This course moves students beyond the Single Section Pamphlets and into Multi-Section Books. Over the course of three weeks, you will be introduced to books with at least six signatures and a selection of decorative spine bindings. You will go home with a minimum of three different books, with the possibility of more depending on complexity. Suitable for those who have completed 'Bookbinding for Beginners'.
Bookbinding Level 2 – Books with Girth
Course Description
Take your bookbinding skills to the next level in this hands-on course focused on creating multi-section books with decorative spine bindings.
Moving beyond single-section pamphlets, you’ll learn how to construct books made up of multiple signatures, resulting in more substantial, durable and visually striking pieces.
This course is ideal for those who have completed WEA’s Bookbinding for Beginners course and are ready to expand their skills.
Through guided demonstrations and practical making, you’ll explore a range of binding techniques including Longstitch, French Twist and Coptic binding.
These methods showcase the beauty of exposed stitching while creating strong, functional books.
By the end of the course, you’ll have created a small collection of handmade books that are both practical and gift-worthy, along with the confidence to continue your bookbinding practice at home.
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Course Structure
The course is delivered through a combination of demonstrations, guided practice and individual making. It begins with a brief revision of essential tools, materials and techniques, including paper grain, cutting methods and the structure of a book.
Students are then introduced to multi-section book construction and the principles behind decorative spine bindings.
Each session focuses on a different binding technique, with the tutor demonstrating the process step by step before students create their own books.
Techniques include Longstitch, French Twist and Coptic binding, each offering a different approach to stitching and structure.
Throughout the course, participants are supported with guidance and feedback, with opportunities for discussion and “show and tell” to share progress and learn from others.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the principles of multi-section bookbinding
- Identify and use common bookbinding tools and materials
- Recognise paper grain and select appropriate paper for projects
- Cut paper and card accurately using blade and ruler
- Stitch multiple signatures together using decorative binding techniques
- Create books using Longstitch, French Twist and Coptic binding methods
- Produce a collection of functional, handmade books
- Continue developing bookbinding skills independently.
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Course Requirements
Students will need to bring the following items (many have simple alternatives you may already have at home):
- Bone folder (or butter knife / thumbnail)
- Bookbinding awl (or tapestry needle / skewer / thumb tack)
- Bookbinding needles (or tapestry needle)
- Cutting mat (or plastic cutting board / cardboard)
- Scalpel (or Stanley knife / scissors)
- Scoring tool (or letter opener / butter knife)
- Steel ruler (or thick plastic ruler)
- Steel triangle (optional)
- Waxed linen thread (or embroidery / cotton thread)
- Bulldog clips (or paper clips)
Materials:
- Paper: approx. 90 sheets A4 (for A6 books) or 180 sheets A4 (for A5 books), 80–120gsm
- Cardstock: one A4 sheet of thick cardboard (approx. 2mm) plus a few sheets of standard cardstock
- Notebook, pen, pencil and eraser
Most materials can be sourced from Officeworks, Eckersleys, Spotlight or similar retailers, or substituted with items you already have at home.
Your tutor is Katherine Grocott
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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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