov 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 19 Nov 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 27 Nov 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 3 Dec 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Fri 17 Dec 2027, 11am-12:30pm
  • Sat 25 Dec 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri 31 Dec 2027, 11am-12:30pm
What you'll get
  • A small A6 notebook made by stepping through the process.
  • A finished larger notebook made with assistance.
  • 8 sheets of high-quality 130gsm internal paper (+2 for the demo book).
  • 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).
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a cool gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

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: Japanese Stab Stitch location
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Recent reviews of Bookbinding Taster Workshop: Japanese Stab Stitch

  • 5/5 from Pat Taylor, attended Oct 2026: Small class very good the room was bright and airy teacher was helpful and kind made 2 Japanese stab stitch books easy to find where the workshop is held if you come by train I can’t download my photos
  • 5/5 from Timea Csilla Ramirez, attended Oct 2026: This was my second workshop with Something good workshops and once again a great experience. Emily was wonderful, super knowledgeable, patient and just really fun to talk to. I learned japanese book binding technique from scratch and feel so confident now that I will be able to do it on my own. During the class all utensils was provided, but I was so happy to be able to purchase them at a very fair price after the class so that I can continue the pratice at home. The studio is beautiful and I can´t wait to book more workshops in the future.
  • 5/5 from Tonya Johnson, attended Oct 2026: A very informative and beginner friendly workshop. Emily was a lovely instructor and it was easy to follow along with all the instructions. A lovely studio as well, very welcoming and cozy.
  • 5/5 from Jack Wheeler, attended Sep 2026: Fun workshop, excellent teaching and great environment. Was everything I wanted from it. Highly recommended
  • 5/5 from Christine Moon, attended Sep 2026: What a wonderful evening filled with so much care, attentiveness, great chats and knowledge! The studio was bright and cheerful- a little cosy nest away from the hustle of Deptford and the drinks and snacks carefully curated. I Could not recommend this place enough!
  • 5/5 from Amanda Smith, attended Jul 2026: Was greeted with a warm friendly welcome. Made to feel comfortable throughout, a great skill, and good fun, thankyou
  • 5/5 from Órla Kennelly, attended Jul 2026: Lovely friendly atmosphere, all supplies provided. Great evening overall, will definitely be returning for another workshop.
  • 5/5 from Amanda Zimmerman Marin, attended Jul 2026: Second time booking a class here. Fantastic as always. It's great to have such a knowledgeable teacher who can guide through the process with charm and expertise
  • 5/5 from Lea Colombino, attended Jun 2026: It was really lovely, the team are super and very helpful!
  • 5/5 from Sue McCallum, attended Jun 2026: A great beginners course to book making. Good value for money and it left me wanting to do more!
  • 5/5 from Paige Kaye, attended Jun 2026: Lovely welcoming class and Emily was a wonderful teacher! A great space to spend an afternoon crafting.
  • 5/5 from Srinithy Kumar, attended May 2026: Amazing class, really small and interactive which made learning the stab stitching technique a lot more easier. Definitely will be coming again for another class.
  • 5/5 from Noemi Regel, attended May 2026: had a really good time, learning something new while being in a lovely environment. can recommend
  • 5/5 from Elikem Agbenyeke, attended May 2026: My friends and I enjoyed this class so much! Emily was a great instructor, very attentive and patient with us as we learnt the technique. The vibe was very lighthearted and fun, and the studio itself is welcoming, open and bright. 100% would recommend
  • 5/5 from Wendy Stanbury, attended Apr 2026: This is my third SGW event and, as always, lovely atmosphere and good (patient!) teaching.
  • 5/5 from Sintija Raudonyte, attended Apr 2026: Class had very cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Had enough time to learn the technique and repeat it. Teacher was really helpful.
  • 5/5 from Rhiannon Ifans, attended Apr 2026: Once again, another fabulous book binding session - my third. Very informative, professionally led and fun so cannot wait for my next craft session
  • 5/5 from Gustavo Garcia, attended Apr 2026: Super friendly environment that let you try, meet new people, and have fun while learning something new
  • 5/5 from Eleanor Church, attended Apr 2026: Lovely relaxed positive class :)) Can't wait to try more classes. Great atmosphere and teachers xx
  • 5/5 from Julie Dowling, attended Mar 2026: Fantastic workshop, lovely location. I had a great time and learnt a new skill! I have booked another workshop too!
  • 5/5 from Mariana, attended Mar 2026: Another great workshop! This is a great introduction to a versatile method. As always, beginner friendly, patient, and lots of fun!
Your teacher

Something Good Workshops
Something Good Workshops

5.0 (483)
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!

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london