Page Count Requirements
Minimum Page Count
- Self-cover
- 8 pages
- Plus cover
- 4 pages
Maximum Page Count
- Fixed maximum
- None Practical limitations apply
- Thick books
- May require multi-pass binding
- High page counts
- Increased risk of head and foot blowout
- Heavy text blocks
- Stitch heads may struggle to penetrate
Consult your Puget Bindery CSR for projects approaching higher thickness ranges.
Size Constraints
Maximum Finished Size
- Head to foot
- 17 inches
- Spine to face
- 12.5 inches
Minimum Finished Size
- Spine to face
- 3 inches
Standard Trim
- Three-side trim
- 1/8 inch
Artwork must account for creep and trim shift on larger page counts.
Understanding Pushout (Creep)
Saddle stitched publications require accounting for pushout, commonly called creep. As folded sheets are nested together, the inner pages extend further toward the face trim than the outer pages. If creep is not managed, page numbers, borders, and graphics may be trimmed unevenly.
General Creep Allowances
- Thin brochures
- 3 mm total trim adjustment Approximate guideline
- Medium thickness
- 5 mm Approximate guideline
- Thick booklets
- 7 mm or more May be required depending on stock
Actual creep depends on stock thickness and page count. Final creep compensation is typically applied during imposition.
Margin Planning for Creep
- Face margins
- Increase on inner pages Prevents trimming of folios and rules
- Critical artwork
- Keep away from outer edge
- Symmetrical margins
- Avoid on high page counts Leads to uneven trim results
Paper and Folding
- Thinner paper
- Reduces total pushout
- Heavier stocks
- Increase creep quickly
- Thick covers (135 gsm+)
- Score to prevent cracking along fold
Grain Direction
- Required orientation
- Parallel to spine Whenever possible
Incorrect grain direction can cause spine cracking, poor folding, and uneven trim results.
Layout and Imposition Rules
Folded Signature Pickup
- Pickup allowance
- 1/4 inch on low folio Required for all folded signatures
The lap allows the saddle stitcher to grip the signature, open it, and drop it onto the saddle conveyor. Files that do not include pickup allowance may fail to feed during binding.
2-Up Layouts and Gutters
- Gutter requirement
- Mechanical gutter required between books
- Available gutter sizes
- 6 mm, 8 mm, or 12 mm
Confirm gutter width before imposition. Insufficient spacing can cause trimming conflicts or stitching misalignment.
Remit Cards and Envelope Options
Remit pieces can be incorporated several ways depending on design intent and finishing requirements.
Insert Methods
- Furnished closed, inserted
- Loose insert placed within the booklet during binding
- Furnished closed, pinned
- Stitched approximately 5/16 inch off head
- Furnished open, center stitch-in
- Insert supplied open and stitched into the middle spread
Confirm orientation and page placement during prepress setup.
Stitching Wire Options
Wire Colors
- Available colors
- Silver, brass/gold, red, white, blue, black
- Loop stitching
- Bare silver wire only Allows finished pieces to be stored in ring binders
Design Considerations
Head and Foot Blowout
- Risk
- Thicker publications may open at head and foot after stitching
- Mitigation
- Avoid critical graphics near fold edges on heavy page counts
Spine Safety Area
- Fold line
- Keep text and graphics clear Wire penetration and folding pressure can distort artwork near center
Quick Reference
File Preparation
- Page count is a multiple of four
- 1/4 inch pickup allowance included on folded signatures
- Trim and bleed set to finished size
- Creep allowance considered in margins
- Grain direction parallel to spine where possible
- 2-up gutter spacing confirmed if applicable
- Remit card instructions clearly defined
- Stitch color specified
- Loop stitch requirements noted if needed
When to Contact Puget Bindery
- Page count is unusually high
- Heavy stocks or inserts are included
- Multiple stitch passes may be required
- Book thickness approaches mechanical limits