Method for operating a thread stitching machine

A thread stitching machine for carrying out a method for processing printed sheets into book blocks, the thread stitching machine comprising:

• at least one transporting system for the printed sheets;
• at least one sewing station having an active connection to at least one stitching saddle, the at least one stitching saddle having an active connection to the at least one transporting system
• wherein the at least one transporting system is configured to supply the printed sheets to be processed in the at least one sewing station in at least one of a substantially vertical and a substantially horizontal plane relative to the stitching saddle, at least the printed sheets in the substantially vertical plane being supplied directly onto the at least one stitching saddle or to a region of the at least one stitching saddle, and the printed sheets being supplied to the at least one sewing station resting astride the at least one stitching saddle.