City Lit bookbinding: intermediate

- Use a variety of sewing techniques and sewing supports to sew a multi-section text-block
- Select and use the appropriate thread to create correct swell for a rounded and backed text-block
- Make different endpapers, appropriate for particular binding styles
- Use a vertical plough to trim the edges of a book
- Round and back a text-block correctly to fit laced-on boards
- Create a hand-sewn headband
- Make, chamfer and lace-on laminated boards
- Line a text-block spine with a hollow
- Sharpen, maintain and be proficient with leather paring tools.

- Select, pare and attach leather to cover, or part cover a book.

- Identify contemporary and historical styles of bindings
- Select and use design methods and elements in your bookbinding
- Move on to further study at an advanced level in fine binding or in conservation or artist’s books.

Some basic materials are included in the cost of the course. Other materials such as board and cloth can be purchased in the classroom. Students will be expected to provide for their own, more specific requirements as the course progresses and you will be given advice about this by the tutor. As this is an intermediate level course, students will be expected to bring their own small tools to the class such as bone folders, cutting knife, steel ruler, dividers, paste brushes etc. You will need to provide your own paring knives. Your tutor will be able to advise you on this during the course...

You will be taught by demonstration, and group tuition with individual attention whenever required. We will also use printed course notes. You will be asked to take part in a small group and pair work within the course. You may occasionally like to do some personal research and complete or revise work at home during the course, but all practical tuition work will be completed during the sessions.