Common Bookbinding Methods
In this article, you will learn about common bookbinding methods and the types of publications for which they are suited.
First, what does it mean to bind a book? A book consists of the interior pages (called the book block), a binding that holds the block together, a binding that attaches the block to the cover, and a protective cover. Binding a book refers to the method used to hold the book block together and then attach a cover to the book block.
However, booksellers often use the type of book cover to implicitly describe the binding. This approach can be misleading. Book printers can mix some book cover types and bookbinding methods. I explain this further below.
Signatures are important in the bookbinding process. A signature is a folded sheet of paper that makes multiple pages. A book block typically consists of multiple signatures. One signature can have 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 pages.
Table of Contents
- Common Bookbinding Methods
- Other binding methods
- Frequently asked questions
- Further reading on common bookbinding methods
- Further help in selecting a bookbinding method
Here are some of the most common bookbinding methods:
Saddle-stitch binding
You will often find saddle-stitched bindings in magazines, notebooks, comic books, or small booklets. Staples go through the center fold of the publication. This is a fast and cheap binding type that works best on thinner publications. As such, saddle-stitching as a bookbinding has limited uses.
Saddle-stitch Cost
Saddle stitch is one of the most economical binding methods because it requires minimal materials and labor. Printing is done on large sheets, folded, and stapled through the fold. For short runs and small booklets, it’s often the cheapest option.
Saddle-stitch durability
Durability is limited. Saddle-stitched books don’t hold up well to heavy use, and the staples can loosen over time. Page count is also limited — generally under 80 pages, depending on paper thickness. For archival situations, archivists dislike staples; if creating an archival quality publication, saddle-stitch binding is not recommended.
Saddle-stitch examples
- Magazines and newsletters
- Event programs and playbills
- Thin product catalogs
- Small booklets or zines
Board book binding
A board book is a common bookbinding method in which the book block and binding are made from the same heavy-duty paperboard. They are designed to be very durable and, therefore, are used almost exclusively in children’s books. The pages and cover of a board book are typically two pieces of paperboard glued together. After printing, the printer cuts the entire book to shape (often with rounded corners for safety).
Board book cost
Board books are more expensive to produce than standard paperback bindings because each page is printed on thick board stock and then laminated for protection. Costs are driven by materials and specialized machinery. Additionally, board books are typically not available for print-on-demand; you will have to commit to a large print run.
Board book durability
Highly durable. Designed for repeated handling, bending, and even chewing (in the case of baby books). Pages don’t tear easily, and laminated surfaces resist spills and stains.
Board book use examples
- Children’s books (especially for toddlers)
- Educational flash cards bound into a book format
- Specialty promotional items meant to withstand heavy handling
Perfect bound binding
Perfect binding, or adhesive binding, is the most common bookbinding method (it is also used in some magazines). Like saddle-stitching, perfect binding is also fast and cheap. However, while saddle-stitching is limited to small page counts, some printers allow up to 900 pages to be perfect bound.
In a perfect bound book, signatures are glued together. This process creates the book block. The cover is then glued to the block’s spine. In some production processes, the ends of the signatures at the spine are cut off before the glue is applied. While in other processes, the signatures are glued together intact. In the latter case, sections of the signatures are milled. This milling allows the glue to penetrate the block’s spine. Thus, it adheres to each page. You will see fully-cut signatures in most print-on-demand solutions. However, they are less durable than the alternative.
If the book block is going into a softcover (a.k.a. paperback), the cover and book block are trimmed to size once assembled.
It is important to note that hardcover books can have a perfect binding. Once again, this production method is used for cost and time. Print-on-demand hardcover books are printed this way.
Perfect bound cost
Perfect binding is moderately priced; it is also the most common print-on-demand option. It’s more expensive than saddle stitch but cheaper than sewn or case binding. The process involves gluing the pages to a wraparound cover, which keeps production costs manageable.
Perfect bound durability
Moderate durability. Perfect-bound books have a clean, professional look but can crack at the spine if forced to lay flat. Pages may loosen over time, especially with heavy use or poor glue quality.
Perfect bound use examples
- Trade paperbacks and novels
- Annual reports
- Catalogs
- High-end magazines
Sewn book bindings
The terminology of hardcover and sewn book bindings is often confusing. This confusion arises because the terms are used interchangeably between the block binding and the cover type. Case-binding is a popular sewn binding for hardcover books, but it is also used for softcover books. Signatures are stitched together, then fabric is glued over the spine of the book block. The cover, or case, is then glued to the book block.
There are different sewn book binding methods, including oversewing and Smyth Sewing. Again, it is essential to remember that sewn bindings can have either hardcovers or softcovers. Softcover books with durable sewn bindings include nature and outdoor guidebooks, which must be durable and portable.
Sewn binding cost
Sewn bindings are among the more expensive methods due to the labor and craftsmanship involved. Pages are folded into sections (signatures), stitched with thread, and then bound together before attaching the cover. When the budget allows for it, sewn bindings are my preferred choice.
Sewn binding durability
Excellent durability. Sewn bindings last for decades, often centuries, when properly made. Pages remain secure even with frequent handling, and the book can open flat without damaging the spine.
Sewn binding use examples
- Premium hardcover books
- Academic and reference books
- Family heirloom projects or archival editions
- Collectible art books
Other binding methods
Beyond the most common techniques, there are many other bookbinding methods used for specialty projects, handmade editions, or practical applications. Some of the most notable include:
- Coptic Binding: An ancient method with exposed chain stitching that opens completely flat. Popular for journals, sketchbooks, and artisan books.
- Japanese Stab Binding: Decorative stitching along the spine edge that creates a striking look but does not open flat. Often used for albums, poetry collections, and keepsake editions.
- Long-Stitch Binding: Uses long visible stitches to attach page sections directly to the cover. Flexible and durable, often chosen for handmade journals.
- Case-Wrap / Exposed Spine Binding: Leaves the sewing or adhesive visible as part of the design. A modern, artistic choice for premium art and design books.
- Singer-Sewn (Pamphlet Stitch): A thread-sewn variation of saddle stitch, adding strength and a handmade look. Common in chapbooks and zines.
- Coil Binding (Spiral or Wire-O): Durable, affordable, and allows books to open fully flat. Common for cookbooks, manuals, and workbooks.
- Comb Binding (GBC): Inexpensive plastic combs that can be opened to add or remove pages. Best for office documents, school projects, or temporary reports.
- Thermal Binding: Uses a pre-glued spine strip activated by heat to secure pages. Clean and professional, but less durable; good for proposals and presentations.
- Lay-Flat Perfect Binding (Otabind): An adhesive method that keeps a square spine while allowing books to open flat. Ideal for photo books and art catalogs.
Frequently asked questions
Perfect binding is the most common method for paperback books, while saddle stitch is frequently used for booklets, catalogs, and magazines. The choice depends on page count, budget, and how durable the finished book needs to be.
Sewn bindings are the most durable option. They can last for generations, making them a popular choice for heirloom books, archives, and collectible editions.
Yes, but mostly in a specialized context. Board books are very common for children’s publishing because they can withstand heavy handling, spills, and bending.
Saddle stitch binding is usually the most cost-effective method. It uses staples instead of glue or thread, making it ideal for short booklets, event programs, and small catalogs. For print-on-demand, perfect bound is typically the cheapest.
Yes. Perfect-bound books don’t lay flat easily, while saddle stitch and sewn bindings allow for better flexibility. Sewn bindings, in particular, combine durability with a lay-flat spine, which is ideal for reference books and art books.
Purpose – Is this a temporary program or an heirloom book?
Budget – Saddle stitch is cheapest, sewn binding most expensive.
Durability – If you need the book to last, go with sewn binding; if it’s short-term, saddle stitch or perfect bound may be sufficient.
How many pages can you saddle-stitch?
It depends on paper thickness, but saddle-stitch is best for thinner booklets; when bulk increases and creep becomes an issue, move to perfect or sewn binding.
Which binding is best for lay-flat reading?
Sewn bindings and coil bindings open flat most reliably; lay-flat perfect binding (Otabind) is a good adhesive alternative for some projects.
What’s the difference between Smyth-sewn and oversewn?
Smyth-sewn stitches folded signatures through the fold (durable and opens well). Oversewn stitches through the page margins of stacked leaves (very strong but can reduce flexibility).
Further reading on common bookbinding methods
Book Design: A Comprehensive Guide by Andrew Haslam is an excellent resource. It is ideal for anyone exploring the art of good book design and production. It also contains an overview of many common bookbinding methods.
Further help in selecting a bookbinding method
I design custom books of all types and subjects. If you need help making informed production decisions, reach out.
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