Hardback Book Printing (Thread-Sewn)

A hardback, or hardcover, has a thick card cover wrapped around your text. These covers are typically made from thick cardboard and usually covered with cloth, heavy paper, or sometimes leather. We use 2750-micron cards for all hardcovers.

Thread-sewn binding, often called Smyth-sewn or section-sewn, is a technique in which a thread holds the pages together. This creates a durable binding suitable for all paper types and is used to make the pages open flat.

Due to the custom setup we use at Imprint Digital, we are able to print and bind any size book within A6 (148x105mm) and A4 (297 x 210mm). We can produce hardback books up to 310 x 310mm but we will have to quote for this size manually.

If your book falls outside of these measurements, please get in touch.

Our selection of paper types for hardbacks caters to various content needs. Below are our most popular choices:

• 80gsm Bookwove: These papers are excellent for novels providing a premium feel. We have various Bookwove papers from 80gsm to 120gsm in white (off-white) or cream.
• 100gsm Opaque: Perfect for notebooks and journals. This paper is excellent if your hardback is to be written in.
• 130gsm Coated in Matt or Gloss: Perfect for publications that require a more sophisticated touch, like magazines. The option of a matt or gloss finish allows for customization based on the aesthetic and tactile feel you want.
• 170gsm Coated Matt: This heavier paper is the go-to choice when you need to make an impression, especially for showcasing products. Its substantial feel and excellent print quality make it ideal for high-end booklets.

Should you seek a particular paper type not featured in our selection, we should be able to order it.

If you're unsure about the most suitable paper for your hardback book, please contact us for a sample.

Our hardbacks typically come in two variants:

• PPC - Printed Paper Case - These covers have laminated printed paper wrapped around the hardback boards.
• Dustjacket - Our dustjacket hardbacks are similar to the PPC options, but instead of a laminated printed paper, we wrap the boards in a Wibalin Buckram material in several colours. We can print on this material, but most people choose to have these covers with foil blocking.

Glossy finishes make colours vibrant and are great for eye-catching designs, while matte finishes offer an elegant, subtle look. We also offer lamination options for added protection. The choice of cover stock depends on your cover design, content, and intended use.

We offer various options to add a touch of elegance and professionalism:

• Foiling: Add metallic or coloured foil to your cover for a luxurious and eye-catching effect. Foiling can be used for logos, titles, or other design elements to make them stand out.
• Embossing: Create a raised or 3D effect on specific areas of your cover.
• Shrink Wrapping: This protects every hardback during transport and provides a professional finish for distribution or retail display.

These extras can significantly elevate the look and feel of your hardback, making them stand out and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Every hardback we produce is thread-sewn as standard. Sewn binding is a superior way of binding a hardback compared to a paperback glued inside hardcovers at a lower cost.