Create a beautiful, hand‑crafted leather journal!  In this class, you’ll learn how to make a complete journal from scratch — from preparing your blank pages to stitching them into a soft leather cover using a traditional long‑stitch binding technique.

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You’ll start by folding your paper into neat signatures, then learn how to pierce your sewing stations and prepare your leather cover. Using a decorative long‑stitch binding, you’ll sew your pages directly into the leather, creating a flexible, durable journal that opens flat and feels wonderful to use. You can choose your leather, thread colours and fastening style, to make your journal completely unique to you.

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This workshop is perfect for beginners, but it’s also a lovely next step if you’ve already enjoyed our other book binding classes and want to explore a different style of handmade book.  Whether you want a sketchbook, diary, travel journal or a special gift, this is a beautiful project to learn and a joy to make. You’ll be guided through every step by Wendy, owner of The Little Craftery and life‑long crafter.

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You’ll leave with a finished leather‑bound journal, made entirely by hand — and the confidence to create more at home.

 

All materials are provided, including leather, paper and thread.

 

The workshop runs for approximately 4 hours. Enjoy a chat with like‑minded people, learn new skills, and take home something truly special. Refreshments are included in the price, though you might want to bring one or two things with you (see FAQs below).

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FAQs

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Who is the class for?

Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome!  Suitable for complete beginners or those with more experience, it's a nice relaxed and friendly class.

There is a physical element involved that requires a degree of manual dexterity and reasonable hand and arm strength.

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What's involved?

Wendy will take you through the tools and materials you will need and the basic techniques you will learn.  You'll cover your book with your choice of leather (depending on what we have in stock at the time, unfortunately we can't make any guarantees).  You'll fold signatures, pierce sewing stations and then stitch them directly into the leather with a long stitch.  You can choose from a range of coloured threads to suit the leather.  Finally we'll finish with a choice of fastening options.  There's a lot of work involved, but it's worth it for the fabulous book you'll have in the end!  Wendy will be on-hand to help you to create your beautiful hand-bound book.

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What's included?

The price includes all materials and use of any necessary tools, full instruction from Wendy, and tea and coffee.  There will be a small selection of covering leathers available for you to choose from.  You will keep the book you make, and some written instructions so you can make more at home. 

There will be plenty of tea and coffee available.

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What are the design options?

Everyone will make a book the same size (A5), but there will be a few options for the leather cover, which will be pre-cut to size.  It depends what we have in stock though, unfortunately we can't make any guarantees.  You'll be able to cut and reshape the cover flap, and there will be a choice of fastenings available.  There's also a choice of different threads to use to stitch with, so your book can be completely unique!    

Wendy will show you all the techniques you need, to ensure that you make a book to be proud of.

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How long will the class last?

The class will last approximately four hours.  It’s best to allow a little extra time as classes sometimes over-run depending on group sizes.

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Where is the class held?

Classes are held in The Little Craftery in Montague Place, Worthing, which is designed to be a functional, comfortable workspace for up to 4 participants.  The shop will be closed to the public during your class, so you don’t need to worry about interruptions.  If you have any special access requirements, please contact Wendy at The Little Craftery before you book to discuss, and to find out if access is available for you.

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Do we need to book?

Yes, please do book in advance, as there are a limited number of places on each class (a maximum of 4 people per workshop), and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!  We require full payment in advance in order to secure your booking.  Online payments will be taken securely by either Square or Paypal (don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Paypal account!).  If you’d rather not book online, you can book in person at The Little Craftery.

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How do I book?

You can book on this page, go to the 'Book Here' section above, and you'll see there are two steps.

Step 1 is to check for classes already open; these are the dates that other people have already set, and are happy for you to join them.  If there are no dates that you can do there, then come back here and go to step 2.

Step 2 is where you can set up a new date.  Start by choosing how many people are in your group, and you'll be taken to a new calendar where you can choose any date and time you like, and decide if you want it to be a private class, or if you'd like us to open it up for others to join you.

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I try Option 1, but it says "Online scheduling is not currently available

Please contact the business directly".

This doesn't mean it's not working, it just means there are no available dates.  There's no need to contact us, just go straight to Option 2 and set a new date!

It's a default message on our booking system that we don't have the power to change, it's a bit confusing, sorry about that!

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Do I need to bring anything?

The only thing you need to bring is a paperback book.  Other materials and refreshments are supplied, so you absolutely don't need to bring anything else, however there are a few items that you might like to have on hand: 

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​Paperback Book - Pretty much any paperback book can be rebound.  It can either be brand new, or old and well-worn, but we do ask that it's structurally sound (i.e no pages falling out).  While it is possible to fix old books and re-glue pages, we won't have time to do so during the class.

Paper - For the cover.  Wallpaper is the best choice for a first attempt as it's strong, durable and it wipes clean if you accidentally get glue on the cover.  However any paper that creases easily and isn't too thin (a good quality wrapping paper is great, but cheap, thin wrapping paper is really hard to work with).  You could even make your own paper on our silk paper making class!  You'll need one continuous piece, larger than the size of your book (measure the height of the cover and add at least 3cm, and measure the width of the front cover, back cover and spine, and add at least 3cm).

Dust Mask - For health and safety reasons, you'll be required to wear a mask for part of the class.  There will be disposable masks available, but you might prefer to bring something more comfortable with you (a Covid mask will be fine).

​Reading Glasses - There are small and fiddly moments, so if you use them, you will probably need them!

Notepad - You will be given some written instructions, but you might find it useful to bring a notepad to write some notes.

Camera - As well as taking notes, you're welcome to take a few photos of the steps to remind you of the process.  You might also want a few snaps to remember your day!

Lunch - Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, but not lunch.  There will be time for a short break to eat.

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Do we need to book?

Yes, please do book in advance, as there are a limited number of places on each class (a maximum of 4 people per open class), and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!  We require full payment in advance in order to secure your booking.  Online payments will be taken securely by either Square or Paypal (don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Paypal account!).  If you’d rather not book online, you can book in person at The Little Craftery.

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How do I book?

You can book on this page; just go to the 'Book Here' section above, and you'll see there are two options.

Option 1 is to check for classes already open; these are the dates that other people have already set, and are happy for you to join them.  If there are no dates that you can do there, then come back to this page and go to option 2.

Option 2 is where you can set up a new date.  Start by choosing how many people are in your group, and you'll be taken to a new calendar where you can choose any date and time you like.  You can also decide if you want it to be a private class, or if you'd like us to open it up for others to join you.

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Why are there no dates available?

It just means no-one else has set up a date yet, but that means you can! Rather than us guessing when you’d like your class, it’s easier (and more flexible!) for you to pick the date that suits you.

If you’d like an open class with other people, you can choose your own date by heading to ‘Option 2’ in the Book Here section above. If you’re booking for one, two or three people, we’ll open that date for others to join — unless you select a private session.

Bookings for 4 people or more are automatically set as a private session at no extra cost.

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I try Option 1, but it says "Online scheduling is not currently available

Please contact the business directly".

This message doesn’t mean anything is broken — it just means there are no dates available yet.

There’s no need to contact us. Just head straight to Option 2 and choose a new date that works for you.

It’s a default message from our booking system, and unfortunately we don't have the power to customise it. We know it’s a bit confusing, sorry about that!

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How many people are needed for a class?

We run our open classes with a minimum of 2 people.

If you’ve booked a new date and we don’t receive a second booking, we may need to reschedule or cancel your class. If that happens, we’ll let you know by email and text/WhatsApp at least 24 hours in advance, and you’ll be given the option to move to a later date or receive a full refund.

The maximum number of people per class varies depending on the workshop and how much space is needed. For open dates the maximum is usually capped at 4 or 5, but for private classes we can sometimes go up to 7.

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Can I book a private session?

Of course!  Just head straight to 'Option 2' in the 'Book Here' section above.

We charge a small supplement for private bookings of one or two people. Private bookings of three or more people have no extra fee. Here’s how it works:

• 1 person: A private session for one person has an 80% supplement (rounded to the nearest £1).

• 2 people: A private session for two people has a 35% supplement on the total booking (rounded to the nearest £1).

• 3 people: You can choose a private class at no extra cost, or you can choose to keep the session open for others to join if you prefer.

• 4+ people: Your booking will automatically be a private session at no extra cost, and the class won’t be opened to additional participants.

• Choosing not to pay the supplement: You’re welcome to book without the private-session supplement. In that case, the class will simply be opened up for others to join. All our workshops are small groups (usually 4–7 people), so you’ll still get plenty of personal attention.

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What's the cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your class, please let us know as soon as possible. 

If you cancel more than 7 days in advance of the class - You'll be eligible for a full refund or a reschedule, as you prefer.

If you cancel within 7 days of the class (up to 24 hours before the class) - you're not eligible for a refund, but you can reschedule.

If you cancel within 24 hours of the class - you're not eligible for a refund or a reschedule.

Failure to show up for your class will not be eligible for a refund or reschedule.

In any circumstance where a class is cancelled by The Little Craftery, we will attempt to contact you in advance as soon as possible to either reschedule or offer a full refund, as you prefer.