Sewing on Cards

[rbright]

Can anyone reccomend a decent sewing machine (mini or regular sized) that I can use to sew on cards? I would like it to do a straight stitch as well as a zig zag pattern. I've seen lots of people do this and LOVE the effect. I really don't want to spend more than about $50 since I don't really know how to sew and am not looking to sew on anything other than cards once in a while.

Thanks!

[countryshoe]

Hands down I recommend the Janome Sew Mini.
I got mine from Hancock Fabrics and you can see it here:
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome...VVviewprod.htm

I'm not a sewer, other than the occasional button so I was a bit nervous about an actual machine but this one is nice, very user friendly and has several stitching options.

I believe this is also the machine that GinaK recommends and has posted a very good tutorial on her blog.
Here's a link to her awesome "Threading the Machine" tutorial, complete with pictures.
http://blog.ginakdesigns.com/2008/02...e-machine.aspx

[scrubbybubbles]

I second that! I bought my Janome at Hancock Fabrics when they were having a sale on them for $39.99. I drove there and bought it. :mrgreen:

Here's a picture of it:

[buggainok]

Me, Three! I have a really nice Singer that I use for sewing clothes, but I bought the Janome Sew-Mini just to use on paper and I love it.

It is really compact and easy to put on my table when I need to use it. My "big" machine is in another room and I didn't want to be going back and forth from my stamping table to the machine.

[krisis]

another vote for the janome sew mini. i've had it for several months cus i was just intimdated by it lol. but started using it last week for a few challenges and now i can't stop. stop by my blog to see my sewing, last few posts.. not too bad for a beginner sewer, right?

[NikiE]

I love my janome sew mini! I got it last year for Christmas and I have used it a ton since then. I use it with PTI's thick cardstock and it does a great job. If something ever happens to mine, I would not hesitate to get another one. :mrgreen:

[allamericanstampers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisis

another vote for the janome sew mini. i've had it for several months cus i was just intimdated by it lol. but started using it last week for a few challenges and now i can't stop. stop by my blog to see my sewing, last few posts.. not too bad for a beginner sewer, right?

:mrgreen: I loved your hero arts owl tag in the gallery - now I actually visited your blog. Very nice! I have a big sewing machine that I never sew on (except for cards these days) but it sure is a pain to pull out.

[rbright]

Thanks everyone! You've made my decision easy! I think I'm going to go out and buy a Janome Sew mini tonight.

[krisis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by allamericanstampers

:mrgreen: I loved your hero arts owl tag in the gallery - now I actually visited your blog. Very nice! I have a big sewing machine that I never sew on (except for cards these days) but it sure is a pain to pull out.

thanks for the kind words gale and allamericanstampers! haha.. i am sky high because the janome sew mini actually helped me win a contest! LOL!

[sprtchick]

I purchased a new one full size at Sears for like $79.99 just for papercrafting...love that machine.
Blessings.

[QueenOfInkland]

Another vote for the Janome Sew Mini. Light as a feather and sews beautifully. Very easy to use. Doesn't take up a lot of space. LOVE it

[Julie in Indy]

I have a Sew Crafty mini machine that is a few years old and though it works, it's not wonderful.

Now I'm wanting a Janome!

[pricecheck]

I use my regular sewing machine to sew on paper.

What size stitch does everyone use for best results...8,10 or 12?

[MWDStamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisis

another vote for the janome sew mini. i've had it for several months cus i was just intimdated by it lol. but started using it last week for a few challenges and now i can't stop. stop by my blog to see my sewing, last few posts.. not too bad for a beginner sewer, right?

OMG I found your blog the other day and bookmarked it caused I loved your sewing. You're a beginner! I am so impressed with your stuff. Your stuff has inspired me to get sewing.

[shastess]

Just found this! I am getting a sewing machine for christmas from my mom for crafting! Mine is a Kenmore on sale for $40 today (black friday)

[stampbystep]

I just posted about this machine, but will again, because I love mine so much! Got it a Walmart and it does 8 stitches. Small, lightweight and portable, too! I think HSN.com has it too...

[planet43]

Does the sew-mini have a reverse option?

Holly

[scrubbybubbles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by planet43

Does the sew-mini have a reverse option?

Holly

If your referring to the Janome sew mini. Yes, it does. BUT! I read somewhere that if your sewing on cards, not to use the reverse setting.

[Gina K. Designs]

I have the Janome sew mini and I love it. I use the reverse option and haven't had a problem but I hadn't heard you weren't supposed to. Oops! LOL!

I have about 5 or so tutorials on my blog with everything from how to thread the machine to sewing on your cards. Hope they help anyone wanting more info.
Hugs,
Gina K.

[Gina K. Designs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

I don't see why you couldn't anyway-it all depends on the look you want. I just pull threads to the back and tape them. If it's on the main front of the card I put a layer of cs on the backside to hide the threads.

I've done that too. It looks nice and clean.

[ilinacrouse]

I just got a SINGER sewing machine from my MIL, I can't wait to try sewing on cards. It'll be an adventure, since last time when I used sewing machine was when I was 16, and that was 14 years ago.