In Stitches

[lantana]

Some cards appear to have layers "stitched." How do you do that?

[jukie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lantana

Some cards appear to have layers "stitched." How do you do that?

It depends is the honest answer


some crafters actually use a sewing machine and sew the layers
some crafters use 'faux stitching' with pen marks
some crafters use stamps that look like stitching
so crafters hand sew...


do you have a card in mind and we can have a look?

[lantana]

Thank you for your reply. I don't currently have a card in the works using this technique. I was just really curious about how it's done. I've seen pictures of cards using this technique and thought it looked really neat. Hey, you just reminded me that I have a very old SU stamp that looks like stitching. Totally forgot I have it, I'll have to go find it. Thanks!

[buggainok]

Another way to make "faux stitching" is to paper pierce the holes, and then join the holes with a marker line, so it looks like a stitch.

I recently saw a tip that you can buy a tracing wheel in the sewing section, use a ruler, and make great tiny holes in a line for this technique.

[lantana]

When you say "paper pierce", does that basically mean to poke little holes?

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lantana

When you say "paper pierce", does that basically mean to poke little holes?

Yes, exactly. There are lots of ways to do it, and many "guides" available to pierce the holes evenly. Here is a basic tutorial to get the idea:

Splitcoaststampers - Tutorials

Some folks just free hand a design in pencil, pierce holes on the pencil line, and then erase the pencil line. Here is an example of that technique:

Mel Stampz: Paper piercing (aka faux stitching): Tutorials & Lots of links

[SkyNacho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lantana

Thank you for your reply. I don't currently have a card in the works using this technique. I was just really curious about how it's done. I've seen pictures of cards using this technique and thought it looked really neat. Hey, you just reminded me that I have a very old SU stamp that looks like stitching. Totally forgot I have it, I'll have to go find it. Thanks!

I think she was asking if there was a particular card you were looking AT (not working on), so we could try to tell you what technique had been used on that particular card.

[eyestitch]

I would like some tips on using a sewing machine to sew on cards

[javagirl984]

I use a sewing machine.

eyestitch: I know that Gina K has some videos on her StampTV site that demonstrate sewing on cards. The site URL is stamptv.com.

[jenmitchell]

Lil’ Inker Designs makes dies that will cut a rectangle with a faux stitch border. She has square dies too. I just bought them and I love them!

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyestitch

I would like some tips on using a sewing machine to sew on cards

If you are sewing a line around the edge of a card stock layer, you can use the machine foot or the markings on the machine to make sure your stay the same distance from the edge. (See Layered)

If you are doing a fancy line, you can lightly draw the line you want and sew along that. (See Sewn)

You can also do the same thing with a zig zag stitch (See Many Ribbons)

These examples may not be the best, but I'm on vacation and doing this by memory.

[eyestitch]

what size needle do you like to use?

[jeanne3579]

My needle size is 70, but not sure how that translates to other machines. I use an all purpose type and reserve the needle for paper only, as I also sew a lot.

[Rebecca Ednie]

A 70 or 80 standard needle is best. You definitely don't want a ballpoint, microtec, large hole, quilting or any other specialty needle. Any larger and you risk the bottom thread coming up from the bottom and showing which looks odd especially with a zigzag stitch. If the bottom thread still shows, loosen (lower number) the tension. If your zigzag looks like a long skinny zigzag that sits away from the holes with threads joining it to the holes, that means the tension is off. Lower it until it looks normal again. If you go below 2, then your machine needs servicing. Save this needle for paper and change it every 20 projects or so.

Use regular sewing thread and avoid cheap, crappy thread which may seem like a deal but will break more often, create more fuzz meaning more cleanings both by you and professionally and can even cause problems with the mechanics of your machine.

Avoid the use of adhesive in areas where you will be sewing. Adhesive on the needle can stick to the thread and affect the timing and stick to the fuzz inside the machine causing issues deep inside the machine requiring more frequent professional cleanings.

Changing the stitches can look really nice so consider lengthening straight stitches. Zigzags can be both lengthened/shortened or widened/narrowed so play with settings to get a look you like.

Be careful when stitching with the majority of a card towards the inner part of the machine. Since Cardstock doesn't bend like fabric, it can get caught which may either rip your paper or jink your stitching or both. There should be room to gently curve the paper out of the way so stitch slowly and pay attention on that side.

It can be hard to know when to turn when stitching corners. Before starting to stitch, mark a small line or dot where you want to turn to make finding the right spot easier.

If you like a clean look on he inside of you card, stitch on the layers only even if they aren't sewn to anything or choose bobbin thread that matches your base Cardstock.

I like to bring my thread tails to the back and tie them to secure. Some people like to tape them but I don't like using cheap tape which isn't acid free on my cards. You could try washi tape if you like or place a strip of DP with tape runner on the back. To bring thread tails to the back you can thread them into a needle and push that through the last hole, I prefer a self threading needle for this especially if I haven't left a very long tail. Or you can tug on the back thread which will pull the top thread to the back in the form of a tiny loop. Pull on this loop only and it will come through so you can tie it.

[eyestitch]

Wow, Rebecca, that is a great tutorial on sewing. Thanks for taking the time to write that all out.

[gobarb26]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

I use a sewing machine. I bought a little cheap one just for cards (janome sew mini) but a regular machine is fine too. I just hate having to switch out needle and thread so I wanted the separate machine (do not ask me how many sewing machines I have or if I have yet another one on my wish list either).

Too Funny!

[weims]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

(do not ask me how many sewing machines I have or if I have yet another one on my wish list either).

We all have our secrets. I haven't counted lately as I really don't want to know how many sewing machines I have. Let's just say enough. For now. :grin:

[hafsa48]

Thanks so much for these ideas! I can't wait to use them

[fairysale]

I saw an idea on pinterest recently where the line you want to sew on was scored with a tool. That made me want to try this, and I will when I have some spare time.

Ladies, has any of you ever used a leather needle? It CUTS the leather, so I thought maybe its a good idea to use it on heavy cardstock? I have to try this, but maybe some of you already did.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairysale

I saw an idea on pinterest recently where the line you want to sew on was scored with a tool. That made me want to try this, and I will when I have some spare time.

Ladies, has any of you ever used a leather needle? It CUTS the leather, so I thought maybe its a good idea to use it on heavy cardstock? I have to try this, but maybe some of you already did.

I've never tried it, but it might destroy something like card stock, even if it is heavy. I would definitely try it on a scrap first.

[missiowa81]

I bought a Janome Sew Mini *just* for sewing on cards. I use the needle that came with it--it's a pretty standard size with replacements available at an average fabric store. It will sew through 2 layers of cardstock without any problems.

I've also used it on some other small craft projects, like felt Christmas ornaments. I like the Janome because it's small, lightweight, and takes up very little space. I can pull it out, have it threaded, and be ready to sew in a minute. (I don't have a full size sewing machine.)

Here are a couple of card samples.

Using zigzag stitch


Using combination straight and zigzag stitch. I sewed kinda wonky on purpose, to give it a shabby chic look. :p

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by missiowa81

I bought a Janome Sew Mini *just* for sewing on cards. I use the needle that came with it--it's a pretty standard size with replacements available at an average fabric store. It will sew through 2 layers of cardstock without any problems.

I've also used it on some other small craft projects, like felt Christmas ornaments. I like the Janome because it's small, lightweight, and takes up very little space. I can pull it out, have it threaded, and be ready to sew in a minute. (I don't have a full size sewing machine.)

Here are a couple of card samples.

Using zigzag stitch
Attachment 272640

Using combination straight and zigzag stitch. I sewed kinda wonky on purpose, to give it a shabby chic look. :p
Attachment 272639

Would love to see your cards, but I can't access them. Any suggestions?

[missiowa81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

Would love to see your cards, but I can't access them. Any suggestions?

:confused: They're embedded in the post. You should see the thumbnail and be able to click on them to enlarge them. Unless you're using a phone or something other than a real computer to read this? I'm afraid I'm not that tech savvy. lol

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by missiowa81

:confused: They're embedded in the post. You should see the thumbnail and be able to click on them to enlarge them. Unless you're using a phone or something other than a real computer to read this? I'm afraid I'm not that tech savvy. lol

Beautiful cards! There were no thumbnails the first time I looked at your post, just the lines that show in my last post. No predicting computers!

[missiowa81]

I bet it was just a timing issue. My first thumbnails were too small, so I went back in to edit my post and deleted the first attachments to replace them with larger ones. Maybe you were trying to look at my post while I was editing. (I didn't expect too many people to be reading at this time of night. lol)

[jeanne3579]

My timing has never been good. I've been know to be on SCS in the wee hours. Actually, it is only 10:15 PM now, so not so late for me. Thanks for clearing up the problem.

[fairysale]

Quote:

Originally Posted by missiowa81

Using combination straight and zigzag stitch. I sewed kinda wonky on purpose, to give it a shabby chic look. :p
Attachment 272639

Oh! I love the contrast between the zigzag and straight. It gives an artistic touch, very pretty one

[missiowa81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairysale

Oh! I love the contrast between the zigzag and straight. It gives an artistic touch, very pretty one

Thanks! It was kinda hard on the machine to switch back and forth, but for such a small project it was doable.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by missiowa81

Thanks! It was kinda hard on the machine to switch back and forth, but for such a small project it was doable.

Do you mean hard to do for you, or hard on the machine? If you have you needle in the up position, it should be easy for you to do and not hard on your machine. Not so, if your needle is down.

[missiowa81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

Do you mean hard to do for you, or hard on the machine? If you have you needle in the up position, it should be easy for you to do and not hard on your machine. Not so, if your needle is down.

Hard on the machine--the switching back and forth without cutting the thread and starting anew. I don't think it hurt the machine any, but it's not something I would do often just in case.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by missiowa81

Hard on the machine--the switching back and forth without cutting the thread and starting anew. I don't think it hurt the machine any, but it's not something I would do often just in case.

I do it all the time when I'm sewing and I don't think it is hard on the machine as long as your needle is up when you change the stitch. Just start slowly at the beginning so that the machine can adjust. Your card is amazing!

[Ausmex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

Another way to make "faux stitching" is to paper pierce the holes, and then join the holes with a marker line, so it looks like a stitch.

I recently saw a tip that you can buy a tracing wheel in the sewing section, use a ruler, and make great tiny holes in a line for this technique.

What a great idea! I have one of those tracing wheels and never thought of using it in card making. Another comment for you is I love your signature quote and I have adopted it and shared it with my family :grin:

thanks for sharing
Anita

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ausmex

What a great idea! I have one of those tracing wheels and never thought of using it in card making. Another comment for you is I love your signature quote and I have adopted it and shared it with my family :grin:

thanks for sharing
Anita

Thank you for the nice comment, Anita. I fall way short on my siggy quote some days, but I do aspire to it.

About using the tracing wheel...be sure to have your paper on something with some give, like a mouse pad, when you roll to make the little holes.

PS I just noticed you are Down Under. I watch the House Hunters shows on HGTV, and just recently saw a couple looking for a home in Queensland. Beautiful country!