Discover the traditional art of bookbinding in this hands-on beginners course held in Sydney. Once crafted entirely by hand, bookbinding is a rewarding practice that allows you to create beautiful, personalized books. This course allows you to work with specialist tools and materials in a professionally equipped bindery under the guidance of experienced instructors.
This course is delivered in collaboration with the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders at the Ralph Lewis Bindery at Writing NSW, Callan Park, Rozelle. You'll gain core bookbinding skills and leave with your own hand-bound books.
Learning Outcomes
- Create multiple styles of hand-bound books including stitched booklets and hardcover albums
- Understand bookbinding terminology and handling techniques
- Develop confidence with cutting, gluing, folding, and stitching
Course Content
- Essential bookbinding techniques and terminology
- How to measure, cut, fold, and glue with precision
- Use of specialist and home-made tools
Course Outline
- Two single-section stitched booklets
- A single-section cased-in hardcover book
- A hardcover concertina photo album
- Multi-section French-stitched notebook with wraparound cover
- Optional: Japanese four-hole pouch (fukuro-toji) binding
Schedule & Pricing
- Course runs over two full days from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
- Multiple dates available from December 2025 through November 2026
- Course fee: $319–$339 depending on session
Important Information
- All materials provided; optional beginners toolkit for purchase
- Closed-in shoes required
- Recommended age: 18+
You will learn
- Create multiple hand-bound books using various stitching techniques
- Understand and apply essential bookbinding terminology
- Master techniques like folding, gluing, cutting, and stitching
You will get
- Your own handmade books to take home
- Use of professional bindery tools and materials
- Optional discounted beginners toolkit available
Appropriate for
Beginners or anyone looking to refresh bookbinding skills; suitable for adults aged 18+ with good hand-eye coordination and basic numeracy
What to bring
- Your own lunch
- Apron (optional, clean aprons available)
- Wear closed-in shoes (safety requirement)
What to wear
Casual, closed-in shoes required
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Bookbinding for Beginners
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