How to Select the Binding For Your Guest Book

There are several different methods of stab stitching a guest book or photo album.  But the question for today is, how do you decided which stitch design best suits your guest book?

Four Hole Binding

First of all, I just want to say that size matters.  The smaller the book, the less room to get real detailed and fancy.  Usually for a 5.5" x 8.5" album or even a 8" x 8" I highly recommend a simple four hole stab stitch design like the book in the photo above.

Hemp Leaf Binding

When you move up to a larger book, like a 8" x 10" or 8.5" x 11" for example, then my custom guest books are stitched in the Hemp Leaf Binding design as you see in the photo. 

However, ever once in a while, I'll also use the Tortoise Shell design like this photo below.

Tortoise Shell Binding

Three things to keep in mind when you choose your binding.

1. Size

2. Formal or informal occasion

3. Color.

I've already explained above how size matters.  The next thing you want to keep in mind is the occasion.  If it's informal, keep your binding simple.  If it's formal, hemp leaf binding is more appropriate. And, if it's elegant I'd go with the tortoise shell binding. But it's your book, you decide.

Lastly, I know what your thinking. What does color have to do with it?  Well, ask yourself, do you want your binding to stand out and be an accent? or do you want it to blend in? The more fancier the binding of your guest book, the more the color and design are going to stand out and be noticed.