Example of full color saddle stitched program book.  Note no spine imprint, however great wrap around for graphical elements.

Saddle stitched softbinding projects can typically be found in coloring books, programs, catalogs, newsletters, magazines, journals, pamphlets, calendars, brochures, as well as a variety of booklets/planners and small page count books (booklets, workbooks, etc.) that are not perfect bound.  This is a great soft binding option for transitional (short use) items and fund raisers (due to economy in production). Wrap around self covers can be glossy/coated or matte finish an can be the same weight paper as the text, or a more substantial cover or index weight.

While economical, the fact that the paper involved has been folded will reduce the lifespan of the item.  This can be reduced by the careful planning and use of paper grain, but for long-term preservation, different soft binding methods are suggested.

For books, periodicals, brochures, and other items under 80 pages, one method option is wire saddle stitch binding. Saddle stitch books are produced on double sized sheets of paper that carry 4 pages.  These sheets are then collated and the cover (flat, containing both front and back) into a rough book block.  The book block containing the large sheets of paper and cover are then folded in the middle and wire stapled on the spine.  However, this method does not allow for the spine imprint.

Standard types of soft bindings include:

• saddle stitch binding - see above

• perfect binding

• traditional tape and staple binding

• plastic comb binding

• coil (spiral) binding

• 3-ring binding

• post/Chicago Screw