Binding Techniques: Exposed Stitching
A course by Postal , Designer
Discover how to bind your own softcover notebooks step-by-step using exposed stitching techniques.
Enter the exciting world of bookbinding and screen printing with the help of Sebastián, a talented visual communication designer. From his brand Postal Bogotá, Sebastián rescues ancestral techniques and fuses them with contemporary design to create objects full of meaning. Through collaborations with brands such as Sofitel, Red Bull and Huawei, he has left his mark on the world of design.
In this online course, you will immerse yourself in the complete process of constructing softcover notebooks with exposed seams, under the guidance of Sebastian. You will learn techniques such as screen printing, embroidery and painting to give your creations a unique personality. Using materials at your fingertips, from natural leather to recycled paper, you will explore the different possibilities offered by exposed seams, such as the intriguing Lightning Bolt and the original Diamond Variation.
From the historical foundations of bookbinding to precise punching measurements and tool use, every stage of the process will be revealed. This way, you will be prepared to give life to your own masterpieces, pieces that speak about you and your connection with everyday materials. By the end of this course, you will have acquired the skills necessary to create unique handmade notebooks with your personal touch.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 24 downloads
- 100% positive reviews (63)
- 4,643 students
- 16 lessons (2h 1m)
- 24 additional resources (7 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
As a final project, you will immerse yourself in the execution of two exceptional pieces: one with the characteristic Lightning bolt stitching and another with the surprising Diamond Variation. Through these creations, you will put into practice all the skills acquired during the course and demonstrate your ability to combine ancient techniques with your personal style.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is designed for design and creativity enthusiasts who want to explore the world of bookbinding and screen printing. If you are looking to immerse yourself in traditional and contemporary techniques to create unique objects with a personal touch, this course is perfect for you.
Requirements and materials
To participate in this exciting creative journey, make sure you have natural or synthetic leathers, heavy-weight paper for the covers, drawing materials, cotton threads, a hole-punching object, and letter-sized sheets. With these elements, you will be ready to explore the world of bookbinding and screen printing with Sebastián.
Reviews
Postal
A course by Postal
Sebastián, un apasionado Diseñador en Comunicación Visual, inició su viaje en el mundo creativo en 2008 con su proyecto personal, POSTAL. En colaboración con David, su socio, se sumergió en la exploración de la serigrafía y la encuadernación en la bulliciosa ciudad de Buenos Aires. Inspirados por el florecimiento de marcas de diseño en la ciudad, dieron vida a su propia visión.
Especializados en serigrafía y encuadernación, fundaron Shuz-Shuz, más tarde transformado en POSTAL. En 2012, establecieron su primera tienda en Bogotá, donde Sebastián expandió sus horizontes. Trabajando con diversos oficios como la costura, la marroquinería y la cerámica, exploró la intersección entre disciplinas. Colaboraciones con ilustradores y artesanos fortalecieron su enfoque. Desde entonces, POSTAL se ha convertido en un ejemplo de autogestión y reconocimiento, enriqueciendo la vida de Sebastián y su comunidad.
Su compromiso con la autenticidad y el cuidado manual es evidente en cada proyecto, desde encuadernación hasta textiles y marroquinería. También se dedica a la producción de encuadernaciones por encargo, brindando su toque distintivo a empresas como Sofitel, Huawei y La Fiscalía de la Nación. Su enfoque ético y sostenible se alinea con su conexión con la naturaleza y el medio ambiente.
Content
-
U1
Introduction
-
Presentation
-
Influences
-
-
U2
The craft of binding
-
History of bookbinding
-
Materials analysis
-
Creative paths for covers and endpapers
-
-
U3
Let's bind: folding and perforating
-
Covers and guards
-
Punching guide for booklets: lightning bolt stitching
-
Paper folding
-
Punching guide for booklets: diamond variant stitching
-
Punching the booklets for both notebooks
-
-
U4
Sewing our notebooks
-
We prepare to sew
-
Exposed seam: lightning notebook
-
Exposed Stitching: Diamond Variant Notebook
-
-
U5
Tips
-
Mark the drilling guides when changing the format of the notebooks
-
Diagram the inside of the notebooks
-
Variations in materials
-
-
FP
Final project
-
Binding Techniques: Exposed Stitching
-
What to expect from a Domestika course
-
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
-
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
-
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
-
Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
-
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
-
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
-
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
-
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Exposed-stitch handbinding is a hands-on technique for making unique notebooks that showcase the stitching as a decorative feature. In this course, you’ll learn how to choose materials, prepare signatures, punch holes, sew, and personalize covers and endpapers.
The course is aimed at those with some intermediate handbinding experience, but it covers techniques and materials from the ground up—perfect if you have some crafting skills or a keen interest in handmade work.
You’ll need paper, waxed thread, needles, an awl, a bone folder (or something similar), glue, cardstock or faux leather for covers, plus personalization materials like inks or stamps. The course also offers DIY alternatives for specialized tools.
You’ll learn the ray stitch and the diamond variant—both exposed-stitch methods that blend structure with style—plus custom variations tailored to different notebook formats.
The course teaches personalization techniques like screen printing, patchwork, embroidery, and painting on covers and endpapers, using various materials and methods to create truly unique notebooks that reflect your style.
You’ll be able to make notebooks, family albums, recipe books, and personalized items using handbinding and exposed stitching, and experiment with printing and graphic design on different materials.
The ray stitch is a simple, linear, and dynamic pattern that’s easy to do and looks decorative. The diamond variant is more intricate, featuring a bold geometric design that requires more precision and planning.
Amé este curso, el profesor comparte tips e ideas, excelente curso, me gustó, muy bueno
Gostei muito do Curso, o Professor ensina muito bem, fiz os cadernos sem dificuldades!
Gostei bastante do Curso. explicações claras e processuais.
Un curso fácil de aprender, bien explicado y con técnicas que ponen en valor el trabajo artesanal. Recomendable!
wuaoo, excelente curso super ordenado el maestro se nota el amor que le tiene a la encuadernación, este curso es lo que buscaba tiene todo para emprender en el arte de la encuadernación simplemente excelente