Heftungen

Heftungen (from the German heften, to tack or pin) is a term used in German-speaking crafts and publishing to refer to stitches or tacks that temporarily hold pieces together or to form a durable binding. The concept covers both sewing techniques and bookbinding methods, where the aim is either provisional alignment or a long-lasting structure.

In sewing and textiles, Heftungen are lightweight, long-running stitches used to fix fabric edges, seam allowances, pleats, or appliqués in place before final stitching. They are typically placed on the wrong side, exert minimal tension, and are designed to be easily removed. Common forms include the running baste stitch and longer hand-basting stitches; machine baste stitches may be used for quick tacking in seams or hems.

In bookbinding and publishing, Heftung refers to the process of sewing printed sheets (signatures) together to form a book block. This thread-based binding can involve stitching along fold lines or through holes, creating a durable spine structure that may later be glued or further finished. Traditional hand binding uses sections sewn with linen or cotton thread, often before attaching the cover. Modern variations include saddle-stitch binding, a simplified form used for magazines and pamphlets.

Historically, Heftungen have played a central role in both textiles and publishing, enabling precise assembly without immediate permanent fixation. The term remains common in crafts manuals, pattern instructions, and binding notes, where it distinguishes temporary tacking from final stitching. See also: baste, basting stitch, bookbinding, Fadenheftung.