Bookbinding

What kind of binding is done at Brewer Cantelmo?

We specialize in over sewing also known as library binding. This is different from perfect binding and different from smythe sewing. Stitches are placed into your pages 1” apart. This is an incredibly strong and long-lasting style of bookbinding utilized for maximum durability. We also hand-stitch bound books when the pages are old or fragile. However, you may request this hand-stitched service for any book.

What are the margins?

3/16” of the page will be buried in the left margin from the stitching. Please make sure your margins are sized and your page is spaced appropriately especially if you have any 2-page spreads.

What materials are available?

We typically use library buckram, an industry standard cloth for bookbinding – it is very reasonable priced, stamps beautifully, and it is incredibly durable. Any material we offer can be used for our bound books though.

What are end sheets? Can i supply my own?

In an over sewn bound book, the end sheets are glued to the front of the supplied pages and then glued into the front and back cover – this is how the pages are held in place. Our standard end leaf is 65 lb. white cover stock, but we can use any heavy text weight paper or light cover weight stock. We can also make a turned panel lining to sit on top of the end leaf. Of course you may supply your own as long as the specifications work for our bookbinding process.

What stamping is available?

We will typeset text for you on the front cover, spine, and/or back cover. We have many fonts available in many point sizes – in both upper and lower case. Gold and silver are the most popular foil colors, but we have hundreds of colors available. We can also stamp your custom logo on the book.

What does the headband do?

The headband is simply for decoration. It is a standard design applied to the top and bottom of your pages on the edge in the spine to add a little decoration to the interior of the book. Please call to discuss what color combinations are currently in stock and what sizes will work if you want to supply your own.

Is there a minimum quantity?

There is no minimum quantity although price breaks do take effect around 5 – depending on a few factors. The smallest order we accept is 1 book and the maximum order we have produced is in the thousands – each made by hand one at a time.