Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I love the stitching I see on cards in the galleries! How are you cardmakers doing this? Is it actual sewing machine stitching or is there a tool or trick I need to know about? I noticed cards that some stitching looks like regular linear stitches, but I saw another that looks like dots. Please share your knowledge!
When I stitch on cards I use my sewing machine. I set the tension looser so that the paper doesn't tear, then pull the loose threads through a stitch hole to the backside of the paper.
Maybe the stitching that looks like dots is just someone using her sewing machine without the thread (or using a paper piercer to poke holes in the paper).
Stitching on cards is so fun! It's another way to attach things without using adhesive. I haven't stitched on a card in a long while, though.
Thanks, Nicole. I agree that it is a fun way to attach things, although I would probably still be using my ATG for fear of tearing. Maybe, big maybe, I will get inspired to drag my machine out of the closet where it has been for years. Decades? I really do like that look!
__________________ Karen
“I gotta go where it’s warm!”
Jimmy Buffett
The following 2 users liked this post by CardCountess:
I think there are a couple of specialised gadgets, possibly one by WRMK, but in general the feedback on those is they are often more trouble to use than they are worth. I use a regular sewing machine. Often I use slightly heavier thread, sold for buttonholes, as it gives more definition. I usually use a clear nylon thread in the bobbin, so that I don't have to have four or five different colours.
Because paper doesn't have the stretch of fabric, it can be hard to get the corners exact, so I often prefer two or threes of wonky stitching, a decorative stitch or zigzag.
We have a tutorial in the Resources section: Sewing On Cards Tutorials at Splitcoaststampers.
I once set a challenge to make a card with NO glue or tape; sewing was much used for attaching layers. In general, while I am primarily a wet glue user, when it comes to attaching a stitched panel to a base I do tend to prefer tape.
I love stitching on cards! I use my sewing machine. I use rayon thread for a shiny look; but, also regular thread for other cards. Be sure to use one needle for your "paper" sewing. Paper dulls the needle.
I am definitely feeling overwhelmed, but so many SCS members are using stitching that I am guessing it maybe isn't as difficult as I am thinking. The idea of the mini sewing machine is appealing due to my lack of space (due totally to my inability to get rid of anything). I do have a paper piercing thingamajig from WRMK, and you are right that it seems more trouble than it is worth. I used it several times when I first got it, but my recollection is that it was not good at going clear through the paper. Thanks, everyone, for the feedback.
I used to sew on cards and sb pages often, sewing machine is dusty now. Two tips:
Use a long stitch length, stitches close together act like perforations and a paper will tear.
Do not backstitch at the end of a row, sew to the edge then leave enough thread for tying a knot or
taping the ends to the backside of cs.
Maybe it's time to dust of the ol' Brother!
Mary Beth
The following 2 users liked this post by lutheran:
I keep forgetting to use this technique! Your post is an awesome reminder! It's been a while, so I would have to practice again. lol...I have seen some adorable faux stitching on cards too.
one thing about it, if you are going to use your real machine for fabric and paper. ( not one of the toy ones that will not back up and lock the stitches) you will want to have a needle you dedicate to using on paper as it will dull the sharpness of it really fast/more so than using the needle on fabric.
I tend to use a piece of scotch tape on the backside of the panels that were sewn together to keep it from flashing out the sides too.
oh and I really like this for wrapping lace and ribbons around a panel so, I use the scotch tape to hold it in place, and be sure to keep the glue out of the path you know you are going to run the stitches through, so move your what ever temp adhesive in from the edge a little bit.
I am an avid crafter and teach several types of papercraft. Please google "Embroidery on Paper" or "Ornare". They have amazing examples and also AMAZING templates that you can pierce and then sew or just leave the pierced dots as images. ENJOY!!
I'm old school too, but I love getting new ideas...and all the examples are stitched by hand.
I like these two sites (and many more) for their ideas....you can do as much or as little as you wish.
I love the stitching I see on cards in the galleries! How are you cardmakers doing this? Is it actual sewing machine stitching or is there a tool or trick I need to know about? I noticed cards that some stitching looks like regular linear stitches, but I saw another that looks like dots. Please share your knowledge!
I machine stitch on almost all my cards. About ten years ago I bought a $99.00 Kenmore sewing machine from Sears. It basically has straight stitch and zigzag stitch options. I have only used this sewing machine all these years for sewing on my cards, not fabric sewing ever. I have used the same needle for years, maybe changing it once. I only use Gutterman 100% Polyester thread which I purchase at JoAnns. The designer paper I sew on has a couple of tiny pieces of tape gun tape on the back of it to keep it from sliding around when I am stitching. . Place the tiny piece of tape in the middle of the backside of the designer paper and never around the edges because you do not want the machine stitching to ever go through sticky tape. In the beginning I wasn't the best at getting the perfect result but I kept practicing, and practicing. Don't give up. I love the stitched look on my cards and will probably always continue doing that. Hope this helps.
Kerry2 on SCS
I machine stitch on almost all my cards. About ten years ago I bought a $99.00 Kenmore sewing machine from Sears. It basically has straight stitch and zigzag stitch options. I have only used this sewing machine all these years for sewing on my cards, not fabric sewing ever. I have used the same needle for years, maybe changing it once. I only use Gutterman 100% Polyester thread which I purchase at JoAnns. The designer paper I sew on has a couple of tiny pieces of tape gun tape on the back of it to keep it from sliding around when I am stitching. . Place the tiny piece of tape in the middle of the backside of the designer paper and never around the edges because you do not want the machine stitching to ever go through sticky tape. In the beginning I wasn't the best at getting the perfect result but I kept practicing, and practicing. Don't give up. I love the stitched look on my cards and will probably always continue doing that. Hope this helps.
Kerry2 on SCS
I missed the email notifying me of your post, Kerry. Thank you so much for the both the detail and for the boost of confidence. I may just have to get a cards- only sewing machine!
I was going to say Spellbinders too...they keep releasing new dies you can stitch...just search on "stitched".
I think some of them are in their clearance section too...and right now I think they are taking an additional 15% off that? Might have ended already but the buys are still good.
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
I like to design my own SVGs to sell via Etsy and I buy “craft cord” which is way less than embroidery floss and just as pretty! Oh and self-threading needles.
I used to sew on my cards from time to time, but it's a pain to bring out my sewing machine. So now I have a few die sets from Spellbinders from their Stitching line of dies. Here is one my Christmas cards.
I went on Amazon and got a huge bundle of embroidery floss. Mid-grade quality, but perfect for cards.
Stitching on cards
