Which Binding Style is best for your project:
PERFECT BOUND OR SADDLE STITCH?
Section Sewn, Case Binding, Perfect Binding, and Saddle Stitching
Leather Bound Books in Washington, DC by Charing Cross
The maker of Hand-Stitched Books.
Section Sewn (also known as Smyth Sewn, a hardcover bookbinding method) is the hallmark of high-quality books as pages are physically sewn into the book using thread and reinforced with fabric backing and adhesive. When opened, books are bound using this binding method lie completely flat, differently from over-sewing (where pages are glued together into a text block), which also leaves smaller text margins.
Case binding is another very common hardcover book binding method where pages are sewn together in signatures that are subsequently encased between cloth-covered cardboard covers.
Perfect Binding, as shown below, is best for a soft-cover book or booklet. The perfect binding process stacks the pages together into a block, then both the pages and cover are glued together using a flexible and strong thermal glue at the spine. The edges of the book are then trimmed once the glue dries, providing wonderful durability and an even, clean look.
Saddle Stitch Binding will allow your book to open flat. Perfect Binding does not. Saddle Stitching allows you to have a book rest open and be able to read it. Often with Perfect Binding, one must hold the book for it to be read.
