Saddle-stitched books tend to be less costly to produce due to the reduced labor requirements required in their assembly. They are generally smaller in size than perfect-bound books for easier portability.
A saddle stitched book is a type of perfect binding book in which its pages and cover are bound with two staples placed along its spine, visible from the outside. These staples may also serve to protect and secure pages within.
Saddle-stitched books last less long or require less wear and tear than their perfect-bound counterparts, with staples possibly coming loose over time and pages becoming loose over time. As such, saddle-stitched books should only be used in books that will only be read sometimes or must withstand considerable wear.
Saddle stitch binding is an economical option often employed when binding pamphlets, booklets, and some types of books. Pages are gathered together and stitched through their fold using two needles; this method can either be completed manually or by machine.
Small publications often utilize saddle stitch binding due to its cost-effective nature. This method can be done quickly by either hand or machine, making it an attractive choice for smaller print runs. Saddle stitch may also be utilized on larger publications if pages need trimming to size before binding takes place.
The saddle stitch binding’s primary drawbacks include its lack of strength compared to perfect binding or case binding; therefore, saddle stitch is not appropriate for publications that will be heavily used or read frequently; additionally, saddle stitch can only be used with publications consisting of few pages.
Though saddle stitch binding has drawbacks, it remains an increasingly popular choice for publications of various kinds. Its affordability and quick turnaround make it ideal for smaller print runs. Meanwhile, its simple construction makes it suitable for hand-bound publications.