Criss-cross (fancy stitched-spine) A5 Leather Journals Bookbinding Workshop

Make the perfect A5-sized sketchbook or journal with buttery soft-leather covers and a mix of papers, all hand-sewn using a fancy decorative criss-cross Longstitch binding. Click image for more info on the workshop, and how to make a booking.

Make yourself the perfect A5-sized sketchbook or journal, created with buttery-soft leather covers, your choice of papers inside, and hand-stitched using coloured thread using a fancy criss-cross binding technique.

Bring along your own mix of creative papers (drawing or watercolour paper, coloured or patterned papers, etc) or use something interesting from the variety supplied. Your personal selection of leather, papers, coloured thread, and decorative stitching pattern will be sure to create a very individual and unique book, just how you like it.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine a wide range of finished examples of Criss-cross sewn books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities shown.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder), and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book.

Comprehensive instructions are also included to enable you to continue making more criss-cross stitched books at home.

Location: The Nest Creative Space, 31 Ferry Rd, West End

Date: Sunday 27 September 2026

Time: 1pm to 5:30pm with a mid-afternoon tea/coffee break

Cost: $250 per person

Bookings essential as spaces are limited: email [email protected] or txt/phone 0412 550 981

Online bookings available:

https://events.humanitix.com/criss-cross-fancy-stitched-spine-a5-leather-journals-bookbinding-workshop

Parking/Event Space Information:

The workshop is located on corner of Ferry Rd and Duncan St, in a grey warehouse-style building called The Nest. There are 6 off-street carpark spots on the Ferry St side of the building. Street parking is generally available in the surrounding area, otherwise there is undercover parking at Montague Markets (Woolworths) (first 2 hours are free, $30 for 4-5 hours).

Workshop held in the front gallery space of The Nest. Entry through the Ferry Rd door.

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Host or Publisher Michelle Vandermeer (Shelbyville)