Best Saddle Stitched Booklet 4x6 inch (A6)

Summary

Saddle Stitch booklets and catalogs (also called Staple Printed) are the most popular binding method because they are fast and inexpensive so perfect if you are looking for a cost-effective binding with a quick turnaround.

Made by gathering together folded sheets and stapling along the crease, these are a great option for booklets and catalogs with 8 to 48 pages - but also up to 132 pages are possible depending from paper thickness.

Print as few as 100 catalogs and up to 20,000 catalogs.

We have a wide selection of papers including laminated foil covers to add an extra sparkle to your booklet or catalog.

We offer a range of standard and custom sizes, most of which are available in portrait and landscape formats. We also offer square formats suitable for brochure printing. Learn about common magazine formats, European formats, and special formats here. This is similar to loop stitching.

Let us know if you prefer loop seams for saddle stitch booklets or catalogs. Ring binding is great for ring binders.

How Businesses optimally use Saddle Stitch Staples?

In today's world, everyone is looking for better and more affordable marketing ways. The way you present your business physically makes a considerable difference. So if you want to ensure that your advertising dollars are paying off, use saddle stitch booklet printing for your print job. 

The name "saddle "does conjure equestrians and horses, but in reality, it is a trendy binding method. In the printing industry, saddle stitch binding offers several advantages over other binding types. (more on it below)

A saddle stitch booklet printing provides a unique and convenient way to connect with your clients and show them your brand. It is not only perfect for promotional material but is an evergreen source to showcase content like employees' training manuals and policies. By using a custom saddle stitch booklet, you can attract many new clients and keep your previous clients up to date.

Businesses can even use saddle-stitched books in designing magazines and creating event programs. You will find saddle-stitch booklets in all spheres of professional life. From product catalogs to look-books and even event calendars printing saddle stitch booklets represent them all.

Saddle-stitch booklets are an integral part of the digital printing world. Its printing wows the readers, and the print quality and superior color make it an excellent branding technique. These laid-together pages stapled through the folds transform into excellent printed booklets that add magic to your next marketing campaign.

You must have come across printing saddle stitch booklets in the form of magazines, catalogs, calendars, newsletters, direct mails, comic books, etc. Even you can create such publications as they don't require photoshop mastery. Anyone can create a booklet design and then use saddle stitch to elevate it.

So if you have been working late nights on a booklet printing project and, after countless drafts, have come up with the perfect design, use saddle-stitched printing to give it life. Make all the hours invested worthwhile by transforming your ongoing hard work into a fully published booklet without costing an arm or leg. Whether it is a small sales packet or an extensive product catalog, saddle stitch makes all of it affordable while maintaining the highest quality inside the paper. So get a custom quote for it now.

Without further ado, let's discuss what saddle stitch is, how many pages you can stitch, and how it can be beneficial for you:

What is Saddle Stitch?

The saddle stitch in tailoring means an even stitch that usually runs from an edge. It is used for decorative trimming purposes on clothes and leather products.

Saddle Stitch Booklet in Printing

In printing USA, the saddle stitch has an entirely different meaning. It is a standard binding process done by placing the middle of folded papers across a stitching machine, usually a stapler resembling a horse saddle. The wire staples are then derived through the paper, which clinches them on the inside.

Saddle-stitch booklets usually have staples a little over ½ centimeter from the edge, depending on the complete length of the book. This stitched section is generally referred to as the booklet's spine, and a cover can be placed on it. The staples used for binding are round wires usually formed from copper or galvanized/aluminized iron. Usually, 2 staples are enough, but, more staples may be needed for larger books. By its nature, this type of binding is done in multiples of four. However, more pages can be added as covers. Just remember to recheck your design to avoid blank pages.

The saddle stitch is also known as a saddleback stitch or saddle-wire stitch. The long sheets of paper used in it have printed on both sides and are then either folded in half or 4 folds and then grasped together by tough staples through the spines. This can be used for magazines, pamphlets, notes, or other printed materials.

In the world of printing, Saddle stitch is one of the most common forms of binding. The majority of booklet manufacturing companies uses it because it is economical and ideal for publications with small page counts. Therefore, it is commonly used for small booklets such as brochures, calendars, low-count magazines, and even pocket-sized address books.

Usually, saddle stitch is recommended for booklets with less than 92 pages (optimally 8-48 pages). If the page volume is more than 92 pages, it is recommended to use perfect bound binding (mentioned below). The number of pages that can be bound using saddle stitch can also vary depending on the thickness of the paper used. If the paper is too thick or the booklets page count is too large for saddle stitch, the publication should be side-stitched or bound via other methods.

They are great for marketing and educational purposes as they lay flat and are easier to flip through. In addition, they will stay open when in use, making it easier for the reader. Moreover, the Saddle stitch is perfect for many small organizations that cannot afford other expensive forms of binding.

Not only does the saddle stitch booklet offer the quickest turnaround time, but the pricing is also cost-effective and affordable. Compared to other binding methods like spiral binding and perfect bound, saddle stitch is less heavy on the pockets and can easily slide into your printing budget. It is economical yet results in professional-looking high-end marketing material. These books are versatile as they can be used in any industry.

We have listed the advantages of saddle stitch booklets below. From reliability and cost-effectiveness to gaining closer accessibility to the gutter of the paper margin, we have explained all of them. So continue reading.

Saddle Stitch Advantages

Saddle-stitch booklets have become famous for many reasons. Thanks to its many features, it is used more than any other binding option. Some of the benefits Saddle Stitching offers are mentioned below:

Benefits of choosing a Saddle Stitch (Stapled) Catalog

Page count and page type

Saddle stitch is excellent for booklets with any word count. Be it an 8-page pamphlet to a 132-page catalog, saddle stitch can bind it together. Moreover, the paper type can also be customized. From standard sheets to laminated foil covers, which have an extra sheen, there are a lot of paper options to choose from. So you can get custom saddle stitch booklets very easily with custom size and front cover.

Loop Stitching

Saddle stitch can also be offered in Looped form, which is perfect for Ring Binders. You can let the publishers know before getting booklets printed, and they can make the change for you.

Appearance

Saddle stitch gives your books and documents a professional look and feel. This is why this binding form is used by many glossy magazine outlets and is also preferred by upscale businesses for annual reports, calendars, manual booklets, etc. the front and back cover can be customized as well, enhancing the appearance of booklets further.

Cost-friendly

The most known advantage of saddle stitch is that it is the least expensive form of binding. The cost of it is relatively lower than other binding processes. This is why so many startups and bootstrapped companies can afford it.

Audiences

Saddle Stitch booklets are a style that caters to every age group. It makes booklets easy to hold and read. Ironically, the audience of Saddle-stitch booklets prefers it over more expensive methods just because of comfort.

Simplicity

As it is a simple method and easy to design, many individuals and companies select it over other methods. The simplicity of the designs makes it look even more professional as simple sands out. Many people can design custom saddle stitch booklet at home

Speed

The saddle stitch process is pretty straightforward, and the setup doesn't require much time. So the turnaround time is less than a week, and the final product is delivered pretty quickly. This is why Saddle-stitched booklets are popular with publishers, especially those on tight schedules.

Low Shipping Costs

Not only are Saddle stitch booklets cheap it also lowers your delivery cost. It is mainly done on lightweight paper, and the wire staples barely add any weight, so it reduces shipping costs. As thousands of these booklets are shipped together, you can save considerably if you choose appropriate mailing services and shipping options.

Flexibility

The saddle stitching process requires no minimum amount and can be conducted for as little as 100 books and even for long production (more than 2000) that runs for a week. This is because saddles stitching has no prior preparation.

Artistic freedom

As saddle stitching doesn't punch holes like in coil and wire binding, it can accommodate crossover images and art that spans over two adjacent pages. The stitches in Saddle stitched booklets are unobtrusive and are only visible on the middle page of the brochure or magazine. Moreover, as it allows printing in full color and print quality is above par, you can use any ink combination to create it. You can even add blank pages for creativity in these print booklets.

Versatility

Of all the binding types offered in the market, Saddle Stitching is the most versatile as it allows the publication to be printed in a broad range of sizes (from pocket to atlas, document size can be customized). Moreover, the booklets are available as both portrait and landscape. Square sizes are also offered, which are becoming increasingly popular,

As mentioned above, The paper quality, the front, and back cover, and even the page count can be customized. So you can use it for any type of book or document, including catalogs, booklets, manuals, program calendars, brochures, periodicals, newsletters, and mailers.

General Guidelines

Saddle Stitch booklets are one of the most effective binding forms, but these publications also have some lackings. There are a few things you need to keep in mind before selecting it for your documents and manuals,

Applications of Saddle Stitching

Saddle stitching can be applied in various industries in various forms. The only two things to keep in mind when selecting its application are:

1. Final count

2. Your budget

Depending on these factors, you can use saddle stitching for any purpose. It could be anything from a book or document to program calendars, newsletters, booklets, pamphlets, and much more we have listed down 3 typical applications below:

1. Saddle-stitched catalogs

Many retailers use these. These catalogs usually contain 30-40 pages and product descriptions and images. A wide variety of industries use it for brand awareness. You must have seen them distributed for marketing purposes in your daily life. Usually, these have high-quality interior pages.

2. Saddle-stitched calendars

This is commonly found in educational institutes as program calendars or in corporations as wall calendars. They can be given as corporate giveaways as they are handy, small, and informative. The final booklet is usually in landscape form with self-cover and soft touch lamination.

What is a Saddle Stitch Book Cover?

The saddle-stitched book cover is the front cover page of the booklet. It can be either self or heavy cover pages.

Self-cover Paper Stock

Self-cover is the front page of the booklet, which has the same weight as all the inside pages in the saddle-stitched booklet. the paper weight of the cover and interior pages are the same

Heavy Cover Paper Stock

On the other hand, a heavy cover paper is a cover that is different from the inside pages of the booklets. It is a premium cover with printing done on a more heavyweight and polished cover than the interior pages. It gives the saddle-stitched booklet a more durable and luxurious feel.

Saddle Stitch vs. Perfect Bound

A common question in the printing industry is which is better; a perfect bound or saddle-stitched booklet, and what is the difference between the two? Usually, when businesses or individuals are making decisions regarding their next printing project, an important question that arises is what type of binding to opt for.

Usually, the answer is saddle stitch, but this is not always the case. Even though saddles stitched booklets are the most famed and cost-effective binding type, there will be times when it won't be viable due to the high page count. This is where perfect bound binding comes into play.

In this section, we have described the difference between these two forms of binding and written-down scenarios where you can pick one over the other. You will find factors like page count and colors that affect the binding choice. We have compared them side by side, along with examples, to make it easy for you to choose the best type of binding for your print.

The significant Difference between Saddle Stitch Binding and perfect bound Binding

Saddle Stitch Binding

It is a popular binding method that uses full sheets of paper folded and then stapled together in the middle. As it uses wire staples, it is definitely a more eco-friendly method and also more affordable. Moreover, saddle stitch booklet printing is done quickly and efficiently, and no paper or glue is wasted.

Perfect Bound Binding

It is a common binding technique for softcover books and uses glues to hold the pages.

In it, the front page is bent to form the spine, and glue is used to stick pages to the spine. It means there is no seam which creates a smoother finish Moreover it also leads to better wrap-around printing.

Saddle Stitch Binding edge Perfect Bound Binding

So when selecting between the two methods, you need to keep your preference and circumstances in mind; if you are on a budget, go for saddle stitching, but if you want more gloss, go for perfect bound. But whatever you choose, perfect binding or saddle stitch, the quality provided by most publishers will give your books and docs a sharp and professional appeal.

Both these methods lead to aesthetically pleasing bindings which are strong, durable, and completely customizable. but we advise saddle stitch booklet printing as it saves you money while giving you the same print quality. to get an instant quote for custom size booklet click here

FAQs

Why are Saddle Stitch Booklets only found in four-page Increments?

As mentioned above, saddle stitch booklets require long sheets of paper for printing, and when they are folded to get stapled in the center. So for each paper folded, the final printed booklet gets four pages. The long sheet is first folded into two halves, and as each half has two sides, it becomes a 4-page increment.

So if you remove even one sheet, your page counter will decrease by four. Moreover, as the page count is a multiple of 4, ensure that you don't leave any blank pages.

What is Page Creep?

In saddle stitch booklet printing when the page count increases, the inner sheets stick farther than the outer sheets. This is known as page creep. This usually happens if thicker pages are used or the volume is too big for the staples to hold.

A saddle-stitch booklet with fewer pages doesn't face any such issue, but if you are going for an above 60-page count, you should keep this in mind. So, we would suggest perfect binding for a book with higher volumes.

What is the best Paper Stock?

Saddle stitch booklet printing can be done on different paper types, including dull and glossy paper stocks. The best kind will depend on your purpose. So if you want a shiny appearance, go for glossy paper stocks. However, if you want a matte appearance, go for dull or velvet paper stocks. For more professional finishes— soft-touch lamination can be used. Regardless of the paper used, you can still save money as the binding comes cheap. To get your custom saddle stitch booklet printed click here.

What should be the Weight of the Paper / Paper Thickness?

The weight of the paper/paper thickness also depends on your purpose. If you want something lightweight, usually for newsletters or mail booklets, select 80# text paper. However, if you want something more premium for catalogs and promotions, go for 100# text paper. It is thicker and gives your publication a more upscale feel.

What is the most popular Saddle Stitched Booklet Size?

Most people go for 8.5-inch x 11-inch and 5.5-inch x 8.5-inch booklet sizes. These standard sizes correspond to half-sheet paper and full-sheet paper. You can even customize the size as per your need. get a custom quote now

How many Pages you can Saddle Stitch?

Saddle stitching can contain 8 - 96 pages. But we recommend you not to go for more than 72 pages as saddle stitching works best for thin volumes. The lower number of pages provides a better feel. As you increase the number of booklet pages, the booklet will not lie flat.

What is the most popular Page Counts?

This also depends on your purpose and the type of project being carried out. Usually, people go for 8 - 16 pages as these booklets are quick and easy to design.

However, for seasonal catalogs and product descriptions, 24 pages booklet is highly popular. For magazine publications and policy manuals, books containing 48 or more pages are popular.

Are Saddle Stitch Booklets printed in full Color?

Yes! The saddle stitch booklet is offered in full color; you can add as many colors as you want, and it doesn't affect the cost. If a black ink publication is needed, it is offered as well. But for it, you need to request a custom quote.

Are Saddle Stitch Booklets suitable for Magazine Houses?

Yes, if magazines want a booklet under 72 pages, then saddle stitching is an excellent option. However, for larger publications, it is not recommended.

Does Saddle Stitch Booklet Printing have Customization Options?

Yes. in saddle stitch booklet printing, the size and page count can be customized according to the need. The booklet dimensions can be of nearly any size. Be it mini or oversized; saddle stitching can provide everything in between. The stitched booklet can also be used for multiple layout orientations, such as square, portrait, and landscape.

Why is this Binding called Saddle Stitching?

Saddle stitch booklet printing does sound like a weird name for a binding method that uses staples. But it is named such because in printing, stapling is known as Stitching and the stapler used looks like a horse saddle. The collated papers are draped on a saddle-like machine hence the name came into being, and it stuck— nowadays, all bookbinding methods that use these wire staples are known as saddle stitch booklet printing.

Can the spine be printed in a Saddle-stitched Booklet?

No. the spines are not flat, so you cannot print on them.

What is the delivery time of Saddle Stitched Booklets?

Saddle-stitched books can be delivered within a week depending upon page count and quantity of the order. There can be faster turnaround times as well.

What is the Process behind Saddle Stitch Booklet Printing?

The saddle stitch booklet printing process starts after the inside pages have been printed. Firstly they are folded and then nested together. Then staples are used to join the interior pages together. Thicker books are also trimmed at the edges to ensure page uniformity and neatness of appearance. the whole booklet printing process takes barely any time.

Conclusion

In the end, we would like to say that saddle-stitched booklets, calendars, annual reports, and other publications are becoming popular. This is because they are sturdy, highly versatile, and provide you with various paper and finishing options. In addition, the 24 gauge wire staples used in it are durable and can last forever.

Saddle stitch color booklets deliver your information on a higher-quality paper within your budget. The hard-working bind combined with customization makes it perfect for small magazine pamphlets, social campaigns, and educational products. These thin-color books contain a substantial feel as they are expertly printed and perfectly saddled.

So why hesitate! If you have a booklet printing project ready and want an excellent bind, then go for a saddle-stitch booklet now. Be it manuals, catalogs, training guides, informational brochures, or a short history of your company, the options with saddle stitching are endless. Get an instant quote now for a custom-size booklet.

If you have any queries, we are here to help you. Just leave us a message, and we will resolve it as soon as possible.