Wondering whether saddle-stitch binding is the best option for your printing project? If you’ve decided to take on the task of self-publishing, learning the tricks and tips of binding are essential.
While there are many different types of binding for printed books, the saddle stitch is the most commonly used for DIY-style publishing and is very affordable. Saddle-stitch binding is often used in items like playbills, event programs, children’s books, and magazines.
What is saddle-stitch binding? Saddle-stitching involves a process where folded sheets are gathered one inside of the other. It is often finished with a sturdier material cover and then stapled through the fold line with wire staples. The staples bind all of the pages from the outside and stay clinched between the centermost pages.
Saddle-stitch binding got its name due to a combination of things. In the printing industry, stapling is referred to as “stitching” and the collated sheets are usually draped over a saddle-like apparatus during the stitching process.
Saddle-stitch assembly occurs post-printing of pages and is effective for binding books and publications of 80 pages or less. The size of the document is usually 8.5″ x 11″, 6″ x 9″, or 5.5″ x 8.5”.
Books with more pages tend to become bulky when folded and do not lie flat as easily. When working on the layout of a book, it is important to use ample blank space around the content of your pages to prevent it from getting buried in the spine or getting trimmed off.
To prepare pages, there are two main considerations before moving forward to the actual binding. The first consideration is called the creep. Creep refers to the gradual extension of the inner signatures (pages) of a book beyond the edges of the pages that surround them, resulting in inner pages having a progressively smaller trim size.
The thickness of the publication will automatically cause the edges of the inner pages to gradually protrude beyond the edges of the outer ones. Shingling, a term given to the process of slightly staggering the location of the pages on the paper, is often performed to eliminate creep. The process continues on after the signatures are ready to be inserted, stitched, and are then trimmed evenly.
One of the main reasons individuals opt for saddle stitch printing is because it is very cost effective and is perfect for small or large orders. Saddle-stitch binding can be done by Publishing Xpress very quickly for a low price. For more information on the saddle-stitch binding services offered by Publishing Xpress, check out our saddle stitch binding page.
Publishing Xpress offers a variety of options for your printing needs. In addition, our normal turnaround times are only 4 to 6 business days, with expedited production available, including same day service. And you’ll love our friendly, knowledgeable customer service staff. But don’t take our word for it — check out our numerous 5-star Google reviews. Clients frequently comment on our outstanding print quality, wonderful customer service, fast turnaround times, and numerous printing options.
And did we mention our 100% satisfaction guaranteed? You have to love your product or we will either reprint it or refund your entire purchase price, at our discretion. How can we offer such a generous return policy? Our quality is so good that we very rarely have to issue a refund or reprint an order.
Find out why thousands of people use Publishing Xpress for their printing needs. Give us a try today! If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us via phone, email, or chat. We’d love to help make your printing project a reality.
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