Live / Online Workshops

For the duration of 5 weeks from 1-29 August 2026 on Saturdays at 6 pm GMT+1, via Zoom, we will learn about the history and techniques of Islamic bookbinding through the case of the Moroccan style known as at-Tasfīr. 

This course fee is £199.

In this 5-Week online course, you’ll be guided step by step as you create your very own bound journal, complete with book-cloth, a flap and deckle-edged paper. By the end of the series, you’ll walk away with a beautiful handmade notebook — and quite possibly a brand-new hobby.

This course unfolds over 5 online progressive sessions, starting with a lecture exploring four foundational historical sources in the art of Moroccan bookbinding:
- Bakr al-Ishbili (1231 AD / 629 AH)
- Ahmed al-Matrifi (1593 AD / 1001 AH)
- Ahmed as-Sufyani (1619 AD / 1029 AH)
- Abdelaziz ar-Rasmuki (1655 AD / 1065 AH)

It is followed by hands-on workshops covering:
- 2-station binding technique
- End-band sewing
- Cover design, and
- Attaching end-papers

This course is taught by traditional Moroccan bookbinder and author Hamza El Fasiki who integrates lectures, discussions, and live bookbinding instructions using traditional techniques combined with available modern tools and materials.

The course is intended for bibliophiles, bookworms, artists, designers, bookbinders, scholars of the art of the book and anyone seeking a rigorous, historically grounded approach to Islamic bookbinding.

Required Tools & Materials:
As a participant, you will arrange your own tools. Each session includes a list of particular tools and materials. The complete list of tools and supplies can be found below. Most of these items can be found at home or at a nearby stationary store. After registration, you'll receive recommended web links for specialized bookbinding tools and materials. Don't worry — there will be plenty of time to gather all the necessary supplies before the sessions begin. 

Materials:
Paper & Board
    • 1 Sheet of A4 Paper (any type)
    • 30 Sheets of A4 Kraft Paper or Handmade Paper (between 120 and 150 gsm, preferably light brown)
    • 1 Sheet of A4 Kraft Paper or Large Brown Envelope (between 80 and 120 gsm)
    • 2 Sheets of A4 Marble Paper (original or printed) or Decorative Bookbinding Paper.
    • (2 mm) Bookbinder’s Grey Board (2 Sheets of A4 size).

Textiles & Threads
    • A Spool of  Linen Thread  (any colour)
    • Two Spools of  Linen Thread  2 colours: light and dark)
    • Piece of Leather 9/5 cm
    • A Roll of Book Cloth (Bloomsbury type). (The red color is a traditional Moroccan bookbinding color for covers).


Adhesives & Coatings
    • Bookbinding Paste or PVA Glue (thick and strong)
    • Beeswax 

Additional Useful Materials
    • Baking Paper

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Tools:
Cutting & Measuring
    • Scissors
    • A4 Paper Cutter or Craft Knife with Cutting Mat
    • Ruler (cm)
    • Pencil
    • Divider or Compass

Sewing & Piercing
    • Sewing Needle (eye suitable for linen thread)
    • Thick Needle or Awl Pressing & Binding
    • Book Press Clamp or Heavy Hardcover Books
    • Brush (for glue application)