Chapter 8: Bindings and Folds

STANDARD BINDING TYPES

There are many ways to bind loose sheets, folded sheets, or signatures together—each with its own set of aesthetic, cost, and durability considerations. Here is an overview of the binding options most readily available. Consult the chart following this section to compare the cost, durability, and aesthetic attributes of these binding methods.

PERFECT BINDING

Signatures are gathered in a stack rather than nested. The spine side of the stack is milled to remove the folded edges. Melted adhesive is applied along the spine edges of the pages. The cover is applied while the glue is hot and wrapped around the book. The book is trimmed on a three-knife trimmer.

SADDLE STITCH BINDING

Cover and signatures are nested one within the other and hung over a chain or “saddle.” Covers are scored and folded on the same machine and then laid on top of the signatures. Cover and signatures are wire stitched (stapled) at the center of the spine, and then trimmed.

CASE BINDING (SMYTHE SEWN)

Gathered signatures are assembled and sewn along the spine. The sewn book block is then glued on the spine and trimmed on three sides. The trimmed book block is then glued to an outer cover, which is manufactured separately. The case is held to the book block by endsheets attached to the first and last signatures and glued to the inside.

SIDE STITCH BINDING

Cover and individual pages or signatures are collated and assembled into a stack and then wire stitched (stapled) at the bound edge.

SCREW AND POST BINDING

Cover and signatures or individual pages are collated and assembled in a stack and trimmed on all sides, then drilled and fastened together with posts held on by screws. Screws can be unscrewed to add or remove pages as needed.

PLASTIC COMB BINDING

Trimmed covers and individual pages are assembled, collated, and held together by a plastic comb that is opened, inserted into drilled holes, and then closed. Comb can be opened to insert more pages as needed.

RING BINDING

Trimmed covers and individual pages are assembled, collated, and held together by individual rings. Or individual pages are assembled, collated, and inserted into a binder with rings. Rings and binders come in a variety of sizes and colors. Pages can be added or subtracted as needed.

TAPE BINDING

Signatures and covers are assembled, collated, and trimmed on all sides. A strip of flexible cloth tape that contains glue is applied on the edges of the spine and heated. The glue melts and spreads, gluing the covers and signatures together.

SPIRAL AND DOUBLE-LOOP WIRE BINDING

Trimmed covers and individual pages are assembled, collated, and held together by a spiraled piece of plastic, wire, or doubled wire inserted into drilled holes.

FOUR-PAGE SIMPLE FOLD

One fold made along either the short or long dimension of the paper resulting in four panels or pages.

SIX-PAGE ACCORDION FOLD OR Z-FOLD

Two simple folds where one fold bends in the opposite direction of the other resulting in six panels or pages. Accordion folds can comprise six, eight, ten, and sometimes twelve panels or pages.

FOUR-PAGE SHORT FOLD

A simple fold made asymmetrically so that two pages or panels are larger than the others.

SIX-PAGE BARREL OR ROLL FOLD

Two simple folds where the outer edges of each panel or page are folded in toward the other resulting in six panels or pages. Barrel or roll folds composed of more than six panels or pages are often called rolling folds and can consist of many panels or pages.

EIGHT-PAGE GATEFOLD

A barrel fold with an additional fold in the center, resulting in eight panels or pages.

EIGHT-PAGE FRENCH FOLD/SIXTEEN-PAGE SIGNATURE

Multiple fold where the paper is first folded in one direction, then folded perpendicular to the first fold. This configuration is also used when creating sixteen-page signatures.

EIGHT-PAGE PARALLEL FOLD

A combination of a barrel fold and an accordion fold that forms eight panels or pages.