Saddle stitch binding is the method of holding the pages of a booklet together with the use of staples. The staple is driven into the spine of the booklets through the pages, thereby binding the pages together.
The subject is a hot issue in the world of digital printing. It is a technique that many people have a lot of questions about. Therefore in this article, we would proffer answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this method of book binding.
But you may want to check this out for a more detailed explanation on the subject in general.
7 FAQs
The following questions are what we consider some of the most important things that you need to know about this simple yet highly effective style of book binding:-
1. What informed the name ‘saddle stitching?
This name is a derivative of two things; the materials used to hold the sheets and the tool over which the process is carried out.
Staples in the world of printing/book production are referred to as stitches and the process of stapling is known as stitching. When the pages to be held together are arranged, they are placed over a piece of equipment that looks like a saddle before they are stitched. This is what informed the name ‘saddle stitching’.
2. What is the least number of pages that this method can be used for?
In this method of printing, the pages must be counted in multiples of 4. This means that a sheet of paper is folded in half and then counted like the pages of a book (front, back, front, back). So if you have a book that is self-covering, you would have 8 pages but one that has a separate cover would be 4 pages and the cover.
3. What is the highest number of pages?
There really is no fixed number as it were; this is largely dependent on the thickness of the paper used. Additionally, the model or brand of equipment used determines the maximum pages that can be produced with saddle stitching.
Since this process requires a multiple of 4 pages, you can have about 64 pages in a booklet if you use regular paper. Some very thin paper can be used to produce up to 100 pages. However, it is recommended that the pages be fewer so that the booklet can lie flat. A bulky book would have the tendency to always spring open.
4. Is this an expensive method of printing?
Saddle Stitching is actually the cheapest type of book binding. It is considered cost effective because it produces a high quality of documents that look very professional.
5. What type of documents can you use saddle stitching to produce?
This technique of printing is useful for the production of a wide range of books or documents. The following are examples:-
- Booklets
- Catalogues
- Directories
- Magazines
- Annual reports
- Comic books
- Brochures
- Manuals
- Wall calendars
- Newsletters.
This is not an exhaustive list but we believe that it gives you an idea of what can be produced with this technique. You can also employ this technique by yourself if you want to make a customized document.
If you want to try your hand on DIY saddle stitching, check out this link: https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Saddle-Stitch-Bookbinding
6. What size of booklet can this technique be used for?
Saddle stitching can be used for a wide variety of book dimensions and you can also choose any orientation (landscape, portrait or square). The sizes cover A4, 1/3 of A4 and A5 landscape or portrait or square of 210 by 210mm.
The most common sizes that people use are the full sheet or half sheet of the above mentioned sizes. However, if your project requires a custom size, you can always request it from the producers.
7. Can you print on the spine of a book that was saddle stitched?
It is not possible to print on the spine of a book that was bound with this technique because the spine is not flat.
These are not all the commonly asked question on this topic but time and space forbid that we attempt to give an exhaustive list. But before we sign off, we would give you a brief summary of the benefits of this technique.
Benefits of Saddle Stitching Booklet Binding
The following are the main benefits of this method:-
- It is quite inexpensive; it is rated the cheapest method of book binding.
- It is useful for both long term and short term production projects.
- It is fast to produce.
- This technique is very suitable for small books (hand or pocket books or booklets).
- With this style of book binding, you can customize your production to taste(from brochure, to pocket guide or newsletters and magazines)
- It is quite easy to make and also allows producer to insert cross-over images (that is images that spill across pages).
- You can punch holes into the spine to make it able to be inserted into a binder with rings.
- It is especially great for documents that would be mailed because it minimizes the bulk.
Conclusion
From the above, we can deduce that saddle stitch booklet binding is a technique that comes in handy and at less cost than other methods of book binding. What’s more is that it is a technique that one can learn and implement at home. However, if you want a very professional result, there are many places you can get it done.
Note that the way you bind your documents/projects would go a long way in determining how it is perceived and received. We hope the info in this article has helped you to understand the basics of saddle stitch binding.