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?
What machine do you use to stitch on your cards? I have never been much on stitching and I know it isn't currently in vogue right now...but what do you use? Your regular sewing machine? A small machine just for cards?
I use my regular sewing machine. Different needle for paper/cardstock and you need to clean it regularly as the paper creates a lot of internal lint. Just a bit of maintenance when changing the bobbin should do, shouldn't take but a few more seconds of time.
I use a Janome Sew Mini. I sew on a regular basis so I don't like having to swap out needle/thread every time I want to sew on a card.
I have access to 2 sewing machines and am seriously thinking of setting one up for paper and one for fabric. That is if my mother hasn't donated one. She is good at that!
I use my regular sewing machine and have a dedicated "paper only" needle. I have to swap out needles all the time, anyway (different sizes for different fabric weights), so it's no big deal to me. I do need to get a table of some sort in my room so I can leave it up, though - it's a pain to drag out and put away all the time...
The Janome Sew Mini is a great little machine for sewing on paper. Here is a link to Hancocks, where they sell it. The price is $49.99, which is pretty cheap for a sewing machine.
I have two sewing machines and I do not sew. Sewing for Dummies must have had me in mind. Do you use a certain needle size for sewing on paper? And, how about thread?
I haven't tried the Janome, but I have had two other little machines that just didn't work well, so I bought a cheap Singer at Walmart. I use whatever needle they recommended for the machine and regular thread. Really if you have a dark thread and white, you should be good to go. I have other colors, but it's more of a pain switching out so I usually use those two the most. The bobbin thread doesn't matter since it's under the card.
If you have trouble sewing on paper, there are a couple of things you can do. First and easiest is to slow down. Next, be sure your machine is threaded correctly and the bobbin is inserted properly. If that doesn't work, try a larger needle. Size 80 Universal is the "standard" but there are other types and sizes of needles. A size 90 is for heavier thread and will make a larger hole as it punctures the paper. If you use metallic thread, be sure to use a metallic needle. It will prevent the thread from shredding as you sew.
I could go into an entire discourse, but there is all kinds of information on the internet on which needles are appropriate for different fabrics. You may have to experiment on paper, but if your machine is threaded properly, any problems are probably related to the needle and/or thickness of thread.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
The Janome Sew Mini is a great little machine for sewing on paper. Here is a link to Hancocks, where they sell it. The price is $49.99, which is pretty cheap for a sewing machine.
I use the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy I considered getting a cheap Singer but knew I'd never want to keep dragging it out and putting it back. The Sew Easy works pretty darn well, especially on small cards as you need steady strong hands for a super straight line (though I've made a virtue of the wonky wavy line).
I'm somewhat sad that sewing is not "trendy" anymore. Never mind: I think it's a classic embellishment.
I use the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy I considered getting a cheap Singer but knew I'd never want to keep dragging it out and putting it back. The Sew Easy works pretty darn well, especially on small cards as you need steady strong hands for a super straight line (though I've made a virtue of the wonky wavy line).
I'm somewhat sad that sewing is not "trendy" anymore. Never mind: I think it's a classic embellishment.
Scary thought of needing steady hands....I don't. :o
Wavy lines might be all I can do ;)
Which is why I don't sew clothes....I always was ripping out seams. LOL
I use the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy I considered getting a cheap Singer but knew I'd never want to keep dragging it out and putting it back. The Sew Easy works pretty darn well, especially on small cards as you need steady strong hands for a super straight line (though I've made a virtue of the wonky wavy line).
I'm somewhat sad that sewing is not "trendy" anymore. Never mind: I think it's a classic embellishment.
Your post reminded me of a technique that looks pretty much like stitching. You use your paper piercer to make holes and then connect them with a fine line marker. If you are going down the edge of your card, you can use a ruler or straight edge to do it
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Scary thought of needing steady hands....I don't. :o
Wavy lines might be all I can do ;)
Which is why I don't sew clothes....I always was ripping out seams. LOL
Sometimes I can't even cut paper straight with a paper cutter! I'm pretty hopeless � I've just made a virtue of all of it. Luckily, I believe in the wabi-sabi philosophy
That's right, bugga, I did that pierced holes and pen technique a while ago and it looks pretty good! I need to get a new white pen. I also have some Technique Tuesday stitch border stamps that I need to drag out and start using again...
Sometimes I can't even cut paper straight with a paper cutter! I'm pretty hopeless � I've just made a virtue of all of it. Luckily, I believe in the wabi-sabi philosophy
That's right, bugga, I did that pierced holes and pen technique a while ago and it looks pretty good! I need to get a new white pen. I also have some Technique Tuesday stitch border stamps that I need to drag out and start using again...
poppy darling I forgot I have those same Technique Tuesday stamps. Got to find those suckers.
I am there with you with the straight cutting as well.
Stitching on Cards
