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 in order, 1 through 4.
Bookbinding Core 3 :: Limp Paper Binding
In centuries past, books were sometimes sewn onto cords and then laced into soft covers before being bound for a specific collection or library. Often covered with calfskin, these limp vellum bindings became an important structure all their own. In this class students will bind a book using these bindings as a model but employing thick paper as the folded and laced wrapper. Students will learn to use a sewing frame and the skill of sewing headbands.
Competencies Gained:
Build on skills from Cores 1 and 2
Knowledge:
Scoring and lacing an outer case
Bookbinding materials: cords, heavy hand-made paper
Skills:
Using a sewing frame
Sewing on leather thongs
Sewing headbands
Making a paper case with Yapp edge
Equipment:
Sewing Frame
Japanese hole punch
Dividers
Materials to Bring
All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their favorite bookbinding tools.
About the Instructor
Beth Redmond (she/her) was first introduced to making books in the photography program at San Jose State. She loves binding books for their perfect marriage of functionality and creativity. After learning the basics of a well-made book at SFCB she went on to study fine binding at the American Academy of Bookbinding in Telluride CO. She works primarily with leather to create bindings for public and private collections. Her work can be seen at bredmond.weebly.com.
Past Student Reviews
“A fascinating structure, an excellent instructor, a well-organized workshop both in terms of material and of documentation, the right level of difficulty for me. It was perfect.”
“Clear instructions. Even though I forgot some things from the previous class, all of the demos and instructions made me feel confident in my ability to finish the book. I came away from today feeling like I could make this book at home.”
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$225
SFCB's Windgate Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing need-based financial support to individuals interested in learning bookbinding, letterpress printing, and related book arts. Click here to apply.
Prerequisite(s):
Bookbinding Core 1 & 2. Please don’t register for this class if you won’t have completed Core 1 and 2 before this workshop date.
Class session:
Saturday: July 26, 2025
9:30am-5:30pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.