Book Binding

Case Bound or Hardback Books

Case Binding or Hardback binding is one of the most common binding types we do for obvious reasons. Where run lengths and budget allows it can be combined with section sewn text sections to help the books lay flatter, and with any of the finishing cover options outlined in the section below. Some cover types such as cloth covers work best on casebound books. You can see casebound books in our work examples.

Lay Flat Books

As the name suggests both the spine of the book and the pages are designed to lay flat when in use. Typically need to be longer run lengths to make lay flat economically effective per copy (200 copies plus). Very effective for highly visual, large picture books.

Naked Bound

Leaving the threads of the spine visible is called naked binding, and can be combined with section sewing to great visual effect especially with different coloured threads. It can be used essentially without covers making a feature of the groups of pages, or add covers in the Swiss binding style. As with any section sewing it is generally accepted this binding method is for longer runs of at least 200-400 copies to make it commercially viable.

OTA Bound Books

OTA binding is for softcover books and is designed to help the book open flatter as a casebound book would do. It works by hinging the cover on the text section as shown in the photo above. Ideally suited to work in combination with section sewing so is more ideally suited to longer run lengths of a minimum of 200 copies.

PUR Bound or Softback Books

The variation in softcovers we offer is hugely varied – from Colorplan coloured card covers through to Kraft covers and into all sorts of other specialist papers. If you have an idea for your books and are not sure if it can be done, ask us. We often duplex softcovers to thicken them and make them a half way house between soft and hard covers. Take a look at softcover books in our work examples.

Saddle Stitched (Stapled)

Most commonly used for brochures but saddle stitching is also used for books with fewer pages – really 44 pages including the cover is about the limit before the spine starts to bulge too much to look good. Can be combined with specialist papers to enhance the impression given and/or with any of the cover options below.

Screw Bound Books

Screw bound books look different, are very flexible in terms of how they work with their content and work very well as presentation books – because they can be dis-assembled and the content updated without losing the covers – which are often the expensive parts. Available in both hardback and softcover. Take a look at the work examples in our portfolio

Swiss Bound

With Swiss Bound the cover (which can be either hard or soft) hinges on just one side. The result leaves the spine open to view as in the image above, or it is often wrapped in cloth. As it is usually combined with section sewing it is generally accepted this binding method is for longer runs of at least 300-400 copies to make it commercially viable.

Wiro Bound Books

Available in hardback and softback options, and very popular with the journals, diaries, planners and notebooks market because the wire allows the book to lay completely flat – handy when you need to write in it! Various wire colours are available, along with ribbon markers and any of the cover options listed below.

Squareback Saddle Stitching

Squareback Saddle Stitching refers to a binding method where folded pages are stapled through the spine (saddle stitched) and then pressed to create a flat, square spine, giving the booklet a more premium, book-like appearance while making it easier to stack, store, and display.