Bookbinding Dilemma - Saddle Stitch vs. Perfect Binding

Are you stuck with the dilemma to choose the best bookbinding style for your magazine? That is completely understandable, since selecting the most favourable binding option for your publication can seem like a daunting task because the whole look and feel of your publication depends on it.

Don’t you worry? We’ll clear the confusion on that right away. Two of the most common types of bookbinding are:

• Saddle Stitch Binding
• Perfect Binding

While both these binding options are equally popular, they have different methods and are used for different types of publications. Let us learn when to use saddle stitch bookbinding and when to opt for perfect binding.

When To Use Saddle Stitch Binding

Saddle stitch printing is a commercial printing method in which multiple pages are held together by two or three staples done on the centre fold which is also called the spine. A saddle stitch magazine will usually be less than 60 pages to avoid “page creep,” That happens when the inner pages of a book tend to extend further out than the outer pages when they are folded.

A saddle stitch magazine can lay flat on a surface, depending on the number of pages. The cover can act as a heavier paper weight while the pages inside can be a lighter text weight which can set your booklet apart from others.

Saddle stitch binding is the most common and affordable binding option. Saddle stitch bookbinding is ideal for publications with a short life. It should be used for publications or booklets such as catalogues, or small brochures for events. It could also be a binding option for publications of 8 or more pages from digest sizes to over-sized tab publications. Saddle stitched printing works best for publications that have fewer pages.

When To Use Perfect Binding

Perfect bookbinding is used for publications that have more number of pages. A perfect bound magazine will boast a flat spine. Unlike saddle stitch bookbinding that uses staples to keep the inside pages together, the pages in this method are gathered and held together by glue. It is applied on all along the binding edge and then the cover is placed on it.

Perfect bound publications score brownie points against saddle stitch binding due to the fact that it can hold more pages than a saddle stitch magazine. A publication can be perfect bound as long it contains 68 pages or more. In contrast to saddle stitch bookbinding, perfect binding is a favourable binding method for books that will be used for many years, for example, manuals, catalogues, and annuals.

At Shweiki Media, they have both Saddle stitch printing and perfect binding options available for you. You can select the binding option which is best suited for your business according to the requirements of your publication. Erase your saddle stitch vs perfect binding conundrum. Visit Shweiki Media today if you would like to see the different binding services on offer or you can request samples of saddle stitch printing and perfect binding.