The Secret Belgian Binding has a three-piece cover structure with boards that are sewn on. The pages lay completely flat when the journal is open—perfect for note-taking or sketching!
Students will first create custom covers by cutting out stencils or using large punching tools and other everyday items combined with stippling techniques. With a variety of colors and threads to choose from, each book will be truly unique.
Finally, students will fold the text sheets and learn to hand-sew a blank journal. Everyone will finish the class with a lovely finished piece to bring home, with the knowledge to make more on their own!
All levels welcome, though some basic sewing experience is helpful.
Materials to Bring
All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their own favorite bookbinding tools or art supplies.
About the Instructor
Elaine G. Chu (she/her) has taught students of all ages, in person and online. Her work has been featured in “Greencraft” and “Somerset Studio” magazines as well as “1000 Artists’ Books.” She co-authored “Wood Paper Scissors,” a how-to crafts book. Elaine received a B.A. in music at Yale University and a B.F.A. in graphic design at University of the Arts. View more at EGChuHandcrafted.etsy.com and on Instagram @egchu1
Past Student Reviews
“Great little book, really interesting stitch, and I loved the stippling too!”
“It was a comfortable atmosphere, I learned a new binding.”
“The instructor is quite enthusiastic about the craft and was eager to help students.”
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):
$105
Prerequisite:
None.
Class session:
Sunday, June 22, 2025
12:30-4:30pm
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.