Binding methods

Although I have previously been inducted into bookbinding I decided to refresh my knowledge by conducting research into the diffrent binding methods possible. All of the below can be produced both within university and on an industrial scale, two factors in which are highly relevant to this project.

Saddle-stitching - It's probably the easiest and the most economical binding method. Pages are folded, creased and stapled together We often see this type of binding used for lookbooks, booklets, and magazines that have a smaller page count.

Perfect Binding - otherwise known as paperback or softcover books. Perfect bound books can  be useful for manuals, catalogues, and annuals. Pages are folded into sections and glued with a heavier printed wrap-around cover into the spine using a strong adhesive. It's not the strongest form of binding and your book won't open flat; you'll know a book has been poorly perfect bound when your pages start falling out.

Section Sewn - Your most secure binding method. Here pages are folded together into sections (signatures). Each section is then sewn into the following section along the spine. The spine is then glued together for extra support and the cover then attached. A Section Sewn book, regardless of pagecount will be able to lay flat.

Pamphlet Binding uses a single section (signature) and is sewn with a running stitch down the spine; often an alternative to stapling (saddle stitch) but in my opinion leaves you with a much more elegant finish. 

Coptic Binding – A non-adhesive form of binding that stems from bookbinding methods employed by ancient Egyptians! Signatures are sewn through their folds, and attached to one another and again sewn through two loose covered boards with a chain like stitch across the spine.