When binding a book using the saddle-stitch method, something called creep might occur in the process. This article will walk you through why creep occurs, why it’s important to adjust for it, and how to make sure your final product turns out how it is supposed to.
Why Does Creep Occur in Saddle-Stitch Binding?
Creep, which typically occurs in saddle-stitch binding, is when the inner pages stick out more than the outer pages after the book is folded and stapled. This happens because all the pages are stacked and folded together, and the thickness of the paper pushes the inner pages outward.
Why it Matters
If creep is not accounted for during the design and layout process, the margins of the inner pages can appear uneven or too close to the edge after trimming. This may cause critical content near the edges of the pages, such as text or images, to be cut off. If the design includes elements like borders, graphics, or text running across multiple pages, creep can disrupt their alignment, making the book look unprofessional.
How to Adjust for Creep
The best way to adjust for creep is to ensure generous margins around critical content to help prevent unwanted cropping. Redistribute the content slightly inward on the inner pages to ensure proper alignment after trimming. It is also recommended to avoid designs with borders so that the shifting/ creeping outcome is not as obvious. If a border is a must, try to make it as thick as possible.
Creep adjustment is especially important for saddle-stitch books with a higher page count or thicker paper; where the effect is more pronounced. At Sure Print and Design we offer many different types of binding, including saddle-stitch binding, and we will ensure that we provide you with the perfect finished product.
