Glossary
Some useful explanations of the terms we use
As designer’s consultants, brother & sister team David & Vicki Hipwell have a particular advantage in their appreciation of the relationship between designers, print and bookbinding. We know what comes before binding as a job, the technical aspects of print as well as the graphic requirements, This can result in both economic savings and more rewarding results.
Sewing
Centre sewing
Also known as saddle sewing. A method of machine sewing through the fold of a single section brochure.
Side Sewing
Similar to stab stitching. Machine sewn through the side of a brochure.
3-Hole Sewing
A figure of eight stitch through the fold of a single section brochure. Either a fixed length (100mm) by machine or variable length by hand.
Japanese Sewing
A method of stab stitching though the side of a brochure or book. Hand sewn between two or more holes with the thread passing through and around the book block.
Section Sewing
Thread sewing of multiple sections for case binding or drawn on cover books.
Binding
Perfect Binding
Unsewn binding held together by adhesive only.
Drawn On Cover
A paper cover glued to the spine of sewn book blocks.
Case Binding
Often referred to as hard-back binding. A cover is a produced using either paper or cloth over board and attached to the book block via the endpapers.
Loose Leaf
A general term referring to a system of binding that allows for the adding or removing of pages. Lever Arch, Postlock, O and D ring binders as well as interscrews are some examples.
Section Sewing
Thread sewing of multiple sections for case binding or drawn on cover books.
Finishing
De-bossing
A heated block is impressed into the material. An ancient technique enjoying a revival, also often referred to as plate sinking or blind blocking.
Embossing
An effect used on thinner covers where the image is raised in the relief by means of an engraved block and a counterforce.
Foil Blocking
Or hot foil stamping is the process of impressing foil with a heated tool or engraved block onto a cover. Gold and Silver metallic are the most widely used but pigment and special effect foils are available.
Insetting
The placing of one section inside another. For instance preparing text for centre or three-hole sewing.
Gathering
The placing of one section upon another. For instance preparing text for thread sewing or side sewing.
Collating
Refers to the printed marks on sections for the checking of the gather.
French Folding
A method of preparing text as four page sections, which are then bound on the open edge with the fold on the fore-edge.
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