Interactive guide
How to bind your notebook, step by step in 3D
Pick a binding method and go through it one step at a time. Drag the model to turn it and look from any side. Every method works with the booklet PDFs from the Notebook Maker.
Interactive binding demo
Drag to turn the model
Fastest · up to ~12 sheets
Saddle stitch (staples)
Fold the printed sheets in half together and staple through the fold. This is the method the booklet PDF is laid out for.
You need: a long-reach stapler (or a normal stapler and an eraser), a bone folder or ruler
No stapler · 3 holes
Pamphlet stitch (sewn)
Sew a single booklet through three holes in the fold. It looks handmade, never rusts and opens flatter than staples.
You need: a needle, thread about three times the spine length, an awl or push pin
Thick notebooks · lies flat
Sewn signatures
Sew several booklets (signatures) together through their folds. The notebook can have hundreds of pages and still opens completely flat.
You need: a needle, waxed thread, an awl, a hole template, PVA glue and card for the cover
Single sheets · decorative
Japanese stab binding
Sew a stack of single sheets through holes near the spine. The thread wraps around the edges in a neat pattern, and no folding is needed.
You need: an awl or drill, binder clips, a needle, thread about five times the spine height, card for the covers
Which binding should I choose?
| Method | Best for | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle stitch (staples) | Quick notebooks, inserts and class sets | 5 minutes |
| Pamphlet stitch (sewn) | Gifts, journals and travel inserts | 10 minutes |
| Sewn signatures | Thick journals and sketchbooks that last | 1 to 2 hours |
| Japanese stab binding | Single pages, photo albums and sketchbooks | 20 minutes |
More printing and binding guides
- How to print an A5 booklet on A4 paper6 min read
- How to print a booklet double-sided6 min read
- How to staple a booklet in the middle4 min read
- Sew signatures into a thick notebook7 min read
- DIY notebook binding: 5 methods compared8 min read
- Binding styles compared: staple, sew, ring, disc and glue7 min read
- Cutting and trimming your notebook4 min read
- Choosing paper for printed notebooks6 min read
