(not so) Secret Belgium Binding - Paper Bindings Series 1.09 - 5th October 2025 - available soon
Join our next class on the 5th October 2025
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $120 Wild Binder, $150 non-member
In this workshop, participants will learn the Secret Belgian Binding, a striking technique featuring hidden spines and exposed stitching. Created by Anne Goy in 1986, the method was initially misinterpreted as an ancient binding style. The original crisscross structure can feel awkward due to its loose design, which allows the signatures and cover pieces to move. While this flexibility creates a dynamic aesthetic, it can also lead to abrasion over time and feels unstable during the process.
To address these issues, I have adapted the technique to be sewn onto a paper case with slots along the spine, ensuring a more solid and durable binding while preserving the original sewing method. With step-by-step guidance, you'll master this unique binding technique.
Paper has long been a versatile and durable material for book covers, enabling binders to create both simple and intricate structures. This workshop series focuses on bindings that are elegant and minimalist, stripped down to their essential elements. Gone are the tasks of excessive paring, sanding, lining, or infilling; only what is necessary for the book’s functionality is included. The result is a structure that is both visually striking and functionally robust.
It might be tempting to view these bindings as time-saving options due to their simplicity, but that would miss the point. By including only the features that are structurally essential, these bindings achieve an austere elegance comparable to traditional hardcover books. Moreover, their minimalist design demands the utmost precision, as every detail becomes more pronounced.
These bindings remain a popular choice in preservation and conservation for their strength and flexibility. Beyond their practicality, they serve as a testament to a binder's technical excellence and refinement.
Please Note:
This workshop is suitable for beginners with basic crafting, cutting, folding, and sewing skills.
While no prior bookbinding experience is required, this is a technical workshop, and participants should be comfortable using sharp instruments and able to follow verbal instructions.
Enthusiasm for bookmaking and sewing is essential, and a certain level of capability and confidence is expected.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided in abundance—because they’re essential!
All materials and tools will be supplied.
Please review our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking, as refunds are not permitted for change of mind.
Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan © 2020 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Join our next class on the 5th October 2025
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $120 Wild Binder, $150 non-member
In this workshop, participants will learn the Secret Belgian Binding, a striking technique featuring hidden spines and exposed stitching. Created by Anne Goy in 1986, the method was initially misinterpreted as an ancient binding style. The original crisscross structure can feel awkward due to its loose design, which allows the signatures and cover pieces to move. While this flexibility creates a dynamic aesthetic, it can also lead to abrasion over time and feels unstable during the process.
To address these issues, I have adapted the technique to be sewn onto a paper case with slots along the spine, ensuring a more solid and durable binding while preserving the original sewing method. With step-by-step guidance, you'll master this unique binding technique.
Paper has long been a versatile and durable material for book covers, enabling binders to create both simple and intricate structures. This workshop series focuses on bindings that are elegant and minimalist, stripped down to their essential elements. Gone are the tasks of excessive paring, sanding, lining, or infilling; only what is necessary for the book’s functionality is included. The result is a structure that is both visually striking and functionally robust.
It might be tempting to view these bindings as time-saving options due to their simplicity, but that would miss the point. By including only the features that are structurally essential, these bindings achieve an austere elegance comparable to traditional hardcover books. Moreover, their minimalist design demands the utmost precision, as every detail becomes more pronounced.
These bindings remain a popular choice in preservation and conservation for their strength and flexibility. Beyond their practicality, they serve as a testament to a binder's technical excellence and refinement.
Please Note:
This workshop is suitable for beginners with basic crafting, cutting, folding, and sewing skills.
While no prior bookbinding experience is required, this is a technical workshop, and participants should be comfortable using sharp instruments and able to follow verbal instructions.
Enthusiasm for bookmaking and sewing is essential, and a certain level of capability and confidence is expected.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided in abundance—because they’re essential!
All materials and tools will be supplied.
Please review our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking, as refunds are not permitted for change of mind.
Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan © 2020 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Join our next class on the 5th October 2025
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: $120 Wild Binder, $150 non-member
In this workshop, participants will learn the Secret Belgian Binding, a striking technique featuring hidden spines and exposed stitching. Created by Anne Goy in 1986, the method was initially misinterpreted as an ancient binding style. The original crisscross structure can feel awkward due to its loose design, which allows the signatures and cover pieces to move. While this flexibility creates a dynamic aesthetic, it can also lead to abrasion over time and feels unstable during the process.
To address these issues, I have adapted the technique to be sewn onto a paper case with slots along the spine, ensuring a more solid and durable binding while preserving the original sewing method. With step-by-step guidance, you'll master this unique binding technique.
Paper has long been a versatile and durable material for book covers, enabling binders to create both simple and intricate structures. This workshop series focuses on bindings that are elegant and minimalist, stripped down to their essential elements. Gone are the tasks of excessive paring, sanding, lining, or infilling; only what is necessary for the book’s functionality is included. The result is a structure that is both visually striking and functionally robust.
It might be tempting to view these bindings as time-saving options due to their simplicity, but that would miss the point. By including only the features that are structurally essential, these bindings achieve an austere elegance comparable to traditional hardcover books. Moreover, their minimalist design demands the utmost precision, as every detail becomes more pronounced.
These bindings remain a popular choice in preservation and conservation for their strength and flexibility. Beyond their practicality, they serve as a testament to a binder's technical excellence and refinement.
Please Note:
This workshop is suitable for beginners with basic crafting, cutting, folding, and sewing skills.
While no prior bookbinding experience is required, this is a technical workshop, and participants should be comfortable using sharp instruments and able to follow verbal instructions.
Enthusiasm for bookmaking and sewing is essential, and a certain level of capability and confidence is expected.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided in abundance—because they’re essential!
All materials and tools will be supplied.
Please review our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking, as refunds are not permitted for change of mind.
Workshop written and delivered by Isabelle McGowan © 2020 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
