For centuries, embroidered book bindings have occupied a unique place between textile art and bookbinding craftsmanship — treasured objects that transformed books into personal works of art. From richly embellished devotional books to decorative presentation volumes stitched in silk and metal thread, these extraordinary pieces reflected both technical mastery and a deep appreciation for beauty and storytelling.
At The Crewel Work Company, our embroidered book courses seek to revive this remarkable tradition through immersive programmes that combine historic research, advanced embroidery tuition and optional hand bookbinding instruction. Following the overwhelming response to our first embroidered book courses, we are delighted to introduce two new programmes for 2027: A Book of Days with Natalie Dupuis and A Book of Tulips with Zina Kazban.
A Book of Days (2027)
Course Summary
Tutor: Natalie Dupuis
Course Length: 8 monthly classes + specialist lecture
Level: Intermediate
Class Times: Two live 2-hour sessions per class day (4 hours total)
Book Binding Tuition: Optional additional module available
Next Start Date: 19 & 20 2027
Price: Please see course page for current pricing and payment options.
Inspired by an exquisite 1895 embroidered book, A Book of Days invites students on a richly detailed exploration of silk and metal thread embroidery in a luminous palette of summer shades. Across eight monthly four-hour classes and a specialist lecture, Natalie guides students step by step through the recreation of this elegant historic design, helping them build confidence in silk and metal thread techniques while developing a deeper understanding of Victorian embroidered bindings.
The course is particularly suited to embroiderers wishing to strengthen their experience with silk and metal threads within a structured and supportive environment. As the embroidery progresses, students gradually see the book emerge not simply as a stitched panel, but as a complete decorative object intended to be treasured for generations.
A Book of Tulips (2027)
Course Summary
Tutor: Zina Kazban
Course Length: 10 monthly classes + specialist lecture
Level: Intermediate+ / Advanced
Class Times: Each class lasts 4 hours (with a break in the middle)
Next Start Date: 20 February 2027
Price: £2,200
For those seeking a more advanced technical challenge, A Book of Tulips offers an extraordinary opportunity to recreate a striking 19th-century embroidered binding featuring vibrant tulip motifs worked in luxurious silk and metal threads. Guided by Zina Kazban over 10 monthly classes and a specialist summer lecture, students spend 11 months exploring intricate stitch combinations, subtle colour transitions and richly textured metal thread work inspired by the craftsmanship of the Victorian era.
This course is ideal for embroiderers with previous experience in silk and metal thread embroidery who wish to deepen their technical confidence while creating a truly heirloom-quality piece. The final embroidered binding becomes not only a study in historical technique, but a deeply personal object reflecting months of careful craftsmanship and dedication.
Finishing & Bookbinding
Both courses also offer optional finishing tuition, allowing students to choose between creating a removable chemise cover or a fixed cover in the style of the original historic bindings. Additional specialist bookbinding tuition is available with expert binder Dominic Riley, enabling students to complete the full structure of the book themselves.
Dedicated finishing and bookbinding materials packs accompany these additional tutorials, which take place at the conclusion of the embroidery process, allowing students to fully appreciate the relationship between embroidery, structure and the historic art of hand-bound books.
Whether drawn to the delicate summer palette of A Book of Days or the rich tulip motifs of A Book of Tulips, both courses offer a rare opportunity to step into the world of historic embroidered bindings and create an extraordinary heirloom of your own.
Optional Extras Summary
Optional Modules: Optional finishing (as a chemise or fixed cover) and book binding will be offered at the end of the course.
Approximate cost: £80 each for the tutorial, £30 for the finishing materials pack, £80 for the book binding materials pack
Optional acessories to purchase: Hand-made book (approx. £120) and presentation box (approx. £250) both custom made to your colour preference and to fit your book
How to Book
Booking opens on Thursday 28th May. Places will be offered via email (newsletter) to our waiting list before being offered to the general public. Bookings will be taken on our website on the specific course page. You may either pay in full or place a 25% deposit to secure your place.
