Saddle Stitch Binding: The Classic Choice for Comic Books and Booklets

If you’re exploring your print options for a comic, zine, or booklet, you’ve probably come across the term saddle stitch. Whether you’ve seen it labeled as saddle stitch binding, a saddle stitched booklet, or just saddle stitch in printing—it all refers to the same thing: a simple, clean, and professional binding method that’s beloved by indie creators.

But what exactly is saddle stitch, and why is it the go-to for so many artists and publishers?

So, What Is Saddle Stitch?

Saddle stitch is a method of binding where sheets of paper are folded in half and stapled along the spine. The folded crease becomes the booklet’s spine, and two staples (sometimes more for larger formats) hold the pages together.

Despite the name, there’s no thread or sewing involved. The term “saddle” refers to the way the sheets are draped over a saddle-like piece of equipment during the stapling process. It’s a fast, efficient way to create booklets with anywhere from 8 to 64 pages—perfect for short-run publications or serialized work.

This technique is most often used for:

• Comic books

• Event programs

• Product catalogs

• Lookbooks

• Zines

• Instructional guides

At Comix Wellspring, saddle stitch booklets are our bread and butter. We print thousands every month for indie creators who want professional results without the headache (or price tag) of complicated binding setups.

Why Creators Choose Saddle Stitch Binding

There are a few reasons saddle stitch binding stands out—especially for comic creators and small publishers:

• Affordability – It’s one of the most cost-effective binding methods available.

• Quick turnaround – Because of its simplicity, it’s great for tight timelines.

• Visual impact – Saddle-stitched books lay mostly flat when opened, perfect for panel spreads and full-page art.

• Low minimums – You don’t need to commit to huge print runs to get great quality.

Plus, you can elevate the look even further by customizing your interior stock, cover finish, or even adding spot foil—all available through our standard and custom comic book options.

If you’re not sure where to start, our Sample Pack lets you feel the difference between paper types and finishes before locking in your order.

Is Saddle Stitch Right for You?

If you’ve ever wondered what is saddle stitched vs. perfect bound, the biggest difference comes down to length and flexibility. Saddle stitch is best for books under 64 pages. Once you start to get into longer content (think graphic novels or anthologies), perfect binding becomes more practical.

That said, for single-issue comics, lookbooks, or short stories, saddle stitch is the perfect match. It gives your project that professional comic book feel—because that’s exactly what it is.

Bring Your Story to Life

You’ve put in the work to create something amazing. Now it’s time to make it real.

At Comix Wellspring, we specialize in printing saddle stitched comic books and booklets that meet the quality standards of both first-time creators and veteran publishers. We’ve helped thousands of artists bring their stories off the screen and into readers’ hands.

Ready to print? Start your order here or explore our custom comic options for even more flexibility.