What is saddle stitch binding?
Saddle-stitch binding is a type of book-binding method. A common example that you might recognize would be comic books—they are typically folded and have a staple in the middle, holding the pages together. Even if the cover is a heavier stock, the pages themselves tend to be thin, and the page count is usually low.
This technique isn't exclusive to comics, however. You'll see saddle-stitch binding in catalogs, instruction manuals, and many other types of multipage documents. Saddle-stitch booklet designs are also quite common.
But why "saddle stitch"? Stapling is often referred to as "stitching" in the printing industry, and when preparing the pages, they are often draped over a saddle-like apparatus. Interesting, right?
How Does Saddle-Stitch Binding Work?
So how does saddle stitch binding work? Let's say we're printing a saddle-stitch booklet at 8.5" by 11" inches (US Letter size). This means that each page in our book would actually be 17" by 11" inches—this is laid flat. The staple would go in the center, so, when folded, we'd have our 8.5" width.
It's as simple as printing your pages in the right order, trimming them, and then placing the staples at the center. Keep in mind that this also involves making sure your pages are in the right order, which can get a little tricky. Make sure to get a proof from your chosen book-binding service, just to make sure there are no errors in that regard.
When Should You Use Saddle-Stitch Binding?
If you're trying to figure out how to bind a book for your next project, saddle-stitch binding is a popular choice for a reason. Consider these aspects when you seek out a book-binding service. Here are some pros to consider:
Cost-effective—saddle-stitch binding can be more cost-effective than some other binding methods (like perfect binding or wire-o binding). Think about it. There's no glue or plastic involved here. It's just staples!
Quicker turnaround times—again, this binding method is rather simple, which typically yields quicker turnaround times.
Suitable for smaller projects—with saddle-stitch binding, a low page count will work well.
Projects that need to lie flat—a saddle-stitch booklet would open easily and lay flat. You could even fold the document over if you wanted to.
But there are some other considerations you should keep in mind too. These limitations could have an impact on your project:
Page Count—if you have a very long multipage document, saddle-stitch binding can be impractical. Very thick documents aren't typically a good candidate. Keep that page count lower.
Durability—saddle-stitching is not one of the most durable binding types. Think about a paperback comic as opposed to something like a hardcover binding. The spine of the book may also be particularly prone to wear and tear.
Remember, you can always ask your chosen book-binding service for insights into what might be best for your project. Quotes will likely be lower for saddle-stitch binding—and you may even be able to get shorter runs.
Examples of Saddle-Stitch Binding
Let's take a look at some practical examples of book binding—particularly for when you choose saddle-stitch binding. While the process itself can be cost-effective and quick, that doesn't mean the results can't be very professional. There's a reason why this book-binding method is so common!
Brochure Design
This brochure design makes use of saddle-stitch binding. Note the small number of pages. This would be excellent for something like an information packet, like you might see in business or academic situations. A portfolio, short program, or even a newsletter could also use saddle-stitch binding this way.
Catalog Design
Smaller catalogs commonly use saddle-stitch binding. Think about your mailbox—with thinner pages, catalogs with saddle-stitch binding can handle mailings. You can even include coupons on the back. Again, saddle stitch isn't the best choice for durability, but it can be a great choice for something thin and easy to distribute.
Notebooks and Journals
Notebooks and journals are sometimes saddle stitched—you'll see this method used by folks who enjoy hand book binding too! You don't necessarily have to go to a book-binding service to saddle stitch your books. As long as you have a long-arm stapler and the right paper size, you can try this book-binding method on your own too.