What is a smyth sewn binding and why does it matter?
Smyth (rhymes with blithe) sewn binding is a traditional book binding found in the finest books. The book is created from booklets called signatures which are stitched together (always with thread not staples) and then glued to the cover. This method makes a strong book that will never come apart and allows the book to open flat forever. It is generally reserved for hard cover books. At PhotoBook Press we use linen thread to sew 12 page signatures. Our hard cover books are constructed of many 12 page signatures – which is why your hard cover sewn binding book has a page count that is a multiple of 12.
