While it seems like a simple binding style, saddle stitching offers a great deal of versatility for brochures, direct mail pieces and similar products. Covers can be designed with pockets or foldouts; multiple stocks, bind-ins and short sheets are also easy to include.

Elements such as intricate images, text and thin rules are difficult to align properly when they cross over two-page spreads on saddle stitched products.

When designing projects that will be saddle stitched, it's important to consider how text and graphics will cross over two-page spreads. To help you plan properly for crossovers, here are a few tips:

Critical Crossovers
A crossover is any graphic element, text or image that crosses from one page to the next. The most difficult crossover elements are silhouettes that crossover at an angle, as well as those that extend from one printing signature to another. Here are a few other difficult crossover elements to avoid:

Intricate images - If your project will include intricate images such as maps and graphs, you may want to avoid having them cross over the spine. If intricate images must be designed as crossovers, place them either at the center spread or on the same signature.

Text - Try to avoid designs in which individual letters cross over the spine, which will compromise the attractiveness and readability of your piece.

Thin rules - Thin lines that cross over signatures are very difficult to align. Rule widths of 1/4 point or less are typically too thin to align consistently, so attempt to avoid using them as crossover elements.

Planning Tip: Go Parallel
If your book project includes critical cross-over text, images or charts, it's best to use parallel folds for your signatures as opposed to right-angle folds. If your right-angle folds are misaligned by even 1/32", crossovers will be misaligned by at least 1/16" - too much of a gap for most peoples' tastes. Please let us know at the quoting stage if your project contains critical crossovers.

The Springfield Advantage
With in-house saddle stitching, folding and die cutting services, Springfield Printing can handle the entire production process for most projects. Our goal is to make the print production as worry-free as possible through proactive communication, helpful information and a mastery of every detail. Give us a call today to begin planning your next project.