Bookbinding as a Social Practice

• Structure of the book and book categories
• Basics of paper and bookbinding materials
• Tools for bookbinding
• Industrial book production
• Recognising techniques using sample books

The first module is a theoretical input, mainly in the form of frontal teaching with digital presentation. Topics covered include: Structure of the book, differentiation of book categories and an overview of the possibilities of bookbinding, this includes recognising and classifying techniques using example books. There is also an introduction to the process of industrial book production, the role of the bookbinding trade today and instruction in the tools needed for bookbinding with groups of children, young people and adults.

• Notebook with French chain stitching
• Softcover with Japanese binding
• Hardcover with book screws
• Consolidation of craft skills

In the second module, the knowledge learnt is put into practice. Each participant binds a notebook with French chain stitching and card pages. Two further albums are then created: one is a thin softcover with Japanese binding. This technique is particularly suitable if you only want to bind a few pages together. And secondly, we bind a hardcover with book screws. This technique is particularly suitable for collections of pages that are to be supplemented and expanded, as the book screws can be opened.

• Thread knot stitching and folding techniques
• Creation of own zines
• Documentation of knowledge
• Reflection and presentation

The third module teaches participants how to create their own small publications (zines) as a documentation practice. Participants learn thread-knot stitching and various folding techniques to transform DIN A3 and DIN A4 sheets into small publications. The focus is on practical implementation: internalising the folding techniques and designing and printing a zine.

Finally, the participants present their work, reflect on the creative process and share their experiences.