Everything You Need to Know About Saddle Stitched Booklets « Back to list

What is saddle stitched? How does it work?
Probably the most common binding method. Saddle stitching is the process of binding pages together using staples known as stitches along the spine – a stitch of thread or wire staple is passed through the fold of the document. This is a straightforward method for printing documents of up to 48 pages.

Why should I use saddle stitched?
Saddle stitched is the perfect solution for printing smaller booklets such as your annual reports, magazines, and brochures. Other uses include programs, wall calendars, booklets, newsletters, pamphlets, direct mailers, comic books.

What size should my saddle stitched booklet be?
You can chose from a number of sizes. Anything from A4 portrait, 1/3 A4 portrait, A5 portrait or landscape, or 210 x 210mm square.

What paper can I use for saddle stitched booklets?
You can have a silk, gloss or uncoated in a range of weights and thicknesses and we recommend you laminate your cover for a quality finish.

• Silk coated paper has a smooth feel with a discreet surface sheen. It offers excellent ink to paper contrast and printed colours appear distinct and clear. A recycled option is available. (130gsm – 350gsm)

• Gloss coated paper has a shiny surface and very smooth finish. Colour is sharp and stands out well. Ink dries quickly and the need for lamination is reduced. (130gsm – 350gsm)

• Our premium uncoated paper is more absorbent than coated papers. Printed inks appear flatter due to this absorbency and the paper has a soft finish. A recycled option is available. (100gsm – 350gsm)

• Matt lamination gives a soft, contemporary effect. Gloss lamination gives a higher quality shine finish than gloss card. Lamination is most useful with solid colours or images to enhance their vibrancy or where you want to protect your printed documents.

What cover should I use?The front cover of your saddle stitched booklet is critical to its success and it can make the difference between it being picked up or discarded. Save the front of the booklet for a compelling key message. Use creative imagery, vibrant colours and a clever design to make your cover stand out. Also, it’s worth selecting a heavier stock for the cover, with a choice of matt or gloss lamination to add strength and durability.

Can my saddle-stitched booklets and documents be printed digitally?
Of course! One of the many benefits of digital printing is that you can print the exact amount that suits your needs, from a short run to a large quantity. Get in touch with our expert print team to find out how digital printing will work best for you.

Anything else to consider?
When creating artwork for a saddle stitched, it’s important to leave enough space for the binding, to avoid important text being cut off or difficult to read. All saddle-stitched booklets must be created in the multiples of 4 pages, counting each page as you would in a normal page numbered book. Thus, a single page folded in half becomes a 4 page book.

Check out what our customers have to say about saddle stitched booklets from digitalprinting.co.uk.