Sewing Multiple Signature Pamphlets Into Binders A multiple-signature pamphlet that is side sewn or side stapled can be punched or drilled and sewn into a binder using the 3 or 5 hole pamphlet stitch above. Also, the staples can be removed and the signatures sewn individually.
Multiple signature pamphlets that are sewn through the fold may be attached to a pamphlet binder with a secondary sewing to retain the ability of the pamphlet to open flat. Check the original sewing to make sure it is sound. If the sewing needs to be repaired or the signatures are loose, follow the directions for sewing with link stitch prior to attaching the pamphlet to the binder. Attach the sewn multiple-signature pamphlet into a binder using either the three hole or five hole pamphlet stitch as outlined in previous posts. Sew and knot each sewn signature separately so the sewing threads will be tight.
For a 2 signature pamphlet – punch and sew each signature to the binder.
For a 3 – 4 signature pamphlet – punch and sew the 1st and 3rd signatures to the binder.
For a 5 signature pamphlet – punch and sew the lst, 3rd and 5th signatures to the binder.
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.
THE THREE HOLE PAMPHLET STITCH Choose the three hole stitch for fairly thin material that is less than 7” tall. A taller, heavier booklet should be sewn with the five-hole stitch. These instructions for the three hole pamphlet stitch using a one signature pamphlet. The same sewing pattern can be used for items published as individual sheets or side stapled.
Sewing multiple signature materials into pamphlet binders is discussed in a separate post. Instructions for placing and punching sewing holes can be found in previous posts.
Measure a length of thread that is two times the height of the book plus 4 – 6”. Choosing, waxing and locking thread onto a needle is discussed in the post on Preparing Thread for Book Repairs.
Starting on the inside of the pamphlet, insert the needle into sewing station 2.
Pull the thread to the outside of the pamphlet, leaving a 2” tail inside the pamphlet.
On the outside of the pamphlet, insert the needle into station number 1.
Pull the thread through sewing station 1, being careful not to pull the tail out of the pamphlet at station 2.
On the inside of the pamphlet, proceed to sewing station number 3, going past sewing station number 2.
Insert the needle into sewing station 3 and pull the thread to the outside of the pamphlet.
Gently pull the thread snug being careful to pull in the direction of the sewing so as not to tear the paper.
Return to station 2 on the outside of the pamphlet. Insert the needle into sewing station 2.
The two ends of sewing thread should straddle the sewing thread that runs the height of the booklet.
Be careful not to pierce the thread already in sewing station number 2. If the center thread is pierced, it will be difficult or impossible to tighten the threads when the sewing is complete.
Pulling in the direction of sewing, take up any slack in the sewing thread and tie off the two loose ends with a square knot.
Punching Sewing Holes in Pamphlet Materials Center Folded Materials For items that are center folded, a punching jig and signature cradle can be used. If a sewing cradle is not being used or if the material is loose pages, binder or bulldog clips can be used to hold the punching jig in place when the holes are punched. To punch the sewing stations in a booklet and a pamphlet binder at the same time, position the booklet inside the binder and hold both in place with binder or bulldog clips. Side-Stapled or Individual Sheets of Paper NOTE: Pamphlet materials can be constructed of folded signatures, then side-stapled through the folds. It can be advantageous to remove the staples and sew the signatures together using the link stitch so they will open completely flat. To punch sewing holes in individual sheets of paper or side-stapled materials, position the booklet in the binder and hold it in place with binder or bulldog clips. Using a needle-in-a-stick or awl, punch the holes as close to the spine edge as possible making sure there is enough margin to hold the booklet securely in the pamphlet binder. If the needle or awl will not punch the materials easily, try twisting while pressing down. Too much pressure can bend or break the tool. When punching by hand, it can be convenient to punch into a piece of 1” styrofoam, available in most craft stores. If the material is too thick to punch by hand, drilling is a possibility. Remember to protect the work surface with a sheet of wood when drilling. When drilling materials, use a small drill bit, about the same size as the sewing needle. Small drill bits are available in hardware, hobby or jewelry supply stores. The drill chuck jaws of a standard drill may not hold small drill bits. Check the jaws of the drill chuck to see if all three jaws meet when it is completely closed. If they do not, the drill will not hold the smaller drill bits. The Dremel Company markets a tool with a very small drill chuck to hold small drill bits. There are several models including one speed and multi-speed, drill chuck jaws that close tight or close loose. One model, a single speed drill, can be attached to a variable speed foot control (similar to a sewing machine foot control) so the operation and speed of the drill is regulated by the foot control and both hands are free to maneuver the tool. Dremel also sells a drill press which holds the drill in place.
Over the next few posts I will talk about methods of binding pamphlets, booklets or single pages of information into a solid covering. Pamphlets or booklets are unbound material l/2” or thinner in spine width. These materials can be individual sheets or single or multiple signatures and can be sewn or stapled into a pamphlet binder.
The three or five hole pamphlet stitch is used to sew individual sheets or signatures into a pamphlet binder. Either sewing stitch works well on most center sewn or stapled materials and on side-sewn or stapled items up to 3″ thick. Choose the three hole stitch for fairly thin materials less than 7” tall. A taller, heavier booklet should be sewn with the five-hole stitch. When in doubt, it’s better to use the five-hole pamphlet stitch.
Regardless of which stitch is chosen or the size of the pamphlet, the first and last sewing stations (1 & 3 or 1 & 5) should be no more than 3/4” from the top or bottom edge of the booklet and the center sewing station (2 or 3) should be in the center of the booklet.This placement of sewing stations gives the most support to the entire booklet.
Use the technique in a previous post for removing staples and use the original staple holes for sewing if possible so as not to punch additional holes in the fold of the booklet.
