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In this project you’ll be making your own softcover, handbound notebook using the Hitch Stitch. This stitch is not only durable but it also creates a gorgeous pattern down the spine of your book. It looks far more complicated than it actually is. (Impress your friends with your newly found skills!)

THE PROJECT

The notebook you’ll make is a medium-sized book, with heavy paper covers, optional endpapers and 26 pages (52 front and back). I’ll also give ideas and inspiration for a variety of embellishing and finishing techniques!

THE SKILLS

You’ll learn about traditional hand tools, and I’ll give some tips on using more beginner tools as well, some you might already have around your house. I’ll teach you proper bookbinding techniques that are often overlooked, like cutting paper with a ruler and knife, using a folding tool, prepping your materials to size and punching holes.

Then I’ll walk you step-by-step through binding your book using the Hitch Stitch. Don’t worry, it’s easy and repetitive, maybe even relaxing for some. At the end of the class you’ll have the skills to create more notebooks using this technique. I’ll also share how you can adapt this binding to create books of different sizes.

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Throughout the class, I’ll give advice on best practices, tips on tool safety, and choosing materials. I believe it’s important to be able to understand this craft, as well as being able to do this craft. So I’ll be explaining my decisions on tools and techniques throughout the lessons. A teacher once told me that bookbinding is: half knowing how to bookbind and half knowing how to fix your mistakes. I’m pleased to share these skills with you, to enable confident and happy bookbinders!

If you have any questions during the class, please reach out in the class discussion - I’m here to help!

I love to see what students create! Please share your notebooks in the class project gallery!

CLASS NOTES:

The Sprouts Press 'DIY Bookbinding Kit' & 'Bookbinder's Toolkit' can be found here in my Etsy shop.

Leah Jordan

Lettering Leah

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