saddle stitch binding

Quick and easy. Go-to technique for single-signature notebooks.

1. Fold ~15 sheets of paper in half and bundle them all together to form a signature. If using a cover, fold it in half and place it at the bottom
2. Align all the sheets and, using an awl, punch five evenly spaced holes through all sheets at the centerfold
3. Pass the needle through the center (3rd) hole, from the inside-out. Come back inside through the 2nd hole, and back out through the first.
4. Continue sewing, going back down through the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th holes
5. Keep sewing, going back up and ending at the 3rd hole, on the outside of the book
6. On the back of the spine, tie a knot around the stitches and pass the needle back through the center hole
7. Finish by pulling the knot inside the book and cut the excess thread.
8. Optional: Trim the excess paper using a utility knife

Note: this technique also works with more stitches, as long as you make an odd number of holes.