Book binding is a fascinating topic and we’ve covered the most popular forms of book binding (saddle-stitch binding, spiral/coil binding, comb binding and perfect binding) in previous posts. Today, we’ll discuss another less common — although generally regarded as being the highest-quality — book binding method known as Smyth-Sewn Binding.
What is Smyth-Sewn Binding?
Until the invention of perfect binding in 1895 (and its widespread adoption in 1931), one of the more common traditional book-binding methods was Smyth-Sewn binding. In Smyth-Sewn binding, the pages of a book are grouped together in separate bundles (known as signatures) consisting of anywhere from 16 to 24 pages. These bundles are then sewn/stitched together multiple times along the spine to create a single book block The spine of book block is then often covered with cloth (flannel) and bound with a hardcover creating a durable, long-lasting book.
Advantages of Smyth-Sewn Binding
Not unlike spiral bound books, Smyth-Sewn binding enables a book to lie flat when opened making for easy access and readability. In addition to printed books, Smyth-Sewn binding is often used to create high quality sketchbooks and notebooks where having access to the full sheet of paper is unhampered by cumbersome gutters. Also, Smyth-Sewn binding creates books where pages cannot be removed without destroying the integrity of the binding. Hence, it is often the binding method deployed for books where the assured integrity of the contents carries legal ramifications such as those demonstrating intellectual property claims for patent applications, etc.
If you have any questions about Smyth-Sewn Binding, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
