Elevate Your Zines: Pamphlet Stitch & Alternative Binding Techniques
Looking to upgrade from staples? This easy, needle-and-thread method is a durable, archival alternative that adds charm and structure to your zines.
Whether you’re producing a single copy or binding a whole batch, the pamphlet stitch is a classic and effective technique that blends functionality with a handmade aesthetic. In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step.
Why Go Beyond Staples?
Stapling is fast and easy, but it isn’t built to last. Over time, standard staples can tear paper, corrode, and leave rust stains that spread through your work. If you do use staples, we recommend stainless steel staples, like Monel Staples. These resist corrosion even in challenging environments and are a great upgrade from standard office staples. Still, for those who want to give their zines a handcrafted finish—without complicating the process—the pamphlet stitch is an excellent choice.
What Is a Pamphlet Stitch?
The pamphlet stitch is a simple 3-hole sewing method used to bind folded sheets of paper. It’s ideal for zines, chapbooks, small booklets, and any project where a clean, hand-sewn spine adds to the experience. Unlike metal staples, which can rust, tear, or stain over time, a sewn binding—especially when using waxed linen thread—is sturdy and archival.
Materials You’ll Need:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prep Your Thread
Measure and cut a length of thread about 4–5 times the height of your zine.
Step 2: Punch Holes
With your zine folded, use a ruler to mark three holes along the spine:
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One in the center
One about 1 cm from the top
One about 1 cm from the bottom
Punch through all layers at those marks using your awl.
Step 3: Start Stitching Thread your needle. Begin from the inside and bring the needle out through the center hole, leaving a 2" tail inside. Step 4: Stitch Outer Holes Go into the top hole from outside, then out the bottom hole from the inside, skipping the center hole. Pull gently to snug the thread without warping the paper. Step 5: Return to Center Re-enter through the center hole from the outside. You’ll now have both thread ends inside the zine. |  |
Step 6: Tie Off and Trim
Tie a double knot using the tail you left in Step 3. Snip off any excess thread—and you’re done!
Download the Printable Zine
Want a hands-on way to practice this stitch or teach it to others? We’ve created a printable mini-zine version of this guide. Just print, cut, fold, and follow along!
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Why Choose the Pamphlet Stitch?
Besides looking great, a sewn binding has key preservation benefits:
No metal = no rust, no staining
Threads won’t tear through paper like staples might
Ideal for small editions, artist books, and archival storage
Stay tuned for more posts in our “Elevate Your Zines” series—covering creative covers, archival paper tips, and more ways to make your work stand the test of time.
