machine stitching on cards

[kdotr]

When stitching ribbon or cardstock onto cardfronts, what do you do with the loose threads at each end? Backstitching didn't look so good. This is my first time trying this technique using my sewing machine. Thanks.

[stamp_momma]

If there is only one thread on top, I trim it off as close as I can to the cardstock. If the project is for something special, I might put the tiniest speck of ZipDry on the snip to keep it from sliding thru.

If both threads are on top (zigzag or borders), I tie the two threads in a knot and clip as close as I can.

Sometimes I will put clear (scotch) tape on the backside to hold the end of the stitching in place.

[CareBear5]

I put tape or an old sticker on the back to hold the stitching in place.

[scrubbybubbles]

I have this happen all the time and what I do is....I feed the tail end of the thread that's sticking out on the front of the card, back through the last hole I made with the stitch. This isn't always easy and can be frustrating but, ends up giving some nice results. Then, I just scotch tape both ends to the back of the card. HTH!

[blondie090277]

The very easiest way to do this is flip your piece over and grab the thread on the bottom. Give it a little yank and it will pull part of the thread through the back of the card. Grab a needle or piercing tool and pull the rest of the thread all the way through the back. Secure with a piece of tape and your done. Clean and simple and fairly quick to do Hope that helps!

[Crafts]

I don't backstitch on cardstock. On each end, from the back, I pull the bobbin thread. That will form a small loop of the top thread, which can be pulled through to the back. Then I tape both ends down and clip the excess thread close to the tape.

ETA: This is a popular "thread." Two others posted while I was typing.

[Ellibelle]

Like some others, I just pull the thread to the back and use a piece of tape to secure it.

[kdotr]

thanks everyone, this has been very helpful!!

[KittyKumar]

And.... don't forget the ever popular and useful embellishment to cover up whatever you don't want to see!!

[steubner]

Originally Posted by KittyKumar

And.... don't forget the ever popular and useful embellishment to cover up whatever you don't want to see!!

That's my MO!

[sprtchick]

I also use scotch tape to hold in place on the back...
Blessings.

[stamp luvr]

I pull to the back too, using the bobbin thread and tape in place. Stitching on a card is like top stitching on a garment...back stitching is a no-no.

[BevMom]

All great suggestions so far!
I would also suggest this classic tutorial from Julia Stainton:
A Machine Stitching on Paper Tutorial

[identicaltriplets]

Originally Posted by Crafts

I don't backstitch on cardstock. On each end, from the back, I pull the bobbin thread. That will form a small loop of the top thread, which can be pulled through to the back. Then I tape both ends down and clip the excess thread close to the tape.

ETA: This is a popular "thread." Two others posted while I was typing.

I do the same thing--pull my thread from the front through to the back but what I do differently from everyone else is that I tie a knot. It's SUPER tiny, and I trim closely. No tape needed! Works great for me!

[sisterlala]

Identical triplets?!!!! I am amazed you find any time for stamping. I salute you!

[queenoe]

Wow what different methods! I leave the end long enough so that I can thread it through a needle and slip it through the last hole to the back, then I tie a knot and clip it. Kinda like when you embroider. I tried other methods and just can't make them work.

[FallnPetal]

Originally Posted by steubner

That's my MO!

Midlothian! I had a dear friend teach in Midlothian for years!

[snowcountry311]

could someone tell me the best little machine to buy. i won't use it for anything but this. as sadly i'm not a sewer.
i own a machine and a serger(3 threads) but i don't even know how to thread them. sad i know

[NikiE]

Originally Posted by identicaltriplets

I do the same thing--pull my thread from the front through to the back but what I do differently from everyone else is that I tie a knot. It's SUPER tiny, and I trim closely. No tape needed! Works great for me!

I do the same thing as Patter. Pull it through and tie a knot.

[NikiE]

Originally Posted by snowcountry311

could someone tell me the best little machine to buy. i won't use it for anything but this. as sadly i'm not a sewer.
i own a machine and a serger(3 threads) but i don't even know how to thread them. sad i know

I have a Janome Sew Mini and love it. I've had it since Dec 07 and I use it all the time. It's still going strong. I use it only for paper crafting.

[Rebecca Ednie]

I think you get the best results by pulling through and tying. You can also pull both threads to the back and glue them but tying is quicker and easier.

[Rebecca Ednie]

Originally Posted by snowcountry311

could someone tell me the best little machine to buy. i won't use it for anything but this. as sadly i'm not a sewer.
i own a machine and a serger(3 threads) but i don't even know how to thread them. sad i know

If you already have a machine, don't buy a mini! They thread basically the same anyways. Go online and get your machine's manual or go to the local repair shop and see if they have a basic class you can take. As the man with the accent says, "save your money!"

[identicaltriplets]

Originally Posted by sisterlala

Identical triplets?!!!! I am amazed you find any time for stamping. I salute you!

Agh, they are 14 1/2 now so it's definitely much easier. Now we just have LOTS of fun!

And as far as a machine, I have heard there are a couple that Wal-Mart sells that are good. I also sew so I have my nice quilting machine I use. I think it's been used more on paper than on fabric lately though.

[kdotr]

Isn't it funny that "identicaltriplets" is the one tying the knot on her thread!! I have no excuse....just 13yo girl and 10yo boy, dog and 2 cats.

Re sewing machine, I use my daughter's Babylock Denim Pro. Very simple, basic machine. We have been making tote bags and pillows together (I am not an advanced sewer..I think it skipped a generation). But, now my needle will be seeing more paper vs. fabric too!!

Thanks for all these great tips!!

[Crafts]

Originally Posted by snowcountry311

could someone tell me the best little machine to buy. i won't use it for anything but this. as sadly i'm not a sewer.
i own a machine and a serger(3 threads) but i don't even know how to thread them. sad i know

I also picked up a Janome Sew Mini to dedicate to cardstock. I wasn't willing to risk my good sewing machine after reading some earlier posts explaining the problems that sewing on paper can cause.

GinaK's blog has some great info on the Janome. Look for the Sewing links in the left column, under Tutorials: http://blog.ginakdesigns.com/2008/02...e-machine.aspx

[SnowyAK]

I too pull the thread to the back and tie a tiny little knot and trim close to it.

Originally Posted by identicaltriplets

I do the same thing--pull my thread from the front through to the back but what I do differently from everyone else is that I tie a knot. It's SUPER tiny, and I trim closely. No tape needed! Works great for me!

[SnowyAK]

Originally Posted by snowcountry311

could someone tell me the best little machine to buy. i won't use it for anything but this. as sadly i'm not a sewer.
i own a machine and a serger(3 threads) but i don't even know how to thread them. sad i know

I use my good old singer that I use to quilt with. I just change the needle out when I'm going to sew a new fabric project.

[queenoe]

I have a Janome Mini Sew also and I really like it. Whatever you do DON'T buy the one Wal Mart sells. I bought the Singer Mini from Wal Mart and it was awful. I returned it and bought the Janome online when I saw a good sale. You would think the name Singer would be a good product but it was cheap plastic and wouldn't sew after about 10 minutes. I have a regular sewing machine but hated carting it out to sew a project. The Janome sits on my desk in front of me and I just pull it forward to sew. Easy Peasy!