Saddle Stitched Books

When people think of premium print, they often picture a hefty hardcover book with section-sewn binding, foil blocking and a ribbon marker. And while those finishing touches certainly have their place, not every publication needs to be a chunky, casebound epic. Sometimes, the simplest binding is exactly the right one.

Saddle stitching has been around for well over a century and remains one of the most widely used bookbinding methods in the world. From art zines and exhibition catalogues to annual reports, programmes and magazines, it's a binding that continues to prove that less really can be more.

What is saddle stitching?

Despite the name, there are no saddles involved. The term comes from the saddle-shaped support used on the finishing machine during production. Folded sheets are gathered together, draped over the saddle, and secured through the fold with two or more wire staples before being trimmed to their final size. The result is a clean, lightweight publication with a neatly folded spine and a surprisingly professional finish.

Why choose saddle stitching?

One of the biggest advantages of saddle stitching is its efficiency. Because the binding process is relatively simple, it's often quicker and more economical than perfect binding or casebinding. This makes it an excellent option for shorter publications, smaller print runs and projects with tighter budgets.

But affordability isn't the only reason publishers choose it. Saddle-stitched books also open beautifully. With no rigid spine or thick layer of adhesive resisting the movement, the pages lie flatter than many people expect, making them ideal for image-led layouts and illustrations that extend across a spread.

It's perfect for...

Saddle stitching is commonly used for:

• magazines

• exhibition catalogues

• artist books and zines

• event programmes

• annual reports

• brochures

• lookbooks

• educational booklets

• promotional publications.

In general, it's best suited to publications with a lower page count, typically up to around 64 pages, depending on the paper stock and format. Beyond that, the folded sections become too bulky, and another binding method is usually a better choice.

Every binding method has its strengths. Saddle stitching excels when you want a publication that's lightweight, economical, easy to browse and enjoyable to hold. A beautifully designed saddle-stitched publication can have just as much impact as an elaborate hardcover. The success of a publication isn't determined by how thick the spine is, but by choosing the right production method for the content.