How will it be used?
A writing notebook, a printed workbook and an event booklet may need different opening behaviour and page layouts.
Notebook binding guide
Notebook binding types,
compared.
How sewn, spiral, saddle-stitched and glue-bound notebooks are built, what each one suits, what to put in your brief and what to check on the sample. Each binding is shown with sizes and sheet counts recorded across 24 notebook samples in our case library.
Made in our own factory in Cangnan, China. Ranges describe recorded samples, not production limits, MOQ or price.At a glance
Four bindings, side by side.
Construction notes apply to the binding type in general. The last column summarises only what is listed in our sample records; counts appear as each record lists them.
| Binding | How it is built | Opening and page plan | Recorded in our samples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewn | Pages are stitched with thread along the spine fold and attached to the cover. | Thread holds the page block at the fold. How flat it opens depends on thickness, paper and cover. | 5 references · A6, A5, B5 · 30–100 sheets · 60–80g writing paper |
| Spiral | Holes are punched along one edge and a wire or coil runs through them. | Pages turn fully around the binding, so the notebook can fold back on itself while writing. | 13 references · A7, A6, A5, A4 · 14–80 sheets · 70–80g writing paper; also 200g card pages (Case 04) and two-part carbonless sets (Case 37) |
| Saddle stitch | Sheets are folded once and fastened through the centre fold. | The fold opens to a centre spread. Each folded sheet carries four pages, so printed layouts are planned in multiples of four. | 3 references · A5 · 24–30 sheets · 70g paper |
| Glue-bound | The page block is held along the spine with adhesive and the cover is attached at the spine. | A clean, square spine. Opening behaviour depends on paper, thickness and the adhesive used, so test it on the sample. | 3 references · A5 · 50–55 sheets · 70–80g paper |
5 recorded references
Sewn notebooks
Pages are stitched with thread along the spine fold and attached to the cover. Thread holds the page block at the fold. How flat it opens depends on thickness, paper and cover.
- Often chosen for
- Writing notebooks and composition-style books, from pocket A6 to B5 in our references.
- Specify
- Finished size, sheet count, paper weight, ruling or printed layout, cover material and spine finish.
- Check on the sample
- Stitch position, page alignment, spine finish and how the notebook opens at the centre and near the cover.
13 recorded references
Spiral notebooks
Holes are punched along one edge and a wire or coil runs through them. Pages turn fully around the binding, so the notebook can fold back on itself while writing.
- Often chosen for
- Planners, workbooks, practice or sketch pages, tabbed organisers and top-bound pads.
- Specify
- Binding edge (side or top), wire or coil type and colour, size, sheet count, paper or card, tabs and accessories.
- Check on the sample
- Hole spacing and margin, page turning, coil closure, cover alignment and any tabs or pockets.
3 recorded references
Saddle-stitched notebooks
Sheets are folded once and fastened through the centre fold. The fold opens to a centre spread. Each folded sheet carries four pages, so printed layouts are planned in multiples of four.
- Often chosen for
- Slim booklets, travel or event notebooks and matching cover sets at a lower page count.
- Specify
- Finished size, number of folded sheets or printed pages, paper, cover stock and fastening position.
- Check on the sample
- Centre fold, fastening, page order, trim at the fore-edge and cover registration.
3 recorded references
Glue-bound notebooks
The page block is held along the spine with adhesive and the cover is attached at the spine. A clean, square spine. Opening behaviour depends on paper, thickness and the adhesive used, so test it on the sample.
- Often chosen for
- Composition-style notebooks, plain kraft notebooks and tear-off or score pads.
- Specify
- Finished size, sheet count, paper, printed page plan, cover and spine colour or cloth.
- Check on the sample
- Spine squareness, page attachment along the spine, opening behaviour and cover fit.
From our workshop
See the operations behind the binding.
Our factory footage shows paper cutting, thread sewing, manual finishing and shrink packaging. The production route for your notebook is confirmed against the approved sample.
Watch the process clips →Three questions before selecting
Fit the structure to the project.
Compare every option against the same brief.
What must be printed?
Custom interiors, page count and paper choice affect the structure. State whether your count means sheets or printed pages.
How will it be packed?
The binding profile and thickness affect individual packing and presentation. Review the pack with the physical sample.
Using this guide
Reference it in your own buying notes.
You are welcome to link to this guide and its recorded sample examples. Each example links to a case page with photographs of that sample. Please describe the ranges as recorded samples from one manufacturer, not as industry limits.
Compare formats with your real quantity and page plan.
Tell us the format, quantity, artwork, destination and required arrival date. MOQ, sample costs and shipping are confirmed for your project.