Buttonhole Stitch Book Workshop

Learn the basics of bookbinding with Angelina Foster at Blueway Art Studio. Angelina will guide you to create your own hardback buttonhole stitch book.

Button Hole Stitch Binding is a variation of sewing used in medieval limp bindings, which traditionally used leather, parchment or a soft cover. The buttonhole stitch is a simple structure and can be adapted. I love a strong, sturdy sketchbook so we will adapt the common buttonhole technique as a hardback book. They’re great for art, travel and family journals or any kind of visual storytelling.

Participants will learn how to work with traditional book binding materials and techniques and get creative with alternative structures and styles. Preparation and planning of book structures, folding, making the cover, stitching and assembling the books.

Options to add a button & thread, mono printing or coloured papers to produce a range of interesting textures and patterns onto paper, which can be included in your book.

With a choice of the finest materials, your handmade book is a step in your own story. All materials included (we will be using a variety of quality acid-free recycled papers, Japanese Awagami papers, lined papers, book cloth, waxed thread, non-toxic screen printing inks & screens, rubber-based letterpress ink)

Beginning with simple structures, participants will learn about paper and other materials and tools needed for creating books. By the end of the day, participants will have created a very versatile book with a wide range of possibilities.

You make your book from start to finish, choosing your own papers and covers. Feel free to bring your own paper with sketches, writing, photos and anything you wish to include.