Specialist practice
A handy guide to the types of bookbinding. Discover many binding methods from the everyday to the bespoke along with tips designers need to
Saddle Stitch Binding
Our first binding method is saddle stitch, which happens to be the easiest of all. Saddle stitching proves affordable and ideal for documents consisting of fewer pages. By stapling wire through the spine and folding printed sheets in half, a finished product takes shape. Alternatively, utilizing looped staples permits insertion into ring binders without requiring punched holes.
Side Staple Binding
The side staple technique is primarily employed to bind perforated pages, such as those found in quote books and delivery notes. The procedure involves stacking individual pages together before stapling them with wire through the front cover from front to back before trimming.
Singer Sewn & Side Sewn Binding
Singer-sewn binding is a sturdy technique employed for creating resilient materials such as passports. It employs an industrial sewing machine to stitch the pages together along the spine lengthwise. Additionally, side singer-sewn or side-sewn binding provides another option where pages are jointly fastened through both front and back covers, making it perfect for thicker books and notepads.
Padded/Pad Binding
The technique of pad binding, also known as "padding," is utilized primarily for notepads and enables the easy detachment of individual pages. A lower-strength adhesive coating is applied on the edge of a stack of pages to create these pads. To ensure stability and usability when held, a thicker board is generally affixed at the back end.
Wiro /Plastic Coil Binding
The two primary types of punched binding are wire and plastic coil binding, enabling books to open fully flat with the pages rotating 360 degrees towards the back. Firstly, printed pages are trimmed and then hole-punched before being fastened using a spiral coil or wire that is crimped shut.
Japanese / Stab Binding
Dating back centuries, Japanese or stab binding is a decorative technique where sheets are folded once at the center, hole-punched and sewn by hand along the spine using different needle and thread patterns.
Perfect binding
The process of perfect binding involves using machinery to bind softcover books, magazines and brochures. The technique entails stacking individual pages together before affixing them to an outer cover that sports a square spine. This is achieved by the application of potent polyurethane (PUR) glue which gives the method its name- Perfect Binding.
Burst Binding
Burst binding is essentially perfect binding with a unique twist whereby pages are grouped into sections, folded and then notched down the spine by machinery to achieve stronger adherence of glue. This results in an exceptionally robust finish that makes it particularly ideal for books containing a greater number of pages compared to standard bindings.
Quarter Binding
In the past, quarter-bound, half-bound or taped bindings were commonly used to produce books at a lower cost by employing inexpensive materials. These binding methods involve two distinct materials - one for covering the spine and another for protecting the cover. However, to enhance durability, pages are often bonded together and fastened on one side which results in reduced ease of opening compared with
Case Binding
The conventional hardcover book involves printing pages that are folded and stitched into multiple sections, safeguarded by a firm rigid cover. The covers may be coated with various materials like linen, buckram or leather; alternatively, a printed design can be affixed on top of the tough casing. Such casebound books have long-lasting durability and might even sustain restoration years down the road.
Pamphlet Stitch
A refined binding technique known as the pamphlet stitch is ideal for documents with a modest number of pages. After folding and hole-punching the printed sheets, one manually threads them together using needle and thread before tying them off at the book's center to finish it elegantly.
Exposed Spine Binding
Exposed spine binding, also known as exposed Smyth sewn or thread-bound, is an aesthetically appealing method of bookbinding. The pages are folded into sections and then hand-sewn together at the spine with a continuous thread. To reinforce durability, pad glue is applied to the spine after sewing it. Books bound in this manner open almost completely flatly for easy reading.
Chicago Screw Binding
The Chicago Screw technique involves utilizing metal screw posts for fastening pages, allowing flexibility in terms of adding or removing sheets. This makes it a desirable option for materials like menus and folios that undergo frequent revisions. Furthermore, an expandable hardcover can be customized with exterior, interior or concealed screws to fit any desired dimensions. Given its versatile nature, this binding process is particularly popular among property sales pitches as well as showcasing photographic portfolios.
Custom Boxes, Slipcases and Ring Binding
sophisticated storage solution that allows for showcasing your valuable materials and samples, custom boxes and slipcases are just the perfect fit. This type of binding is artistically crafted according to your precise specifications. Manual assembly entails utilizing top-quality board material before wrapping it with an array of premium fabrics including buckram, linen cloths as well as leather or printed laminated paper.
