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- or half-day and are limited to a maximum of 3 students. However, only runs with minimum of 2 students; Those booked, will be notified of any changes 2 weeks prior the class date.
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!
To book a class, please get in touch via Contact Us form (button below). Let us know which class would you like to join and how many people.
PAPER AND THREAD: Soft Cover Coptic binding
Sun 13th September 1:30pm-5pm, £80
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.
PAPER AND THREAD: Multi Section Book with Laced-in Cover
Sun 26th July 1:30pm - 5pm, £80
Create a multi-section book with a 2-piece interlocking cover.
HARD COVER: Sketchbooks
Sun 2nd August, 10:30am - 4:30m, £135
In this all hands on workshop you will learn how to make a hard cover square/flat back book. You will learn about choosing correct materials, tools and their use, folding and sewing of the pages, making the cover and putting it all together. Upon completion, you will go home with a hard cover book you made from scratch!
REPAIR: Cloth Reback
Sun 6th September 10:30am - 4pm, £135
Give an old book a new lease of life. In this class you will learn to repair a cloth covered book while keeping its original character.
Please bring a selection of small books (up to A5 size) to work on. If unsure if your book is suitable for the class, feel free to send us an email.
Soft Leather Journal
Sun 4th October, 1:30pm - 4pm, £90
In this half-day workshop you will create your own unique leather journal.
HARD COVER: Drum Leaf Binding
Sun 13th December, 11am-4pm, £135
This structure remodels single page prints into spreads, making the imagery flow across a gutter of the book undisrupted. This construction is great for binding together works on thick paper or art prints.
MAKE A BOX: Keepsake box
Sun 18th October 11am-4pm, £135
During this practical workshop you will learn how to build and cover a chocolate box style box. We will discuss choosing correct materials and tools.
HARD COVER: Japanese Style Album
Sun 8th November, 11am-4pm, £135
Make a stylish album with hinged boards, covered in book cloth and decorative papers, sewn together using traditional Japanese techniques.
HARD COVER: Rebind a Paperback
Sun 15th November, 1pm-5pm, £80
Bring your favourite paperback for a makeover. Using book cloth and decorative papers you will create a unique cover for your book.
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.