What is Thread-Sewn Binding
Thread-sewn binding is one of the oldest forms of bookbinding, and remains the most durable and longest-lasting method for book printing. Pages are bound together with pieces of thread and adhered to the book's spine. Choosing the right bookbinding method is a critical decision when printing, as it affects the margins and page size, while also saying a lot about the book's use, quality, and content.
At its core, thread-sewn binding assembles a book by stitching its pages together. This method begins with printing and folding pages into signatures, which are then sewn one to another to form a solid, cohesive unit known as the book block.
The key to this method's durability is its minimal reliance on glue, often applied sparingly at the spine to secure the cover, whether soft or hard.
This technique allows for a more flexible spine, enabling the book to lie flat when open and ensuring a seamless reading experience without the risk of pages loosening or the binding cracking under stress.
Thread Sewn-Binding Process
When thread-sewing a book, we organize pages into groups of 8 to 32, called signatures, and fold them together which is called a signature. We stitch the pages along the folds the threads go through each page several times before being tied off. Once a section is finished, it's sewn together with the other sections and is now our book block.
An adhesive is used along the edges to seal the spine tightly. The cover of the book is then attached to the spine, to protect the pages. Sewn binding is most often used for case bound books but is also used for softcover books.
We use state-of-the-art equipment to thread-sew directly from digitally printed flat sheets. This method ensures exceptional durability and superior quality in every book we produce.
While thread-sewn binding is our standard offering for all hardback book printing, we also provide it as an attractive optional upgrade for paperback books
The Advantages of Thread-Sewn Binding
There are several advantages that thread sewn binding offers over other binding methods. One of the key benefits is the ability to open a book fully without any risk of pages coming loose or falling out. This is especially important for books that need to be held open for long periods, such as textbooks or reference materials.
Another advantage is the strength and durability of thread sewn binding. Unlike methods such as perfect binding, where pages are glued directly to the spine, thread sewn books are stitched together using threads. This ensures that the binding can withstand frequent opening and closing and provides added stability to the book.
It also allows for easier repairs and restoration. If a page becomes torn or detached, it can be easily reattached by restitching it to the binding. This makes thread sewn books a wise investment for collectors and those who cherish their books for generations.
Thankfully, we now have machines that can do most of the work but it wasn't too long ago skilled book makers would carefully sew each signature of the pages together.
The visible stitching on the spine adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the book, making it a desirable choice for special editions and high-end publications. Most books sewn today will have the spine covered by a cover; however, Chinese binding usually sews the cover to the text block.
Chinese Binding - Credit: (whispering-woodlands.com)
Benefits of Thread Sewn Binding
- Sewn-bound books lay flat on a table when opened, which makes them ideal for books with images that span across two pages.
- Extremely durable and high quality, the binding will stay together as long as the pages last.
- It is designed to withstand wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for books that will be well-used over periods of time, such as textbooks.
- Books that use sewn binding are tamperproof, as someone cannot remove a single page without damaging the entire book, making it popular for sensitive documents.
- Pages cannot fall out as they are sewn together in signatures.
Durability and Longevity of Thread Sewn Books
Thread-sewn books offer unparalleled durability and longevity, making them ideal for preserving valuable content for decades or even centuries. The stitching provides a robust and secure binding capable of withstanding regular handling and prolonged use. This makes thread-sewn binding especially valuable for books with historical significance or sentimental importance intended for preservation across generations.
One key advantage of thread-sewn binding is how it evenly distributes stress from opening and closing across the entire spine. This prevents individual pages or sections from becoming weakened or detached, ensuring the book remains intact even with frequent use.
Additionally, thread-sewn bindings have the inherent flexibility to accommodate extra pages or inserts if necessary, something less achievable with alternative binding methods. This adaptability ensures the book can expand in size without compromising its structural integrity.
Another distinctive benefit is the ability of thread-sewn books to lay flat when opened. This quality significantly improves the reading experience, making thread-sewn books particularly suitable for annual reports, catalogues, cookbooks, and brochures. Readers can effortlessly read, make notes, or reference material without needing to manually hold pages open.
Comparing Thread Sewn Binding to Perfect Binding
While thread sewn binding is undoubtedly a superior method in terms of durability and longevity, it is worth exploring how it compares to another commonly used binding technique - perfect binding.
Perfect binding is a modern method that involves glueing the pages directly to the spine. It offers a clean and professional look, making it a popular choice for paperback books. However, perfect binding has some limitations regarding durability and long-term use.
Unlike thread sewn binding, perfect bound books are more prone to pages coming loose or falling out if not bound correctly, especially with rigorous use or heavy paper stocks. Additionally, the glue used in perfect binding can become brittle over time, leading to a weakened spine and potential page loss.
Perfect binding is often ideal for specific book formats like novels or magazines, which typically aren't opened and closed repeatedly. Yet, when it comes to books that need to withstand regular use over time, the thread sewn method proves to be the better option for longevity and durability.
Alternatively, binding with PUR glue presents a stronger solution than the conventional EVA glue used in perfect binding, offering enhanced strength.
Generally, the rating of strength for soft-cover publications goes as follows:
- Thread sewing
- PUR bound
- Perfect bound
While PUR-bound books are sturdy, thread sewn books offer an extra layer of security and are therefore often used for publications such as annual reports, catalogues, cookbooks and brochures.
How Sewn Books Are Produced
We print all our books on cut sheets and insert them into our Universe Sewer. This machine takes the sheets one at a time and then folds and gathers them into sections. A set of needles then sews each section together.
The resulting book block then has hot-melt glue applied to the spine and the cover drawn on before being trimmed on three sides.
If your job is to be Case Bound, we produce a thread sewn book block, and instead of a cover, we use endpapers to finish the book block before it has the hard cover applied.
The video below shows you how we produce our sewn book blocks.
