Come and learn all about making simple, handmade books. Over the duration of four weeks, you will be introduced to the tools, techniques, and principles of making a variety of books. You will go home with a minimum of four different books, with the possibility of more depending on complexity. Needing minimal tools, you will try your hand at Meander Books, Single Section Journals, Japanese Stab Binding and Accordion Spines. These are books that do not require glue or a book press, so are a wonderful introduction to the art of book binding, that you can continue at home. Please check your receipt for materials required (up to $35)
Bookbinding for Beginners
Course Description
Discover the joy of creating your own handmade books in this beginner-friendly bookbinding course.
Over four weeks, you'll explore a range of simple and elegant book structures that require minimal tools and no glue or book press—making them perfect for continuing the craft at home.
Learn how to make Meander Books, Single Section Journals, Japanese Stab Bindings, and Accordion Spine books—each with their own style and function.
Whether you’re drawn to journaling, sketching, or creating personalised gifts, this course will give you the foundation to bind books with confidence.
Through a series of practical demonstrations and hands-on sessions, you’ll become familiar with essential bookbinding tools and techniques.
You’ll learn how to identify paper grain, cut paper accurately, select suitable materials, and use needle and thread for stitching.
By the end of the course, you'll have created a personal collection of functional and gift-worthy books and have the skills to continue exploring bookbinding beyond the classroom.
Course Structure
In Week 1, students are introduced to the tools of bookbinding, how to identify paper grain, and how to safely and accurately cut paper using a blade and ruler. The class will make their first project—a Meander Book—and end with a group show and tell.
In Week 2, students review the basics and learn about the components of a book before making a Single Section Journal. Time is given to reflect on work and share results.
Week 3 focuses on Japanese Stab Binding. Students will create a book using this striking technique and explore some variations.
Finally, in Week 4, students will learn to make Accordion Spine books, see examples of alternative styles, and celebrate their new book collection in the final show and tell.
Each session includes demonstrations, note taking, hands-on creation, and group sharing.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and use the basic tools required for bookbinding
- Understand paper grain and how it affects book construction
- Cut paper safely and precisely using a blade and ruler
- Choose appropriate paper types for different binding methods
- Use needle and thread to bind books
- Create four different handmade books using Meander, Single Section, Japanese Stab Binding, and Accordion Spine techniques
- Continue making handmade books independently at home
- Gain confidence in crafting books that are functional, beautiful, and gift-worthy.
Course Requirements
Please bring the following materials in Week 1:
- Paper and/or cardstock
- Scissors or scalpel
- Your thumbnail!
For the rest of the course, you will need to bring the following items which can be purchased from Officeworks, Eckersleys, or Spotlight or brought from your home.
- Bone folder (bone or Teflon) OR butter knife, your own thumbnail
- Bookbinding awl OR tapestry needle, metal skewer
- Bookbinding needles OR tapestry needle
- Cutting mat OR plastic cutting board, piece of cardboard box
- Scalpel OR Stanley knife, box cutter, paper scissors
- Scoring tool OR letter opener, butter knife
- Steel ruler OR quilter's thick plastic ruler
- Steel triangle OR quilter's thick plastic ruler
- Waxed linen thread OR embroidery thread, thick cotton thread
- Paper - either - photocopy, scrapbooking, japanese handmade, decorative
- Cardstock - either - Canson, scrapbooking, decorative
- Decorations - for elaborate versions - feathers, beads, tassles
- Notebook and pen
Your tutor is Katherine Grocott
Dr Katherine Grocott BDes, BTh, GradDipMin, MEd, PhD, Cert IV AWT has been teaching at WEA since 2025.
Katherine Grocott has spent decades teaching people of all ages, whether supporting children as they abseil for the first time, lecturing university students, or guiding emerging artists through jewellery-making workshops at JamFactory. A lifelong learner herself, Katherine is passionate about helping others grow in confidence, skill, and creative curiosity.
Her professional background spans menswear design, contemporary jewellery, and paper arts, giving her a rich foundation in craftsmanship and design. Katherine discovered bookbinding more than 15 years ago and has been creating journals, pop-up books, photo albums, memory books, and sketchbooks ever since, much to the delight of her family and friends. She brings this experience, along with her love of teaching, to every workshop she runs.
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