Purdue binding is used to create hard-cover publications. A deeply scored hard cover is placed on the top and bottom of the publication. Three holes are then drilled along the binding edge and screws are placed in the holes. Finally, a cloth is wrapped around the spine. Saddle-stitching is used to bind pieces such as booklets, programs, and small catalogs.
Signatures are nested, then the publication is opened to the centerfold.
It is placed on a saddle and stapled through the spine with a mechanical stitching head. When opened, saddle-stitched books lie flat for ease in reading and handling. Signatures are collated, placed flat under the stitching head, and stapled. Side-stitched pieces do not lie flat when open. Thesis binding combines drilling, gluing, and sewing.