Same sewing machine for cards & fabric?

[weims]

I am starting to want to sew on my cards some, but wondered if people use their "regular" fabric machines on cards, or if you have a separate one. If you do use the same one, does it harm it in any way?

FWIW, I have 2 - an older Brother machine that I've used for fabrics for years and an almost new Janome that was my mom's, so I could definitely use one for each purpose.

[cloizeaux]

Same machine but of course I switch out the needles. I always use a fresh needle for any new sewing (fabric) project. I use a univeral ballpoint for paper. Does not damage the machine in anyway.

[CKMom]

I have a big Janome and I sew on cards all the time. I don't bother to change the needle, but imagine it would be better if I did, but that takes time, lolYou should be fine with either machine sewing cardstock.

[weims]

That is good to know. I may go ahead & sell my older one, or just keep it as a backup to the newer one.

[ladydjd]

I have two different machine, I have the Little Janome for cards and my other for fabric only.

[LastChael]

I was wondering about this too! I make most of my own clothes, plus costumes (for both study purposes and as a hobby) so my sewing machine is very important to me and I can't afford a new one!

You're actually supposed to change your needle after EVERY sewing project because it can damage the machine. I usually take into account the size of my project and the quality of the fabric to know how often. I have a collection of old needles that I use for sewing toiles, so I figured I might be able to use these with paper to get a little more life out of them!

[cloizeaux]

It is also very important to clean your bobbin casing very well. I know that from sewing costumes but just was reading recently (I forget who, so I am unable to give credit) that you wouldn't want paper fibers to gunk up the machine.