Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $200
Scholarship available; click here to apply.

This is an in-person workshop. As of January 2023, masks are strongly encouraged but not required, unless otherwise indicated. 

Bookbinding Core Certificate Program

The San Francisco Center for the Book celebrates the craft and art of bookbinding. Our Bookbinding Core Certificate Program introduces students to four different binding models, leading them through the history and evolution of bookmaking.  It provides students a comprehensive foundation to delve into the practice of binding and qualifies them to rent studio time in our bindery. Core classes must be taken sequentially, 1-4.

Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program and how to receive a discount!

Bookbinding Core 1 :: Coptic Binding

To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we begin at the beginning. This, the first of our Core Bookbinding series, introduces students to the craft with the Coptic stitch, one of the earliest structures in binding. In addition to coming away with a finished book made by hand, students will also be introduced to the tools and terms of bookbinding. Basic practices and equipment will be discussed as students familiarize themselves with both skills and safety measures needed for working in a bindery.

Competencies Gained:

Knowledge:

• Basic vocabulary of bookbinding tools and equipment
• Basic bindery practices and procedures
• Understanding paper grain

Skills:

• Folding, pressing, piercing, sewing, cutting and gluing

Equipment:

• Board shear, nipping press, hand tools
   

>> Prerequisite: None <<
 

Materials to Bring: None. All tools and materials will be provided.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 7, 2023 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. 
 

About the Instructor | Sarah Songer (she/her)

Sarah is the daughter of a printer and a graphic artist; in rebellion, she became a bookbinder. She spent ten years as a bookbinder at Arion Press and trained many apprentices in edition binding. She is a longtime student of design binder Eleanore Ramsey and was the proprietor of Bay Area Book Repair for several years. Sarah enjoys sharing the many bookbinding tips and efficiencies she's learned over the years, and finds her own personal projects most satisfying if they make her laugh.

Past Student Reviews:

“Sarah was well-prepared and established a good rapport with the students. Her edition bookbinding experience shined through her teaching as she was able to share many helpful tips on how to do things right. I look forward to taking more classes from this instructor.”

“Clear instructions, good preparation. Sarah offered tips on how to work more effectively (such as sitting position while sewing), how to achieve best results, and places where you could go wrong.”

"It was well-organized and well-thought, and Sarah was great! I also liked the fact that it was basic and accessible on the one hand, but felt professional on the other hand."