TIL hand-sewn book signatures hold up way better than machine-sewn over a decade

I compared two copies of the same 2013 reference manual I rebound, one with a proper French link stitch and the other with a basic saddle stapler job. The hand-sewn copy is still tight and lays flat while the stapled one is shedding pages and has rust marks everywhere. Has anyone else noticed a major difference between hand vs machine methods on books you actually use frequently?

2 comments

2 Comments

dixon.ryan14d ago

And it's not just the stitching either, it's the whole mindset behind it. I noticed the same thing with a pair of Red Wings I got resoled by a cobbler versus a pair of dress shoes I took to a chain repair shop. The cobbler spent twenty minutes hand stitching the welt and soaking it in conditioner, the chain shop guy just glued a new sole on and called it done. The glued pair started separating within three months, the hand stitched ones are still going strong three years later. It really makes you wonder why we ever stopped doing things the old way when the results are so obviously better.

king.jordan14d ago

It's funny you mention that because I've started noticing this same pattern everywhere now. I have a pair of Levi's I bought five years ago where the seams are still solid because they were chain stitched and bar tacked by hand at the hems, versus a pair from last year where the machine stitching on the belt loops is already pulling loose. Same thing with a wooden chair I fixed myself using glue and dowels instead of just screws, it's still rock solid while my buddy's IKEA stuff wobbles after a year. It's like the time someone puts into making something by hand directly shows up in how long it lasts, you know? Have you seen this with anything else besides books and clothes?