Saddle Stitch Binding: What is Creep?
![A diagram illustrating the concept of Saddle Stitch Page Creep](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/900x633/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_780840052.png)
Saddle Stitch Creep
Creep refers to the incremental shifting of pages that
occurs when binding a saddle-stitched book. Hence, Creep is also known as Page Creep or Binder's Creep.
Because Saddle-Stitched books are constructed of folded
sheets that nest together, each subsequent sheet will extend a little bit
further out than the folded sheet preceding it. How far each sheet extends is
based on the thickness of the paper being used to create the booklet.
What causes Page Creep?
![A Diagram illustrating the concept of Saddle Stitch page creep](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_469659610.png)
To explain how page creep occurs, let's use 70# Offset paper
as an example. One sheet of 70# Offset has a thickness of .005". If we were to
start stacking flat sheets of 70# Offset one at a time on a table, the first
sheet would, of course, lie directly on the table surface. The second sheet
would lie .005" above the table because it is lying on top of the first sheet (which
measures .005" in thickness). The third sheet in the stack would lie .010"
above the table, because it has two .005" sheets below it. The fourth sheet
would lie .015" above the table and so on. Obviously, each subsequent sheet is getting
further and further away from the tabletop in .005" increments.
Now, if we were going to construct a saddle-stitched booklet
entirely from sheets of 70# Offset paper, the first step would be to fold each printed
sheet in half. We would then nest the folded sheets together one at a time by
placing each subsequent folded sheet into the folded sheet preceding it.
Once all the folded sheets have been nested into a set, the fold
lines of each sheet are gathered closely together to form a stable spine for the
booklet. To tightly secure the sheets, several staples are driven through the outer
edge of this spine. The staples penetrate the fold lines of all sheets and are
cinched within the fold line of the innermost sheet.
Just like the example of stacking flat sheets on a table,
each subsequent folded sheet that is nested into the booklet will become
further and further away from the spine. Because each sheet of paper is .005"
thick, the fold line of the second sheet will be .005" from the outer edge of
the spine. The fold line of the third folded sheet will be .010" away from the
spine, the fold line of the fourth folded sheet will be .015" away from the
spine and so on. Because the fold lines are being pushed further and further away from the spine, the open edges of the sheets are also being pushed out further.
The more sheets the booklet contains, the further the innermost
sheets will be from the spine. If you're having trouble visualizing this concept, refer
to the photo of the nested taco shells. Notice how each subsequent shell extends
further and further away from the outermost shell. Page creep is a similar
phenomenon to "taco creep."
![A stack of Taco Shells nested together](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_821877045.png)
Why does Page Creep even Matter?
Even though the pages of a saddle-stitched booklet will be
gradually pushed outward and may produce an uneven "shingled" look along the edge where the pages open, this isn't the primary
issue. It isn't an issue because a final trimming will quickly even up the outer edge of the pages.
The primary issue with creep is that the content on the
pages is being gradually shifted outward. When the open edge of the bound booklet is trimmed straight, more paper is trimmed from the innermost sheets because they are extending further out. This causes the outer margins of the innermost pages to become narrower than the outer
margins of the outermost pages. As a result, the content printed on the innermost pages will be closer to the open edge of the book than originally intended. In
addition to affecting the placement and aesthetics of the main content, this
can imperil page numbers, borders, and other elements located near the trimmed edge.
Page creep isn't as noticeable on saddle-stitched books with
lower page counts, but it can be quite noticeable on books with higher page
counts. Creep is also compounded by thicker paper stocks. The thicker the
stock, the greater the extent of outward creep.
![A stack of Saddle-Stitched Booklets](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_968337717.png)
How is Page Creep Corrected?
Because saddle-stitched books are made from folded sheets nested together, page creep will always occur.
However, the effect of page
creep can be minimized by making very slight margin adjustments to the content on
the book's pages. These adjustments help compensate for page creep by moving
the content in gradual increments toward the booklet's spine. This helps the outer margins of each page appear more uniform in width after the book is trimmed.
Fortunately, adjustments for page creep can be applied automatically
using imposition software so this process doesn't have to be done manually. In most
cases, the graphics department of your selected printing company will perform
this step as part of the pre-press process that occurs before the page artwork is finalized for print production.
Do you have an upcoming Book Project?
Color Vision has been a commercial printer since 1984.
We produce all types of books and booklets including catalogs, manuals, magazines,
comic books, coloring books, workbooks, directories, calendars, and any other type
of multi-page document you might need.
In addition to Saddle Stitch Binding, we also offer Perfect Binding, Spiral Coil Binding, Wire-O Binding and others. Plus, we have digital presses to serve your short run needs as
well as offset presses for producing longer runs. We also offer an extensive
array of finishing options.
If you'd like to receive a quotation for your print project by email,
please complete our quote request form. Or, if you prefer to contact us by
phone, we can be reached at 800-543-6299. As always, we look forward to assisting with your
next print project!
Related Articles
![Colorful Wire-O binding spines and Colorful Spiral binding spines](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_514748069.png)
What is the Difference Between Wire-O and Spiral Binding?
Read This Article
![Page spread of a graphic novel](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_695027516.png)
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Novels
Read This Article
![A stack of custom printed booklets](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_290861925.png)
Custom Booklet Printing: What are Common Booklet Sizes?
Read This Article
![Stacks of page blocks in a print facility ready to be Perfect Bound](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_871098779.png)
Custom Book Printing: Can I Print a Book without Publishing?
Read This Article
![A print shop worker binding a short run of books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_634926339.png)
Short Run Book Printing: The Gateway to Self-Publishing
Read This Article
![Softcover books moving on a conveyor belt in a book manufacturing facility](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_747208499.png)
The Cost of Book Printing: Which Factors affect it the Most?
Read This Article
![A man reading a field guide in the woods](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_572337526.png)
Tips for Printing Outdoor Field Guides and Field Manuals
Read This Article
![The gutter area of a book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_768925941.png)
What is the Gutter of a Book?
Read This Article
![Young female student writes in a workbook](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_360596683.png)
Student Workbook Printing: Choosing the Best Binding Style
Read This Article
![A press operator working in a printing factory](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_661281107.png)
Self-Publishing a Book: How to Choose a Printing Company
Read This Article
![A man holding an open book over two stacks of books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_783626863.png)
Perfect Bound Book Printing: 7 Reasons to Bind with PUR Glue
Read This Article
![A stack of colorful Comic Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_736335967.png)
Comic Book Binding: Exploring the Two Most Popular Methods
Read This Article
![A spelling error being circled in red while Proofreading a document](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_403033029.png)
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Follow These 10 Tips for Proofreading
Read This Article
![Examples of three Book Orientations - Portrait, Landscape, and Square](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_950882539.png)
Choosing a Book Orientation: Portrait vs Landscape vs Square
Read This Article
![Four Spiral Bound books in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_940757847.png)
The Practical Advantages of Spiral Bound Book Printing
Read This Article
![Pages of a Book with Colorful Identifiers for each Section](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_478602339.png)
Consider this clever alternative to traditional Index Tabs
Read This Article
![A book's pages bound with a white Wire-O spine](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_905816922.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Wire-O Binding?
Read This Article
![A Saddle Stitched booklet lying open on a counter](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_709998503.png)
Booklet Printing: 7 Fast Facts about Saddle Stitch Booklets
Read This Article
![Two comb bound books pictured above four spiral bound books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_583194276.png)
Book Printing: Comb Binding vs Spiral Binding
Read This Article
![A young woman reading a Product Assembly Manual](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_404955493.png)
10 Ways to Reduce Printing Costs for Instruction Booklets
Read This Article
![A person holding open a Perfect Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_201192439.png)
Book Printing: How the Margins of a Book enhance Readability
Read This Article
![A young woman reading a Perfect Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_983296242.png)
Perfect Bound Book Printing: Tips for getting the Best Value
Read This Article
![An ISBN number and barcode printed on a blue and red background](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_988097505.png)
Self-Published Books: What is an ISBN number? Do I need one?
Read This Article
![A Spiral Bound book, a Comb Bound book, and a Wire-O Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_238855560.png)
The Most Popular “Punch and Bind” Methods for Creating Books
Read This Article
![A Perfect Bound book made with PUR adhesive](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_221296267.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is PUR Binding?
Read This Article
![Three Comb Bound books with red, blue, and yellow spines](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_203071684.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Comb Binding
Read This Article
![A variety of Saddle Stitched books arranged on a table](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_599729622.png)
What is Saddle Stitch Binding?
Read This Article
![A person reading a Perfect Bound book about food](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_829714912.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Perfect Binding?
Read This Article
![A person reading through a large book with yellow pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_725926279.png)
Requesting a Book Quote: What info will your Printer need?
Read This Article
![An open magazine with a Crossover Image of a fisherman spanning both pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_588745725.png)
Book Printing: What are Crossover Images?
Read This Article
![A variety of softcover books aligned in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_854412213.png)
What is the Spine of a Book?
Read This Article
![A man holding a Self Cover booklet](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_239921700.png)
What is a Self Cover Booklet?
Read This Article
![A stack of Spiral Bound books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_879184807.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Spiral Binding
Read This Article
![Different Book Binding Types placed in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_937230071.png)
The 5 Most Affordable Types of Book Binding
Read This Article
![A stack of Saddle Stitched books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_830848807.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Saddle Stitching
Read This Article
![Pages of a book being flipped to show the Page Numbering](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_107510915.png)
Book Printing: Helpful Advice for Page Numbering
Read This Article
![A stack of four books with Perfect Binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_804553792.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Perfect Binding
Read This Article
![A diagram illustrating the concept of Saddle Stitch Page Creep](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_575256683.png)
Saddle Stitch Binding: What is Creep?
Read This Article
![A book with Wire-O binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_737899897.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Wire-O Binding
Read This Article
![An open book depicting the concept of verso and recto](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_759260051.png)
Printing Terminology: Recto and Verso
Read This Article
![Book pages printed with images and text](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_219754934.png)
Book Printing: How to Provide an Accurate Page Count
Read This Article
![A stack of Perfect Bound and Saddle Stitched Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_959568095.png)
Book Printing: Perfect Binding vs Saddle Stitch
Read This Article
![A tall stack of Perfect Bound Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_734449637.jpeg)
Book Printing: 9 Advantages of Perfect Binding
Read This Article
![A person reading a Comic Book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_859159559.png)
Comic Book Printing: Is there a Standard Comic Book Size?
Read This Article
![A woman reading an Instruction Manual](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_715348956.jpg)
Why is a “Self Cover” Booklet more Economical?
Read This Article
![plastic comb book open](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_918121585.jpeg)
Plastic Comb Books: What does the "Comb" refer to?
Read This Article
![an example of flexible PUR binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_476382951.jpeg)
The Benefits of PUR Binding
Read This Article
![examples of Saddle Stitch Binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_925457180.jpeg)
What is the Best Page Count for Saddle Stitch Binding?
Read This Article