Japanese Side Sewn Sketchbook
All levels | 1 hour 9 min
Introduction
01:32
02:01
Four-Hole
03:07
03:48
09:11
Noble
03:13
08:11
Hemp Leaf
04:30
08:24
Tortoise Shell
02:59
08:32
Learn four different stitches for this historical Japanese bookbinding structure: Four-hole, Noble, Hemp Leaf and Tortoise Shell. Single sheets are stacked and bound to create this simple and elegant binding. These are great books to use for sketchbooks, journals, photo albums and artists' books.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
  • bone folder
  • straight edge ruler
  • awl
  • cutting knife (optional if you tear paper)
  • needle
  • clothes pins
  • one sheet of 8.5 x 11 cover weight paper (will be halved to make two cover pieces)
  • 5 -10 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 text weight or light weight paper (will be halved to make the book pages)
  • thread (linen thread is best for bookbinding but for this binding you can experiment with other string or thread)
  • pencil
Downloads:
Learn how to:
  • Preparing paper and cover for binding
  • Creating sewing stations for binding
  • Four-hole, nobile, hemp leaf, and tortoise shell binding stitches

What you’ll get:
  • An easy-to-follow lesson on how to create a Japanese side sewn sketchbook
  • 10 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
  • Itemized supply list
  • Downloadable PDF pattern included
  • Step-by-step instruction by artist Jody Alexander
  • The ability to leave comments, ask questions and interact with other students
Class PDF
Transcript
Notes
Your timecode tags and notes for this section
Class Reviews
238 users recommended this class to a friend
Kim Guffey
Interesting topic. Clear and concise instructions. Very helpful templates. Would watch more content from this instructor.
March 19
Heidi Hayden
wanted to learn a fancier stab binding than in a previous class. this was great!
January 5, 2023
Ally
I liked the subject matter, but the production quality of this series is terrible. Filmed in a dark room, and what close-ups there are at an odd angle. And what's with the gloves? They often block what she's doing with her hands. Disappointing.
More than 3 months ago