Saddle Stitch Printing

Chances are, you’ve probably used and read plenty of booklets that were bound using saddle stitch printing. Put simply, saddle stitch printing is a binding process in which pages are bound together using a wire staple. This type of binding is referred to as stitching (despite the lack of a tangible stitch) as in the printing world, we tend to refer to stapling as “stitching.” As for the ‘saddle’ – the pages are folded over each side of the wire staple, making it function a bit like a piece of saddle equipment. 

In general, saddle stitch printing is used when binding small, brochures, booklets and mini books. Saddle stitch printing can be used for brochures upto about 64 pages, longer leaflets, workbooks, exams, catalogues, one-use programmes, memento programmes, and more. 

You can even use saddle stitch printing to bind a lengthy menu – either in a restaurant or any other type of establishment with a long list of services or products on offer. Saddle stitch binding is a great way to enhance the durability of typically short-term use items. 

There are a lot of differences between PUR binding and saddle stitch binding, but the main difference is how these binding methods work. In PUR binding, an adhesive glue is used to bind a book’s spine, pages and cover together. In saddle stitch printing, no glue is involved in the production process, only a wire staple.

PUR binding is also not used in the same way as saddle stitch binding; PUR binding is an extremely strong adhesive and is mostly used to bind softcover books of up to 700-800 pages in length. On the other hand, saddle stitch printing is best suited to binding small-length booklets and mini books.&nbsp

No! One of the great things about saddle stitch printing – and one reason why this binding method is so popular – is because it’s largely inexpensive. Due to the easy production method and low price, saddle stitch printing is the go-to binding method for companies looking for a low budget – yet effective – way to bind their printed products.

At Avenue, we aim to provide cost-effective prices for all orders made in bulk. For all pricing enquiries, you can give us a ring on 01732 742397, and one of our Avenue team will happily discuss your project as well as any budget concerns.

So, why is saddle stitch binding so popular? Here are just a few reasons saddle stitch printing is one of the most popular forms of paper binding:

Cheap

Saddle stitch printing is one of the most economic ways you can bind together a small booklet or mini book. Unlike PUR binding or perfect binding (which both use expensive adhesives) saddle stitch printing simply uses a wire staple to bind the pages together and create a neat, elegant, and readable booklet.

Quick to produce 

Another great thing about saddle stitch printing is how easy and quick it is to produce. If you have a tight deadline or have a large number of printed products needed for a nearby date, saddle stitch binding is the best way to get your order fulfilled on time. 

Not particularly durable

Unlike PUR binding or perfect binding, saddle stitch printing isn’t the most durable binding method. As the booklet is held together only by a wire staple, it can be easy for the wire staple to come off, and for the pages to come apart. A wire staple is also by definition weaker than a chemical adhesive; this means that page-fall out is more likely, as well as regular damage due to wear and tear.

No book spine

Unlike books that are bound with PUR glue or EVA glue, products bound with saddle stitch printing don’t come with a spine. This can be a disadvantage if you want your booklet to have a spine, or if you have a spine design already created. 

Typically, a booklet printed with saddle stitch printing shouldn’t go over 64 pages. If your booklet is longer than 64 pages, you might want to look into something more durable, such as perfecting binding or PUR binding, if your booklet is much longer and designed for long-term use. (Don’t forget that the booklet’s pages need to be in sets of four for saddle stitch printing.)

With over 30 years in the printing industry, you can count on the experts at Avenue Printing to provide high-quality, elegant printed products for every occasion. We are proud to offer a personalised experience for our customers: when you place an order with us, one of our Avenue team members will personally oversee your project from planning to production to completion, and will be on hand throughout the week to answer any questions.

Our mantra is simple: when you’re happy, we’re happy. 

If you have a tight deadline, the best thing to do is call up our office and speak directly to a member of our team. We’ll discuss your specs and your given deadline, and aim to let you know as soon as possible if we’ll be able to complete your project on-time. We always do everything in our power to fulfil last-minute orders. 

In some cases – such as during our busy periods – we won’t always be able to take on a last-minute deadline. If we refuse a last-minute deadline, it’s most likely due to the size of the order, or our capacities at the time. We’ll always be happy to offer an alternative deadline where possible. 

For more information about our saddle stitch printing services, or to request an order, speak to us via our online contact form here, or give us a ring directly on 01732 742397.