Binding Pamphlets and Booklets Part 4

THE FIVE HOLE PAMPHLET STITCH
The instructions for the five hole pamphlet stitch use a one signature pamphlet. The same sewing pattern can be used for items published as individual sheets of folded paper.
Sewing multiple signature materials into pamphlet binders is discussed in a separate post. Detailed instructions for placing and punching sewing holes are given in previous posts.
Measure a length of thread that is two times the height of the book plus 4 – 6”. Preparing the thread and needle is discussed in an earlier post.

• Starting on the inside of the pamphlet, insert the needle in sewing station number 3 and pull the thread to the outside of the pamphlet, leaving a 2” tail inside the pamphlet. 
• Proceed to sewing station number 2 on the outside of the pamphlet, and insert the needle into sewing station 2. 
• Pull the thread to the inside of the pamphlet at sewing station 2.
• Be careful not to pull the tail out of the pamphlet at station 3. 
• On the inside of the pamphlet, insert the needle at sewing station 1, and pull the thread to the outside. Be careful to pull the thread in the direction of sewing so it will not tear the paper. 
• On the outside of the pamphlet, insert the needle in sewing station number 2, and pull the thread to the inside of the pamphlet. 
• Go past sewing station 3 to sewing station 4 on the inside of the pamphlet. Insert the needle in sewing station 4, and . pull the thread to the outside of the pamphlet. 
• Proceed to sewing station 5 on the outside of the pamphlet. Insert the needle into station 5, and pull the thread to the inside of the pamphlet.
• Gently tighten the thread by pulling the thread in the direction of sewing. 
• On the inside of the pamphlet, insert the needle in sewing station number 4, and pull the thread to the outside of the pamphlet. 
• Return to station 3 on the outside of the pamphlet, and insert the needle into sewing station 3.

Be careful not to pierce the thread already in sewing station number 3. The two loose ends of sewing thread should straddle the thread in the fold of the pamphlet.

If the sewing thread has been pierced, as the pamphlet is sewn, it will be difficult or impossible to tighten the threads before tying the knot.

• Tighten the sewing thread in the direction of sewing to remove any slack, and tie off the two loose ends with a square knot.
• Clip the threads to about l/2”.