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Write it, design it, let us print it
Get in touch with us today
Saddle Stitch Book

Print and bind your publication fast and cost effectively with a Saddle Stitch book.

With Print Your Books, customers can easily upload their designs, select the desired paper quality, and receive professional saddle-stitch books to meet their deadline.
about the binding Process

What is a Saddle Stitch Book?

A saddle stitch book refers to a type of binding method commonly used for small booklets, brochures, magazines, and pamphlets. The term “saddle stitch” comes from the way the pages are arranged and secured together.

Here’s how the saddle stitch binding process works:

  • Folding: The pages of the book are printed and folded in half, creating a series of double-sided sheets or signatures. These pages typically begin as flat 17 x 11 inches and when folded/nested together, end up as a 8.5 x 11 inches book.

  • Collating: The folded signatures are then collated in the correct order, ensuring that the pages are arranged sequentially.

  • Stitching: The collated signatures are placed over a saddle-shaped apparatus, which supports the center of the book. Staples or stitches are inserted through the fold line of the booklet, piercing all the pages. The ends of the staples or stitches are clinched in the interior of the booklet, securing the pages together.

  • Trimming: Once the stitching is complete, the excess edges of the pages are trimmed to provide a clean, finished appearance.

Saddle stitch binding is a relatively quick and cost-effective method for producing booklets and other short publications. It is suitable for materials with a relatively low page count, typically ranging from a few pages to around 64 pages, depending on the paper thickness. However, the pages need to be in multiples of four to maintain proper collation.

Is this option appropriate for my book

Why Choose Saddle Stitch?

There are several reasons to choose saddle stitch printing for your publication:

  • Cost-effective: Saddle stitch binding is a cost-effective method compared to other binding options, especially for small to medium-sized booklets or publications. The process is relatively simple and requires fewer materials, making it an economical choice for shorter print runs.

  • Quick turnaround: Saddle stitch binding is a relatively fast binding method. The process involves folding, collating, stitching, and trimming, which can be done efficiently and quickly. This makes it an ideal option when you need your printed materials in a short timeframe.

  • Versatile and compact: Saddle stitch binding can accommodate a variety of paper sizes and thicknesses, allowing for versatility in design. Additionally, the final product is compact and easy to handle, making it convenient for distribution, mailing, or carrying around.

  • Suitable for low page counts: Saddle stitch binding works best for booklets with a low to moderate page count, typically ranging from a few pages to around 64 pages, depending on the paper thickness. If your publication falls within this range, saddle stitch binding provides a clean and professional look.
Things to remember

What you Need to Know.

It’s worth noting that saddle stitch binding does have some limitations. It may not be suitable for publications with a very high page count or those that require a more robust and durable binding method. In such cases, alternative binding options like perfect bound printing or coil bound may be more appropriate.

The final result of a saddle stitch book has a visible center crease where the staples or stitches are located. Therefore there is no spine, making it easy to read and handle.

Set yourself up Right

Set yourself up Right

What file do I supply? Today, most files are supplied as a PDF, alongside the native InDesign files. To set up your design files for saddle stitch printing, you’ll need to consider a few key factors:

  • Page count: Determine the total number of pages in your booklet. Keep in mind that the page count should be in multiples of four, as each sheet will be folded in half to create four pages.

  • Page order: Organize your pages in the correct reading order. For example, the first page should be the cover, followed by the inside front cover, inside back cover, and finally the back cover. The remaining pages should follow a sequential order.

  • Bleed and margins: Set up your document with appropriate bleed and margins. Bleed refers to the area beyond the final trim size where any images or elements extend to prevent white borders after trimming. A standard bleed size is typically 0.125 inches (3 mm). Ensure that important content, such as text or images, is within the safe margin to avoid any trimming issues.

  • Page size: Determine the final trim size of your booklet. 8.5 x 11 inches is the common size. Ensure that your document is set to the correct dimensions.

  • Folding orientation: Design your pages with the understanding that they will be folded in half. Pay attention to the orientation of your content to ensure it reads correctly after folding. For example, if you have a landscape-oriented image, make sure it is positioned correctly to appear as intended when the booklet is folded.

  • Pagination: Depending on your design software, set up the appropriate pagination to ensure that the pages are arranged correctly in the final print file.

  • Staple position: If you have specific requirements for the staple position, such as avoiding important content near the centerfold, be sure to indicate this clearly in your design or communicate it to your printer.

  • Proofing: Before sending your files for printing, it’s crucial to thoroughly proofread your content and review the layout to ensure everything is accurate and in the desired order.

It’s advisable to consult with our production team for any specific guidelines or templates we may have for setting up saddle stitch booklets. Print Your Books can provide you with precise instructions based on the printing equipment and processes.

Cost-Effective
Book Printing

With a wide range of economical options, you can print your publication without breaking your budget. Get a professional finished product, at the best price possible.

Large & Small
Scale Projects

Have a large corporate report or annual summary you need printed for your next conference or meeting? Print it with us, we do both small and large quantities.

Hassle Free
Coordination

Overwhelmed with all the options book printing has to offer? Too busy to coordinate the print itself? Leave it to us, to plan, print and deliver your book.
Our top 6 features

What to consider when printing your saddle stitch book.

It is important to review your options and prepare your book properly for print. The type of book, orientation, page count, colour and/or black and white, and paper stocks are amoung the things to consider.

Firstly, choose the saddle stitch option based on your budget, quantity, and quality requirements. Paper type and weight influence the book’s feel and durability, so select them thoughtfully.

Choose the final colour and cover coating, while ensuring proper formatting and proofreading are in place to eliminate errors. Speak with our trusted professionals that can guide you through the process and options.

Book Orientation

Decide on the orientation that suits you best. Choose between portrait or landscape.

Formatting

Choose your standard 8.5 x 11 book or specify the unique size.

Paper Type

Select a matte or silk finish for your paper type, or request a speciality paper.

Page Count

Outline the numbers of pages (each page in your pdf or each side of a sheet of paper). Blank pages are counted.

Colour

Decide if your book will be printed in colour or black and white, or a combination.

Coating

Consider the options for the cover lamination: coated gloss, coated silk or coated matte.

Saddle Stitch Price Comparison

Saddle stitch book printing is a cost effective printing method recommended for brochures, catalogues, magazines and publications. The cost can vary depending on the specifications and quantity needed. For a custom quote, click here to fill out the form and we will be happy to provide you with an estimate.

250 Saddle Stitch Books

1000 Saddle Stitch Books

5000 Saddle Stitch Books

Note: Costs are estimated in Canadian Dollars. All estimates are for budget planning purposes only, final costs will be updated to reflect changed specifications once quoted on. Turnaround time is based on final print proof approvals. Courier charges and taxes are not included. For clients in the United States, all books are shipped from Canada, no Canadian taxes will apply.

Get the assistance you need

Looking for help with your Custom Saddle Stitch Book?

Leave it to us to determine the best printing method, book style, paper quality and setup for your unique book. Our experts are happy to help and suggest a variety of options for your next catalogue, annual report, magazine or booklet. Get more out of your book printing today.

Quote your Saddle Stitch Book Today

Fill out the form and attached your document proof below.
Please note we only fulfill minimum orders of 20 books.

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The versatile book printing option for documents that need to lay flat when opened.
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Looking for a more sophisticated and durable option? Hardcover book printing is the way to go.
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