As a business owner, it is vital to understand the types of bookbinding stitches and their purpose. This way, you are guaranteed that the product will be represented well in the chosen binding stitch style.
Saddle Stitch
Saddle stitching is the most common form of binding for booklets and brochures. It’s also the most economical. Section sewing is a durable method of laying out pages, allowing your book to lie flat regardless of page count. This option is great for smaller print runs with tight registering edges or bleeds.
This bindery method utilizes wire staples fed through the folded edge of a publication and into a spine made from heavier paper stock. A cover is then folded over the stapled sheets and glued in place. The resulting book lies relatively flat when open, making it easy to read and work. This binding technique is ideal for projects with a lower page count since each master sheet (or “signature”) fold creates four different pages of the finished booklet. The pages and cover of the book need to be formatted and printed with this nesting and page order in mind.
Kettle Stitch
A variation on the Coptic stitch, this book binding stitch looks similar but is formed differently. You can add a little flair to your exposed spine bookbinding using this stitch. The kettle stitch is a great technique to use when you want to show off your work and make a unique style of handbound book.
Using a waxed thread with this stitch is important as it will slide smoothly through the signatures and won’t snag or break easily. This thread also resists aging and will help the book stay stiffer.
Start by marking and pre-punching the sewing holes. Then sew your first kettle stitch. You will sew over and under the knot on the first signature and then through the next hole of the second signature. Continue sewing like this until all the signatures are sewn. To tie off the end of your kettle stitch, tuck the thread inside the book or double-knot it and cut the excess. Be sure to leave a tail of at least 15cm to prevent the thread from unraveling.
Long Stitch
The long stitch, also known as a singer-sewn binding, is a centuries-old bookbinding technique that uses a series of long straight stitches to secure the pages and cover together. The exposed spine of this type of binding is visually dynamic and allows binders to experiment with various sewing patterns. This binding style can be used to create several different types of books and is popular with contemporary binders that use it to make handmade sketchbooks, journals, and scrapbook albums. It is a non-adhesive binding, and the finished book can lay flat when open.
Pamphlet Stitch
Pamphlet stitch is an elegant bookbinding technique perfect for smaller books with a lower page count. This bookbinding method allows you to add a decorative cover insert, including marbled endpapers or ribbon markers, to help identify the pages in your handmade booklet. This bookbinding stitch is a variation on the Coptic stitch, with a small difference that makes it ideal for shorter, thinner books. It has a more symmetrical structure and can be used with various paper types and sizes. It can be used with either a single or double-thickness cover and is an excellent choice for notebooks, journals, and scrapbooks.
To do this bookbinding stitch, you’ll need to make three holes on the spine of your signature and two more holes on each side of the front and back covers. Then, thread a needle with thread that’s twice as long as your book. When you’re ready to sew, start with the center hole and come through the second to last hole. From here, sew around the edge of your book to close the gap in the stitches and tie a knot in the thread at the end.
Stab Stitch
The stab stitch also called the straight stitch, is the simplest stitch that comes in and out of your fabric at short intervals. This makes it perfect for tacking up edges and stitching two pieces of fabric together. It is also very useful when working in a frame or hoop, as it allows you to work your stitches in a controlled way.
This bookbinding stitch is used to create the pamphlet structure, a common structure for brochures, music, calendars, catalogs, and other ephemera. Like the kettle stitch, it is a simple but strong method for holding your signatures[1] and covers together. Many people prefer the sewing method, while others may find stabbing easier. It is a matter of personal preference, so try both and see which works best for you. The stitching looks the same either way, and it doesn’t really change the quality of the finished product, so do what feels comfortable to you.