Why is it called Saddle-Stitching?
Saddle-Stitching may sound like an unusual name for a book binding process that uses wire staples to join sheets of paper. In the printing industry, stapling is often called stitching. The name also comes from the way the folded sheets are placed over a saddle-like support during the binding process. That is where the term Saddle-Stitching comes from.
How is a Saddle-Stitched book constructed?
To show how it works, let's use an 8.5 x 11 Saddle-Stitched booklet as an example. The pages and cover are printed on 11 x 17 sheets, then folded in half to create the finished 8.5 x 11 size. The folded sheets are nested inside one another and stapled along the fold. That folded edge becomes the spine of the book. Each 11 x 17 sheet folded in half creates four pages.
After the pages and cover are printed, folded, and nested together, they are secured with staples. The book is then folded tighter to make it more compact. Finally, the open edges are trimmed if needed so the finished booklet looks clean and even.
In many cases, the cover is made from a different paper stock than the inside pages. The cover is often heavier, glossier, or has a different texture. Sometimes the cover is made from the same paper as the inside pages. When that happens, it is called a self-cover book.
What is the minimum number of pages that can be Saddle-Stitched?
Saddle-Stitching requires the page count to be in multiples of four. The smallest option is either an 8-page self-cover book or a 4-page book plus cover. Both are made from two folded sheets nested together.
What is the maximum number of pages that can be Saddle-Stitched?
The maximum page count depends mostly on the thickness of the paper. The staples can only hold so much bulk. If the book is too thick, it will not lie flat and may want to spring open. This is especially true for smaller books.
As a general rule, 64 pages or fewer usually makes a nice flat booklet. If the paper is very thin, saddle-stitched booklets can sometimes reach around 100 pages. Once a booklet goes beyond what Saddle-Stitching can handle well, Perfect Binding or Coil Binding is usually a better choice.
Can a Saddle-Stitched book have printing on its spine?
No. A traditional Saddle-Stitched book cannot have printing on the spine because the spine is not a flat surface.
How many wire staples are used with the Saddle-Stitch Binding method?
Most of the time, two staples are used to secure the cover and pages. Larger books may need more staples along the spine. Very small books, such as those with a spine length around 2 inches or less, may use just one staple.
Can Saddle-Stitching be used for books with very small or very large dimensions?
Yes. Saddle-Stitching works well for many book sizes, including mini books and oversized books. It also works with portrait, landscape, and square formats.
Is Saddle-Stitching the least expensive book binding method?
Yes. Saddle-Stitching is usually the least expensive way to create books and other bound documents. Even though it is simple and affordable, it still gives the finished piece a professional look.
What types of books are Saddle-Stitched?
Common Saddle-Stitched items include catalogs, manuals, booklets, programs, directories, multi-page brochures, price lists, part lists, newsletters, comic books, coloring books, magazines, wall calendars, and mailers.
What are the main benefits of the Saddle-Stitch method?
- It is the least expensive binding method.
- Turnaround time is often fast.
- It works well for short or long production runs.
- It is a strong choice for lower page counts.
- It can be used for a wide range of sizes, from pocket guides to large atlases.
- Books can be hole-punched along the spine for ring binders.
- It is easy to design and works well with crossover images across two pages.
- It adds very little bulk or weight, which makes it a good choice for mailing.
If you have any questions about Saddle-Stitching, or have any other book binding or printing questions, just give Formax a call at 866-367-6221. We've been printing books for over 30 years and look forward to assisting with your next book project!
Take Care, Rick
