Coptic bookbinding is an ancient and elegant method of bookbinding. This one day course is designed for you to make one coptic bound book around A5 in size.
Coptic bookbinding is an ancient and elegant method of bookbinding. This technique involves sewing sections of paper, known as signatures, through their folds and linking them together using a chain stitch across the spine without the need for glue. This one day course is designed for you to make one coptic bound book around A5 in size.
Learners can use the prepared material provided in class or bring their own prints and text to include in their binding. If bringing your own, the layout should be on slightly larger than A4 to be folded in half to create a A5 signature or section and then slightly trimmed.
The hard cover for this book is two separate boards on the back and front so the spine sewing is visible. Book cloth is available to use but learners have the option to bring their own prints to use as book covers. However do bring anything you’d like to use even if in doubt as Ruth loves having a problem to solve!
"I liked learning a new skill in a way that makes it easy to do at home with minimal specialist equipment."
- Participant Feedback
Meet the Tutor
Ruth McCann
Tutor Ruth McCann has a MA in Book Art from University of the Arts London and has worked as a bookbinder since 2002.
Studio Membership
Workshops can give you the skills and confidence to access the studio independently to further develop your creative practice alongside gaining affordable access to professional printmaking equipment, quality materials and technical support.
If you are attending one of our half day workshops you can take the opportunity to stay for the afternoon to further develop your prints (£10 payable on the day).
Any cancellation for any reason within 7 days of the class or course will not be eligible for a refund. The Cancellation Policy is effective from the date of the first session for any course.