In printing, “Saddle Stitch” is a common method used to bind books. It involves gathering folded sheets and stapling them together along the fold line with wire staples. The staples go through the crease from the outside and are clinched between the centermost pages. Depending on the size of the book, multiple staples may be used along the spine.
Why is it called Saddle Stitching?
The term “Saddle Stitching” might seem unusual for a method that involves stapling sheets of paper together, but in the printing world, stapling is often referred to as stitching. Additionally, during the stapling process, the folded sheets are positioned over a saddle-shaped device, which is where the name “Saddle Stitching” comes from.
The Saddle Stitch Process Explained
Imagine we have a booklet that’s Saddle Stitched, with each page measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. Now, to create this booklet, we start with larger sheets measuring 11 x 17 inches. These sheets are folded in half to match the final size of the booklet, 8.5 x 11 inches.
Next, these folded sheets are stacked one inside the other, forming the pages of the booklet. Staples are then inserted through the fold line or spine, holding all the pages together.
Each 11 x 17 inch sheet, when folded in half, gives us four pages of the booklet. This means that the page count of a Saddle Stitched booklet needs to be in multiples of four. So, when designing your booklet, keep this in mind to avoid having unexpected blank pages.
After printing, partially folding, and nesting the pages and cover together, the Saddle Stitching process takes place. The staples join the cover and pages, and then the booklet is folded tighter to create a neat finish.
For thicker Saddle Stitched books, trimming along the edge opposite the spine might be necessary to maintain a uniform appearance.
Common items that undergo Saddle Stitching include programs, wall calendars, booklets, newsletters, pamphlets, direct mailers, comic books, thinner magazines, and catalogs.
Some General Guidelines for Saddle Stitching
- Ideal Page Count: Saddle Stitching works best for booklets or publications with approximately 64 pages or fewer. Books with more pages may become bulky and not lie flat when folded.
- Blank Space Consideration: When laying out your book, ensure there’s enough blank space (margins) around the content of your pages. This prevents important content from getting buried in the fold of the book’s spine or being too close to the edge that may be trimmed during the binding process.
- Early Consultation: Before finalizing your book design, it’s advisable to consult with your printer. They can provide valuable insights and ensure your design is optimized for Saddle Stitching.
If you have any questions about Saddle Stitching or any other printing queries, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
