Binding Types Reference

Every option in Shelvd's Binding dropdown. This field records how the book is structurally held together, not what the outside is covered in.

Cover Type Versus Binding

Choose Cover Type for the material and outer form: full calf, publisher's cloth, wrappers, half morocco. Choose Binding for the construction method: sewn, perfect bound, spiral, stab-bound.

If the construction is not visible, leave the field blank or choose the most conservative option. Do not infer sewing, cords, or adhesive from prestige alone.

Non-Adhesive Binding

Dropdown option	Alias	Use when
Pamphlet stitch bound	-	A single gathering is sewn through the fold, usually through three, five, or seven holes.
Stab-binding	Japanese binding	Single sheets are sewn through holes near the spine edge.
Long stitch bound	Medieval limp binding	Signatures and cover are sewn together through slots or holes in the cover.
Coptic binding	-	Exposed spine sewing uses chain-like stitches between gatherings.
Piano hinge binding	Skewer binding	Pins or rods pass through alternating tabs to make a hinge.
Compound binding	-	More than one binding structure is combined, such as dos-a-dos or concertina formats.
Secret Belgian binding	-	Separate front, back, and spine boards are joined by exposed sewing.
Spiral binding	Wire binding	Pages are held by wire or plastic coils through punched holes.
Screw-post binding	-	Loose pages or leaves are held between boards by posts or screws.

Adhesive Binding

Dropdown option	Alias	Use when
Perfect binding	Paperback binding	Individual leaves are glued at the spine; common in paperbacks.
Bound on boards	-	Cardboard covers are attached without a cardboard spine; endpapers connect the boards.
Case binding	Case wrapped book	The text block and cover case are made separately, then joined; common in modern hardcovers.
German binding	Bradel binding	A rounded, cord-sewn structure with deep grooves at the hinges.
French binding	-	The outside hinge is visible and the boards sit close to the shoulder.
English binding	Classic binding	Thick sewing supports create real raised bands visible on the spine.
Springback binding	Ledger binding	The spine springs open so the book lies flat, common in ledgers.
Overcast block sewed	Whip stitch	A glued spine is drilled or punched, then whip-stitched.
Sewn binding	-	Gatherings are sewn through the fold and then attached at the spine.

Mechanical Binding

Dropdown option	Alias	Use when
Saddle stitching	-	Folded sheets are stapled through the fold, common in booklets and magazines.
Staple bound	-	Stacked sheets are stapled through the side edge rather than the fold.

Unbound

Dropdown option	Use when
Loose leaves	Leaves are not bound, but are housed loose in a folder, portfolio, box, or similar enclosure.

What To Put In Notes

Use notes for evidence and uncertainty: visible sewing, cracked adhesive, oversewn repair, replaced endpapers, recasing, or "binding structure not inspected."