Bookbinding: French Link and Coptic Stitches for Journal / Sketchbook

Name: Bookbinding: French Link and Coptic Stitches for Journal / Sketchbook
Start: 2025-12-13T14:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-13T19:00:00-06:00
Location: 6125 E Farm Road 152, Springfield, MO 65809-3231, United States

Schedule

Sat Dec 13 2025 at 02:30 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

6125 E Farm Road 152, Springfield, MO 65809-3231, United States | Springfield, MO

NOTE: This workshop requires that participants have taken the Coptic Stitch workshop. To book, email [email protected] to confirm.
In this workshop, you will learn the decorative French Link stitch, combined with the traditional Coptic stitch to create a beautiful, handmade journal or sketchbook. From cutting and wrapping your book cover to folding every signature and putting it all together, your creativity and hand will be in every step in the process.
You will have the option to use multi-media paper or thicker card stock, depending on the book you'd like to make. Papers, fabrics and paper made at the Wild Arts studio from plants and scraps will also be available for book covers.
In the first part of class, you will learn about the history of the first bound book and the ancient technique of the Coptic stitch and when the French Link stitch likely showed up.
You will prepare your materials by making the covers of your book and folding your signatures. Those will go under a press to dry/flatten as we take a break (Snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own lunch).
Next, we stitch! We will create templates for our holes, learn the stitching process and then work until completed. You may get done early, or you may need more time. You will have the option to stay until your project is complete.
You will go home with a completed book and a few stitching tools: an awl, a curved needle, a needle threader and a glue brush.
All materials + snacks + coffee/tea are provided.
This workshop is hosted at the Wild Arts Learning Center in Springfield, MO. For locals, it's just out east Sunshine, around the bend from Turner's Station. Address and directions are emailed upon booking.