Blissetts Guide to binding
Not sure what format of binding is best for your book or want to get a visual idea of what the terminologies mean before placing an order? With over 100 years experience and a Royal Warrant to HM the Queen as Bookbinders, Blissetts are at your service. Please see the images below for a handy guide. Blissetts DNA is in the binding of a book and you have choices often not available from other suppliers. Need more information or help with your book? Email us today.
SECTION SEWN BOOKS
Section sewn binding is a traditional and incredibly secure form of binding. A section sewn book will always lay flat no matter what the page count, and is especially brilliant for double page spreads and for authors who want the very best book reproduction. The section sewn process is made up from a set number of grouped and folded sheets, which are then sewn together. Our artisans have been binding in this method for over 100 years.
PVA adhesive binding, rounded and backed spine
The PVA option is an economical alternative to a section sewn book when the text block is largely uncoated paper. PVA is water based and takes time to dry so remains flexible and with the added notching and double fanning application of the adhesive it opens flat and is very durable. We are one of the leaders in the field of this adhesive application which is done by hand for the greater strength and we have been doing this for the public library sector since PVA was first introduced in the 1940’s.
PERFECT BOUND BOOKS
Planamelt adhesive is an environmentally alternative to PUR and is totally suitable for uncoated papers and vast majority of paperback or case bound books. It is much stronger than the less expensive EVA normally used by book producers and is more durable and a little more flexible. Importantly, Planamelt does not go brittle or discolour to a brown look with age. See here for link to a pdf with more detail
CASE BOUND BOOKS
Everything possible - from paper over board to a range of leathers and everything in-between.
Importantly we are not limited in the way we bind the spine and we advise you based on your choice of papers and what the book will be used for so you and your reader gets the best value for money. See above for section sewing, Perfect bound or PVA bound books
The options for case bound books include printed endpapers, headbands, ribbons, dust jackets and all forms of foiling.
Singer sewn BOOKS
Singer sewn through fold is a form of book produced via the old method of a traditional sewing machine and is an option that not many bookbinders offer. Sewn books naturally open beautifully flat, and we can sew them in a range of thread colours.
Singer sewing left edge is an option to produce your book with a sewn thread along the front of the book.
HARD OR SOFT COVER?
BESPOKE BINDING?
The choices are limitless. Whether you are considering hard or soft bound options for your thesis, trying to decide on the best cloth colour for your next journal, or are planning on creating your very own photobook and want to look at covering options, we can help. Email us or call on 020 8992 3965.
LAYFLAT BINDING
Layflat is a format that allows print to flow continuously with no issues from guttering or interruption from the joint on double page spreads. It is the perfect format for architectural design and allows seamless print on artwork such as maps or detailed vector designs. Books and brochures lay completely flat once opened.
WIRO BINDING
Wiro binding is a very popular format for presentations, calendars or business reports, it offers a great deal of flexibility on stock options and in binding placement. Pages are stacked together before a metal coil is then fed through the holes and clamped closed.
SWISS BINDING
This form of binding is an alternative to case and soft binding which allows the cover and spine more flexibility and the ability to layflat. Swiss bound books are produced via just the back cover being bound, often with the spine covered with fabric tape to add stability. Swiss binding offers the capacity for pages to be torn out cleanly without ruining the rest of the notebook, a good option for order forms etc.
SCREW BINDING
Traditionally created using nickel or brass binding screws, screw binding books are created by drilling the cover boards in place. Offering ideal flexibility for items such as swatches or marketing presentations, screw binding is available in multiple formats, including portfolio style, where the screws are not visible on the outer cover.
Naked / exposed sewing
Naked / exposed sewing allows authors to present their section sewn book with the sewing on view.
SADDLE STITCHED BOOKS
Saddle stitching is a cost effective alternative to perfect binding, using staples to attach the cover & inner pages. Saddle stitching works well for books or magazines under 64 pages in length.
PAPER STOCKS
Just as vital as the choice of binding, we can offer a huge range of paper options and weights in gloss, satin, matt, silk, uncoated and book woven format, plus all sorts of stock options for everything from business cards to wedding stationery.