A classic look and cost-effective binding style, saddle stitching is an ideal solution for thinner book projects of all types. Whether it's a short run brochure or large quantity direct mailer, knowing a few simple guidelines in the planning stages can reduce headaches down the road. Let's take a look at a few tips for preparing stitching work:

Folio Planning
Saddle stitching will be performed more efficiently if the binding lips on your project all fall on the same side. Generally, high folio binding jogs to the head and low folio lip jogs to the foot. This rule applies to almost all major stitching equipment. If you have an indented short six-page or pocket folder on the back cover, your binding lip should be low folio and jog to the foot. Keeping the lip of uniform size will also allow your project to be performed more efficiently. The lip should extend at least 1/4" at minimum, though 3/8" is preferable for most saddle stitching operations.

Production tip: Signatures stitch more effectively when made as flat as possible - air pockets can force material open and catch on equipment, ruining product and delaying delivery. To force signatures to flatten en route to your finisher, place chipboard in between each row of signatures or every few rows when stacking on skids for shipment. Keeping signatures flat can enable finishers to run projects more smoothly, eliminate spoilage and keep production on or ahead of schedule.

Layout tip: Stitching equipment can be sensitive, and certain jobs may require wider trim margins than others. To avoid complications, discuss layouts beforehand and allow your finisher to fold and trim your signatures for saddle stitching work.

Coming soon from E & M: At E & M Bindery & Finishing, we're continually upgrading our capabilities to better serve our customers. In the near future, we're adding a Mueller Martini Bravo T Saddle Stitcher, a six-pocket machine with a cover feeder and 5-knife capability. The Bravo T is capable of producing up to 11,000 books per hour. In addition, we offer loop stitching, small format stitching and a range of other solutions. For stitching of all types, rely on E & M Bindery & Finishing as your post press partner.