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

Make yourself the perfect 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. The books we make in this workshop are approx A5 in size, and can include an optional elastic closure and/or bookcloth or paper lining to the inside of the leather.

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 and templates 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 31 August 2025

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