{"id":6254,"date":"2025-11-06T12:45:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T11:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/booksfactory.pl\/blog?p=6254"},"modified":"2025-11-06T13:19:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T12:19:34","slug":"which-book-block-binding-method-to-choose-sewing-or-gluing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/booksfactory.pl\/blog\/which-book-block-binding-method-to-choose-sewing-or-gluing\/?lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Which book binding method to choose \u2013 sewing or gluing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The production process of any publication, including a book, catalogue, or album, involves not only printing individual pages and preparing an aesthetic and attractive cover for the reader, but also applying the appropriate book block binding technology.The printing industry most commonly uses two techniques: sewing or gluing. How do they differ? <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>Sewn and glued blocks \u2013 a comparison of both technologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

<\/a>Binding blocks using the gluing method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

This method involves the precise gluing of pages whose spine has been processed using a milling technique. This process aims to even out its surface and expose the paper fibres, which is necessary to increase the binding strength within the block. The embedding of individual fibres translates to a higher stability of the book, even with intensive use. Glue binding a book block is one of the most common methods used in the printing market. <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>Binding blocks using the sewing method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

How is a book block bound using the sewing method? This procedure involves gluing together signatures (sections) that have been sewn into gatherings. Each of these is a multiple of 4 pages. In practice, this means each gathering contains 16, 20, or even 24 pages, which increases the block’s durability and its ability to open fully without risk of damaging the publication. This method is used especially when there is a need to achieve maximum lay-flat ability, which is primarily desired for manuals, musical scores, and liturgical books. <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>Gluing and sewing blocks \u2013 advantages and disadvantages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

<\/a>Sewing book blocks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Book binding by sewing is one of the oldest methods, practised in the Middle Ages and even earlier. It involves joining individual signatures together using thread. Thanks to this, the block gains durability and strength, and its ease of opening is also increased. This last feature is very important, as it allows the block to lie flat when opened, which significantly facilitates reading and viewing illustrations within the publication (even large-format ones). Another advantage of the sewing method is its prestige, as it is considered more exclusive in the bookbinding industry. The disadvantages of sewing book blocks include, among others, higher production costs and a longer turnaround time, which result from the need to implement additional technological steps. The block sewing method is particularly suitable for publications that will be used for a much longer time and thus must be distinguished by durability and reliability. It is especially recommended for scientific and academic books, albums, luxury and limited-edition publications, as well as encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and other books of relatively high value and volume. <\/p>\n\n

<\/a>Gluing book blocks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

There are two methods of binding books using adhesive. They differ in the type of material used, which can be: <\/p>\n\n