Advantage Book Binding

February 15, 2018

What Should You Know About Smyth Sewing?

Now, one option that you might overlook is Smyth sewing – so what is it?

Self-published authors should know that they have countless book binding options once their book is ready to be published. But as tempting as distributing through the Internet can be, that’s not the only unconventional path to fame. Every writer wants to make it, on some level, even they write professionally and then scribble their daydreams into fiction in their spare time. Now, one option that you might overlook is Smyth sewing – so what is it?

What Sets Smyth Sewing Apart?

A special kind of thread, known as a binding thread, is the most integral part of this method. The pages of the book are carefully sewn together by hand. Once that step is finished, another material known as a binding fabric is used to make the book more durable and robust. This adhesive is also used to make sure the page binding holds together as it should.

One excellent reason to use this technique is that even when the completed book is several years old, it can still lay perfectly flat. We understand that books will sometimes be handled roughly, but even so, the book will always look the same and open as it needs to; once bound, the pages can’t fall out due to wearing out or aging.

How is Smyth Sewing Accomplished?

Before Smyth sewing can be initiated, the pages of the book must be arranged into signatures. These signatures are folded together into sets of 16-24 pages each. The binding thread must be tied to each such bundle. The unique glue and other adhesives used to bind the book together ensures the integrity of the spine’s hold on the signatures.

Are There Similar Techniques?

Perfect binding is uncannily similar to Smyth sewing. However, one primary difference exists: perfect binding relies on glue and not thread. While frequently seen in paperback novels, it is also less commonly used for new hardbacks.

Case binding is also similar to Smyth sewing. Unlike perfect binding, case binding can achieve the look of Smyth sewing for hardback books. Regardless of which technique you choose, all of them result in beautiful finished products that you can enjoy for years to come.