Forming Signatures

A "signature" is a group of 4 to 6 (or x number) sheets of paper which are folded in half; text is printed on each side. A book is comprised of many signatures piled on top of each other and sewn together through the folded edges.

For binding purposes, an 'ideal' pamphlet consists of one signature with a single center, through which it can be sewn or stapled into a binder. Such a pamphlet can be opened to lie flat. This is the best format, for example, for a music score which can be laid open on a music stand.

If music scores were not originally bound as single signatures, we can disbind them and form the individual sheets into a single signature or into an accordian-style format.

Shown above, are two music scores which have no centers; they are single sheets of paper which were affixed at their sides. The one on the left has been stitched and the one on the right has been stapled together and then covered with tape at the side.

First we disbind them, removing thread, tape and staples.

The stitched score consists of three, separate sheets.

We tape the first and last pages together at the spine edges; weights keep the sheets from sliding around.

The middle page is hinged, with tape, in the center, onto one of the outer pages.