VENUE: NSW Bookbinders Guild, Callan Park, Lilyfield, SYDNEY
TUTOR: Michelle Vandermeer
DATE: Saturday 7th February 2026
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
COST: from $225 (NSWBG members), $250 (non Guild members)
In this relaxed 6-hour workshop held at the NSW Bookbinders Guild in Sydney, try your hand at making a hardcover A5-sized journal with Secret Belgian binding, featuring fancy paper-wrapped covers hand-stitched together with a distinctively graphic thread pattern criss-crossing the spine. In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of interesting and decorative papers to cover your book boards (and spine), plus an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages within. And with waxed-linen bookbinding thread provided in a wide choice of colours, you’ll be able to make a uniquely personalised book.
The main feature of Secret Belgian bound books is their horizontally linear pattern of coloured thread sewn over and between the spine and the two covers, holding the cover boards together without any need for glue. The ‘secret’ part is how the page sections are then cleverly stitched inside the spine, creating a sturdy hinged binding that enables the book to open completely flat, perfect for journals, notebooks, albums, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.
Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine a wide range of finished examples of a variety of Secret Belgian bound books (in different sizes, formats, and materials) and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.
All materials and tools are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. a metal ruler, craft knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder), and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book.
Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more Secret Belgian bound books at home.
Email workshops@shelbyville.com.au or txt/phone 0412 550 981 to make a booking
Online bookings available:
https://www.nswbookbinders.org/service-page/secret-belgian-binding
Using coloured thread for stitching the covers of a Secret-Belgian-bound book
Secret Belgian bound book using upcycled vintage book covers, a pink bookcloth wrapped spine, and stitched with yellow thread
Lots of choice for colour/imagery/patterns when wrapping the covers/spine of a Secret-Belgian-bound book
