Book Binding Basics Course

Start a new hobby from the comfort of your own sofa. In this three-part bookbinding course, you will learn how to make a cover, create signatures, bind them together and then make it look beautiful.

Your friendly and experienced teacher will guide you through all the basic techniques you need to create a book from scratch. Beginners needen't fear as no experience is necessary, and you'll have engaging demonstrations and advice every step of the way.

If you want some new things to do at home that will excite you, this course is ideal. It's a fun DIY craft that will awaken your creative side and shake up your usual routine.

Session one focuses on the cover of your book with a step by step guide from your teacher. Session two is centred around the pages. You will gather the pages into signatures and prepare them for binding. The third and final session will be bringing it all together. You will learn to bind the signatures and cover together and finish your handmade journal with decorations and embellishments.

By the end of this virtual craft workshop, you will have a handmade book created and personalised by you. Keep it for yourself, or give it to a loved one as a sweet DIY gift.

Please note: The course series beginning on the 22nd of April will have session 2 on the 6th of May.

All abilities are welcome on this course, no prior knowledge or experience is required. This is a fun craft for adults, but teenagers could join with adult supervision at all times as sharp tools are used during some sessions.
  Session 1 - You will need:

• An old hardback book cover or some chipboard/cardboard packaging.
• Strong fabric in any pattern or colours you'd like. Upholstery fabric works well. You'll need about 30cm x 20cm.
• Tissue paper, white or light colour
• Acrylic paint
• Patterned/scrapbook paper
• A piece of white card
• Strong glue (The glue I use is beacon 3 in 1 advanced craft glue. Heavy structure gel also works well however PVA will work if you have no alternative)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Cutting board
• Any embellishments for the front

Session 2 - You will need:

• Selection of different papers (if you want it varied, just white paper if not)
• Guillotine (Or ruler, pencil and scissors)
• Bone folder (optional)
• A piece of white card
• A pen
• Crocodile clips or paper clips
• An awl or pointy tool for poking holes

Session 3 - You will need:

• A strong thread (needs to be a strong cotton that won't break when pulled, waxed linen or nylon)
• A big needle
• Crocodile clips or paper clips
• Beads, buttons, scraps of paper, lace, ribbon to decorate with
• Strong glue

This class series runs over 3 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.