Creatives are always looking to employ new or different concepts when it comes to their work, especially print design. Production techniques offer great versatility in any budget. Whether it’s experimenting with different ink colors, coatings, pressure-based techniques or papers, creatives actively seek new production methods.

One of the areas to consider when looking to make your print design standout is bindery.  Bindery is the final stage in the print production process, and the method you choose depends on a few details like size, page count and budget. Bindery methods offer numerous options for creatives beyond the ubiquitous stitched and glued and bindery options commonly used. There are few binding trends in 2019 that are making their way back into the market.

Top Binding Trends in 2019 to Consider for Your Next Print Project

Sewn Options

Perhaps the maker movement has something to do with it but the options in sewn binding trend in 2019 are having a moment. The good news is that as these methods become more popular so will the availability in local markets. Whether it’s Smyth, Singer or hand sewn, creatives love the handcrafted feel this bindery method lends to the finished print piece.

Each of these sewn bindery methods may vary a bit but they all provide a special moment of delight with the visible thread stitching on the spine or side of a catalog, brochure or book. This bindery method is soaring in popularity among stationers (ex. Field Notes, Appointed, Rifle Paper) but brands are getting in on the trend too. Look at the rise in its use in the production of look books and retail catalogs.

Grommets, Eyelets, Posts, Screws

Let’s face it, we all love a little bling. Just look at the popularity of foil stamping and metallic inks. When it comes to conveying durability or strength, there’s nothing like some shiny hardware to excite creatives. Plus, the method is very versatile. And that’s especially beneficial when the project has increasing page counts, or needs to be flexible in format.

There’s a reason Pantone and paint manufacturers use Chicago Screws (posts), they allow for easy fanning out of the pages. We’re also seeing the grommet and eyelet binding trend in 2019 soar in popularity among stationery designers, it is a point of differentiation for wedding or specialty invitations. After all, it’s still relatively new in the stationery world, and creatives (as well as brides-to-be) love that.

Loose Leaf

This method isn’t so much a binding technique as it is a design choice. But we noticed this method gain popularity last year along with the tabloid size format for print collateral, and the two go hand in hand. Simply stated pages are folded and collated or stacked, then inserted into a wrap or self cover, left unbound or loose.

This method works well for lesser page counts (16 – 24 pages) and allows for increased versatility with regards to finished size and budget. We saw this method used a great deal in verticals like hospitality, retail and photography last year and expect it to continue to rise in popularity among brands looking to differentiate their message and garner the attention of millennials.

This is a great example of an oversized brochure created with a loose leaf binding. See more of this feature in our gallery.  To learn more about the Women’s Foundation, visit their website.

Whatever binding technique you’re considering, it’s always a good idea to involve your print rep as early in the process as possible. They can help you determine what will be the best fit for your project given its specs, budget and production timeline.