Traditional Book Binding & Cover Art: Stitching Stories Together
New Activity
Waterloo Street
- Discover the heritage of traditional Chinese bookbinding and its role in preserving knowledge
- Learn the four-hole binding method used in early Chinese books and documents
- Experience hands-on stitching techniques that reflect craftsmanship and patience
- Express creativity through brush painting on handmade book covers
What to expect
Step into the world of handcrafted books with Traditional Bookbinding & Cover Art, a 1.5 hours hands-on workshop rooted in heritage. Before modern printing, books were carefully stitched using traditional Chinese binding methods that reflected values of learning, preservation, and storytelling
Participants will explore the four-hole binding technique commonly used in early Chinese texts, then personalise their booklets through brush-painted cover art. This combination of craft and creativity offers insight into how such practices travelled with Chinese immigrants to Singapore and became part of local cultural life
Brought to you by Trendsen Cultural Enterprise. Use your $100 SG Culture Pass credits for this workshop
Guided step by step, participants work with prepared materials to learn the fundamentals of traditional bookbinding
Participants getting their hands Participants carefully stitch and assemble their own books using traditional binding techniques
The completed handcrafted book — a personal keepsake bound using time-honoured methods
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