Tuition
Bookbinding Tuition
Come and learn the traditional craft of hand bookbinding at our fully equipped bindery in the centre of Lewes.
Classes are full day or half day and are limited to a maximum of 3 students. They are suitable for beginners or those with some experience. All tools are and materials are provided.
We can arrange short courses and individual tuition on specific techniques if required. Gift vouchers are also available for any amount.
We are unable to teach under 18s without an accompanying adult.
PAPER AND THREAD are a series of introductory workshops to bookbinding. We will discuss book structures that are non-adhesive, or require very little glue. By the end you will walk away with little books made from scratch! You will have gained skills and tricks on how to successfully make more books at home with minimal equipment.
– We will briefly discuss the terminology used when making a book and what it means.
– We will discuss tools and how they can be replaced if making books at home.
– How to choose correct materials: paper for pages and the cover card. We will talk about paper weight and grain direction.
– And finally, the actual making: folding pages, piercing holes, cover making and sewing of the book!

PAPER AND THREAD: Pocket Concertina and Soft Cover Coptic binding
Sun 12th Oct 11am - 4pm, £125
A modern take on a historic binding. It’s a fabulous adhesive free structure, which allows the book to open flat, making it perfect for writing or sketching. A concertina structure – a playful way to hold small images or prints.

PAPER AND THREAD: Long Stitch Album with a Card Slipcase
Sun 19th Oct 11am-3pm, £90
Create a colourful paper covered album with a protective soft card slipcase. Perfect for keeping photographs, prints or drawings.

PAPER AND THREAD: Multi Section Book with Laced-in Cover
Sun 16th Nov 1:30pm - 4:30pm, £75
Create a multi-section book with a 2-piece interlocking cover. Great for sketching, drawing or as gifts.

PAPER AND THREAD: Soft Cover Coptic binding
Sun 30th Nov 11am-2pm, £75
A modern take on a historic binding structure. It’s a fabulous adhesive free structure, which allows the book to open flat, making it perfect for writing or sketching.

FIRST AID: All things tissue
Sun 7th Dec 11am - 4pm, £135
We will discuss how to provide first aid to books at home using Japanese tissue. In this hands-on workshop you will be introduced to materials, preparation and how to repair minor damages on your loved books, their endpapers, page repairs and more. Please bring a selection of small books (up to A5 size) to work on.
Contact Us
Bookbinders of Lewes
Unit 12, Star Brewery
Castle Ditch Lane
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1YJ
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 486718
Opening hours: by appointment.