Traditionally a Japanese binding, this binding style features a stack of single sheets instead of signatures, decoratively sewn together along one edge. The phrase “stab binding” comes from the holes stabbed along one edge of the text block which the thread is woven through. Because the stitching is visible in this binding, it allows for great variation in style depending on the pattern and detail applied to the stitching. This binding style is good for text weight papers as the spine does not allow the text block to open flat and thicker papers become stiff when the book is opened.