Notebook Binding Explained

With so many types of notebook binding styles we’ve broken down the basics of some of the more common methods so you can make a more informed decision when looking for the right binding style for your notebook or journal.

Hard Cover or Case Binding
Possibly the most common form of notebook binding used for hardcover books. Several different types to choose from, but typically involves inside pages being sewn together in sections. These are then glued to end papers which are glued to cover?

Perfect Bound
Sections of folded pages (signatures) have their spines trimmed off and roughed up to improve bonding with glue. All sections are collated and glued to its wrap-around cover.Cover is always scored on back and front, for ease of opening and less stress on spine.

Singer Sewn
Singer sewn bindings can be used on notebooks which have a single section.  The book block and cover pass through the sewing machine together so that there is a visible and continuous line of sewing on the outside of the book. This style is very popular for high end journals – using more and more luxurious materials for the covers and even using contrasting coloured thread for the sewing – and has been made famous by the Moleskine Cahier range.

Saddle Stitching
Probably the most common and economical binding method. Created by punching wire through the document’s outside spine, then bending the wire flat on the inside centre fold to grip all the pages. It may provide a similar look, but is not the same as stapling.

Sewn Bound
Similar to saddle stitching, but uses thread instead of wire. Thread is stitched along the entire spine. As more pages are added it begins to closely resemble case binding, but without the hardcover

Wire-O Binding
This binding holds the pages of the book in place by a double-loop wire inserted through holes on the left edge. It does not spiral through the book rather it creates a wire comb. The pages lay flat when opened and can rotate 360 degree. Wire-O bindings are durable, but do not permit printing on the spine.

Spiral Binding
The book is punched with a series of small holes on the left. A coil binding then is screwed into those holes from one end of the book to the other. The binding may be made of either plastic or wire and allow the printed document to lie flat and to double over. Spiral wire coils range from 1/4 inch to 2 inches in diameter and can bind books of up to 24 inches in length.