Japanese Stab Stitch: Bookmaking for Improvers

Japanese Stab Stitch: Bookmaking for Improvers

Sunday 12th July, 10am - 1pm

£50

Learn Japanese stab stitch in this 3-hour workshop - a traditional, non-adhesive binding with both simple and decorative variations.

OVERVIEW:

This workshop is a follow-on from my Intro to Bookmaking short course, where we will take binding a step further and explore Japanese stab stitch. This traditional binding is both simple and decorative, using stitching patterns along the spine to hold the book together. We’ll start with the classic 4-hole stitch before moving on to more decorative variations, creating a series of soft-cover books that showcase the beauty and versatility of the technique.

WHAT YOU’LL DO/MAKE/TAKE AWAY:

We’ll begin with the standard 4-hole stitch to understand the foundations of stab binding. Once we’ve mastered this, we’ll move on to experiment with a range of decorative stitches—such as hemp-leaf and tortoise-shell patterns—each giving a different rhythm and texture to the spine. We’ll experiment with different tools to create the holes, and explore how different weights of thread impact the look and feel of the book. You will take away a collection of soft-cover books showcasing a variety of stitch patterns.

Japanese Stab Stitch is a method of binding individual sheets of paper together and doesn’t use any folding – it is a lovely process for displaying a collection of drawings, prints, photos or notes. Because this is a follow-on workshop, you are welcome to bring any of your own work to bind into a collection of books, or use as your front covers.

Note: if you attend the 3 week Bookmaking Short Course at The Craft House in May 2026, you are eligible to save £5 off this workshop. Contact April at the Craft House directly to book with this discount.

SUITABLE FOR IMPROVERS:

This workshop is designed for those who have some basic bookmaking experience—whether from my intro course or elsewhere—and want to extend their skills with decorative, non-adhesive bindings. It’s especially suitable for makers who enjoy experimenting with pattern, rhythm and hand-stitching, or artists looking for adaptable formats for small editions or projects.
Be aware that bookmaking requires a moderate degree of dexterity (use of craft knives, awls, needle and thread). Due to the use of sharp equipment in this course, under 18s or vulnerable adults are to be accompanied by a fully-paying responsible adult.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

This workshop is delivered by Zoe Platt, founder of Short & Few, artist educator and graphics practitioner. Her education and training background is in graphic design and typography, and over time her practice has become more process-driven, with a hands-on and analogue approach to image-making. With over a decade of teaching experience in college-level art and design, as well as TEFL for summer camps (and a stint in China!), her approach to teaching and doing creative things taps in to a broad range of subjects, including sculpture, surface pattern, photography and creative writing. She is at her best when she is teaching and doing creative things - whether this is making books or prints, or working with others and supporting them to find their best creative selves.

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