Hei Lam Ng Bookmaking: Multi-signature exposed stitch bookbinding

In this workshop, participants will learn two bookbinding techniques to make multi-signature books: barber pole and coptic stitches. The two binding techniques give the books a decorative spine with exposed stitches. Having previous bookbinding experience is recommended. These two techniques require simultaneous hands coordination including holding multiple signatures, operating two needles at once, and sewing with a curved needle. Each participant would take home the samples they make, and all materials and tools are provided.

Hei Lam Ng she/her
Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese

Hei Lam Ng (she/her) is a Hong Kong-Canadian artist currently residing in Vancouver, BC, who has a great passion in artist’s books and printed matters. As a multilingual speaker of four languages (Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Japanese), she is very interested in language concepts and structures, and the ambiguity of translation. Hei Lam holds a BFA in photography from Emily Carr University of Art + Design (2014), and a MFA in Studio Arts (Print Media) from Concordia University (2025). She is the founder of “bocchi projects”, an artist’s group that features, encourages, and endorses small run book projects by independent artists. “Bocchi projects” has exhibited Canadian artist’s book works across cities in Canada, as well as Tokyo and Taipei internationally.