Introduction to Bookbinding - March 28th and 29th, 2026

The aim of this course is to equip participants with a variety of solutions to solve a problem: transforming sheets of paper into books.

Over four chapters, important aspects of preparing and executing the work will be addressed, as well as three types of binding and stitching: the pamphlet stitch, simple and versatile for a small notebook; Japanese binding, for loose sheets, without planning; and the French stitch, for a larger book, bound with a hard cover.

Throughout the training, material examples and bibliographic references will be shown, which will be available for consultation and discussion during the sessions.

Materials and tools will be provided for the training, but we invite participants to bring any other items they wish to use to personalize the work.

Training content

- anatomy of the book
- materials and tools
Paper fiber: what it is and why it matters
- Considerations to be taken into account when preparing printed materials
- Brochure binding (3 and 5 holes)
Japanese binding
- Folding and preparing sections
French seams
- finishing touches to the book block
- Hardcover construction and final assembly

Skills acquired:

- recognition of the terms relating to the different parts of the book
- Identification of the materials and characteristics to be taken into account when choosing each element of the book.
- ability to choose the appropriate binding type for different types of work
- Understanding the transformation process and consequently anticipating and resolving problems in the preparation of printed materials.
- basic ability to execute each of the three bookbinding techniques discussed
- Calculation of proportions and quantity of materials needed to perform the work.
- Creation of a functional, custom-made hardcover for the book block and its assembly.


Guidance: Catarina Azevedo (Tailor of the Book)
Date: March 28 and 29, 2026 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm (16-hour duration);
Price: 190€
Notes: The course includes all necessary materials.