Bookbinding – Japanese stab bindings with Amy Kitcherside

Ref: D1D34165

Location: London
£145
Book now

Places available

About this course

This bookbinding workshop will teach you two different styles of stab-bindings using beautiful Japanese decorative papers. You will be introduced to standard tools and basics bookbinding skills, producing two beautiful handmade books to take home.

Course Description

This course will introduce you to a style of binding known as a stab-binding, where the sewing becomes a decorative element of the book, as well as holding the pages together. No previous experience is necessary.

You will make two A5 books:

  • one will be a basic 4-hole stab binding with a soft-cover
  • the second will be a hard-cover book bound using a Koki Toji (Noble binding) stitch

You will be introduced to some standard bookbinding tools and learn some basics skills within bookbinding. At the end of the day you will go away with two handmade books, plus the knowledge to continue to make more at home.

You will have the opportunity to work with beautiful Japanese Chiyogami papers and learn about measuring, folding and cutting different type of materials.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including: Japaense decorative Papers for covers 135gsm Paper for books Manialla Kraft Paper Book Cloth Coloured sewing threads Waste Paper Silicone Paper.

On this course the College will supply some of the materials including: 2mm Grey Board (Quarters) and PVA

What students need to bring

A4 folder or padded envelope to take their books home in.

Tools: Awls, hammers, bulldog clips, rulers, scalpel knives/blades, beeswax, bone folders, glue brushes, bookbinding needles, glue pots, pencils, pencil sharper, scissors and cutting mats are provided for use in the studio on the day.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Amy Kitcherside

Amy is an award winning bookbinder with 15 years experience. Since 2019 she has run various bookbinding workshops around London, including Cockpit Arts and teaching at Shepherds.

Courses of interest

Get started with making books

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Tracey Bush |
Beginners
£47

Bookbinding – decorative stitched journal

19 Dec 2024 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Tracey Bush |
Beginners
£172

Make a leather journal

10 Jan 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Rachel Ward-Sale |
Suitable for all
£169

Making decorative papers

21 to 24 Jan 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Tracey Bush |
Suitable for all
£494

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.