Yotsume Toji is a traditional Japanese decorative book binding technique, which translates (roughly) to 'four-hole binding'.  It's one of the earliest forms of book binding there is. 

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The traditional four-hole pattern has, over the centuries, been adapted and expanded to add a myriad of other decorative patterns, and in this class you'll make a book using your choice of three of them: The traditional four-holes (Yotsume Toji), a six-hole pattern called Kangxi, or a nine-hole technique called Hemp Leaf (the pattern pictured in the examples).  You’ll make your own hard covers, then bind your pages together in a simple yet elegant way to make a beautiful handmade book with a unique binding, using traditional techniques and hand tools.  You could make a photo album, journal, sketch book, anything you like!  It will be a one-of-a-kind book that will be treasured for years to come.

Suitable for complete beginners, you will be guided through every step by Wendy, owner of The Little Craftery, and life-long crafter. 

 

The workshop runs for approximately 3 hours.  Enjoy a chat with like minded people and learn some new skills!  All materials and refreshments are included in the price.

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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 start by covering your front and back boards with your choice of paper, then pierce the holes, wax the thread and bind the recycled paper pages together.  Wendy will show you every step of the way to creating your beautiful hand-bound book.

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What's included?

The price includes everything you need: all materials and use of any necessary tools, full instruction from Wendy, and tea and coffee.  There will be a small selection of covering papers available for you to use, but you're welcome to bring something with you (read 'Do I Need To Bring Anything?', below).  You will keep the book you'll make, and the patterns with written instructions so you can make more at home.

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What are the design options?

You have a choice of an A4 or an A5 sized book, in either portrait or landscape orientation.  The internal pages will always be the same (good-quality, recycled cartridge paper), but you can choose which paper you'd like to make your hardcovers with, which colour of cord to bind with, and also which pattern you'd like to bind it in, so your book will 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 three 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 I need to bring anything?

All your materials and refreshments are supplied, so you don't need to bring anything, however you may wish to bring some paper you'd like to cover your book with.  We recommend wallpaper for a first attempt, as it's stronger, stretchier and generally easier to use, but you're welcome to bring any paper you like, as long as it's easy to crease.  You'll need two pieces, one for the front, one for the back, and they need to be slightly larger (by at least 2cm width and height) than the book size you choose (A4 or A5).

It can be quite a small and fiddly craft, so it's recommended to bring reading glasses, if you use them.

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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.