Print Saddle Stitch Booklets

What is Saddle Stitch Binding?

In the printing industry, Saddle Stitching refers to a very popular book binding method in which folded sheets are gathered together one inside the other and then stapled through the fold line with wire staples. The staples pass through the folded crease from the outside and are clinched between the centermost pages. Two staples are commonly used but larger books may require more staples along the spine.

This binding method not only ensures the integrity of the book but also facilitates seamless page-turning. Most of the time, the cover is made from heavier paper than what is used for the inside pages. Despite its straightforward nature, the outcome is a professionally finished document that exudes a polished and refined appearance.

Why is it called Saddle Stitching?

Saddle Stitching may sound like an odd name for a book-binding process that places wire staples through sheets of paper, but in the printing industry, stapling is commonly called Stitching. Also, the collated sheets are draped over a Saddle-like apparatus during the stapling/stitching process, hence the name Saddle Stitching.

Saddle Stitch Book Binding Applications and Uses

Saddle Stitching is one of the most popular bookbinding methods we offer. Numerous clients favor it for various types of books. From catalogs, manuals, and booklets to programs, brochures, and newsletters, this versatile technique caters to a wide range of publishing needs, including comic books, coloring books, magazines, wall calendars, mailers, and more. Saddle Stitching is perfect for thinner books and booklets with less pages.

Saddle Stitch Book Binding Benefits

Saddle-stitching is a good choice for bound documents that do not have a lot of pages. This is because the wire staples can only bind a certain amount of sheets together. One of the main advantages of saddle stitch book binding is that it is a cost-effective option for producing smaller books with a low page count.

These soft cover books are an excellent choice for your book printing projects. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to print in large quantities. Additionally, saddle stitch binding provides a professional and polished finish that can help make your printed books stand out. With its flexibility, affordability, and aesthetic appeal, saddle stitch binding is an excellent choice for businesses looking to create high-quality, cost-effective soft cover book that will leave a lasting impression on their target audience.

Common Uses for Saddle-Stitch

Saddle-stitched brochures are an excellent choice for showcasing your products or services in a compact and portable format. They are ideal for trade shows, conferences, and marketing campaigns, allowing you to communicate your message to potential customers effectively.

Booklets and manuals are often saddle-stitched, as this binding method provides durability and ease of use. Whether you need employee handbooks, training manuals, or instructional guides, our Saddle-Stitch Printing Service ensures that your documents are well-organized, easy to navigate, and long-lasting.

Magazines and catalogs also benefit from saddle-stitching. With our expertise, we can create stunning magazines and catalogs that capture the attention of your target audience. Whether you're showcasing fashion trends, home decor, or product collections, our Saddle-Stitch Printing Service guarantees a professional finish and a seamless reading experience.

The Saddle Stitch Process

To help illustrate this bindery process, let's use a Saddle Stitched booklet with a finished page size of 8.5 x 11 as an example. The pages and cover of this booklet would be made from 11x 17 sheets that are folded in half to 8.5 x 11. The folded sheets would be nested one inside the other and then stapled together along the folded crease or spine. Each 11 x 17 sheet folded in half creates four pages of the book. By its nature, Saddle Stitching requires the book's page count to be in multiples of four. Remember this during your book layout to avoid any unplanned blank pages.

The Saddle Stitching bindery operation occurs after the pages and cover have been printed, partially folded and nested together. After being joined by staples, the cover and pages of the book are folded tighter together. Some thicker Saddle Stitched books are trimmed along the edge opposite the spine to keep the pages uniform and neat in appearance. Books and other documents that are commonly Saddle Stitched include programs, wall calendars, booklets, newsletters, pamphlets, direct mailers, comic books, thinner magazines and catalogs.

Benefits of Saddle-Stitch Binding

  1. It is the least expensive binding method.
  2. The turn-around time is generally quite fast.
  3. It can be used for very short production runs…for example, 200 books.
  4. This method works very well for lower page counts.
  5. Books can be made with a heavier weight cover or as “Self Cover” books. Self Cover means the cover is the same weight of paper as the interior pages.
  6. It allows for books to be made in a wide range of sizes – small like a pocket guide or large like a road atlas.
  7. Books can be hole-punched along the spine for insertion into a ringed binder.
  8. Relatively easy to design and can accommodate artwork or images that span two adjacent pages (crossover images).
  9. Adds minimal bulk or weight to the printing, so it is especially good for pieces that will be mailed.

Does an Outstanding Job

Formax Printing does an outstanding job printing anything and everything we send them. But the biggest reason I go to them time and again is the customer service. Our...

- Cynthia P, Primary & Secondary Education

We Consider Formax a Partner

We consider Formax a partner in every sense of the word. The staff is a pleasure to work with, and their attention to detail is greatly appreciated! Whether a large order...

- Becky R, Charitable Organization

They Exceed My Expectations

Formax knows everything about printing so I don’t have to. I have been working with them since 2000. As the Marketing Coordinator of a small company, I wear many...

- Cheryl M, Industrial Heating Equipment

More Testimonials
Know your Specs?
Use our Quote Form
Ready to Print?
Upload your Artwork
Have a Question?
Check out our FAQ
35+ Years In Business Centrally Located in the United States 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Contact Formax Printing

Contact us with questions or to discuss your print project. If you are ready for a quote, please click here to access our easy Quote Request Form.​