Long Stitch Bindings with an Indented Cover Treatment:

In this one-day workshop taught by instructor Mari Blanchard, participants will learn to sew two sewing variations of a hardcover long-stitch book. Long-stitch bindings create versatile and beautiful books that can be opened completely flat. The stitches that hold the pages together are visible on the outer part of the book when it is finished, allowing for colorful threads or decorative flourishes. Suitable for beginners, this class walks you through the process of preparing your materials, and stitching your journals together.

In the first part of the class, participants will learn how to fold gatherings, how to make an indented front cover using an image of their choice, and how to create a custom fit hardcover case.

In the second part of the class, participants will learn how to punch holes in the pages and cover, how to sew the page gatherings into the case, and how to add decorative elements such as endbands or bookmarks. The class will discuss how to sew a traditional long-stitch, variations on the sewing pattern, as well as how to design a custom sewing pattern using grid paper.

In the end, participants will walk away with two finished books and the knowledge of how to create and customize their own bound books. This class includes all materials.

Level: This class is appropriate for adult students at all levels.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 16th, 10am-4pm
Max. no of students: 6
Instructor: Mari Blanchard
Cost: $150 tuition + $20 materials fee

Members receive a 10% discount off the cost of the workshop, among other benefits.
Click here to join as a Member, then choose the Member rate below.

Completion of this class will qualify you to use the studios for your own projects. Details on Open Studio may be found here.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Mari Blanchard is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer who graduated from University of Texas with a BFA in Design in 2022. Her senior thesis project was a series of booklets created to guide beginners through the book design process, from ideation to binding. Mari managed the art department’s experimental printing press, the UT Risograph Lab. In her two years as manager, she printed bi-annual commemorative publications, held regular teaching seminars on print design, and assisted the annual Guest Artist in Print by printing exhibition chapbooks and other ephemera. Since 2023, Mari has taught introductory bookbinding and decorative paper making at the Austin Waldorf School.