HomeSpun Publishing

Binding Options - Which one is best?

Selecting a the best binding for your purpose depends on who uses the book, how they use it and how much they want to spend.  Here are a few tips to help decide:

Comb Binding - Wire or plastic.

          Advantage:  Will lay flat while open.  This is ideal for hands-free reading

                                     such as cook books and for people with arthritic hands.  

                                     Pages can be replaced with ease.

          Disadvantage:  Not as durable as a hardcover.   Spine is thicker than                                                        book, which makes storage unhandy. A comb-binding

                                           machine is required and the added purchase of combs.

Glue-Binding - Standard in paperbacks

          Advantage:   Fits neetly in bookshelves and stacking is sturdy.  Durable.

            Disadvantage:  Cannot replace pages.  Cover width must be matched to

                                          book.

Sewn-Binding - Most durable method.

         Advantage:  Pages stay securely in place.  Ideal for children's books.

          Disadvantage:  Cannot replace pages.  Time consuming to home-publish if

                                        over 20 pages.  Sewing machine required.

Staple-Binding - Most common in pamphlets and newsletters

           Advantage:   Durable.  Pages replacable.

           Disadvantage:   Limited in number of pages.

Hook or Ring Binding - Most commonly used with reports and photo albums.

           Advantage:  Quick and simple.  Pages removable

           Disadvantage:  Unhandy storage.  Expensive in large quantities.  Not a

           professional look.

Binding Methods

Comb Binding

Glue Binding

Sewn Binding

Staple Binding

Hook or Ring Binding

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This page was last updated: March 19, 2009