Sewing On Cards
 

I like the look of stitching on cards, but I've never done it. Are there any tips or tricks to using a sewing machine to sew on paper?

This tutorial series by GinaK should help you get started - Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine Part 1 - Setup - YouTube

Thank you, Kristen! I will go check that out.

subbing, was also looking for something like this! thanks

It's what I used! If you have sewn before it is just getting over the fear factor. Oh and keep the glue/tape away from where you are going to sew so you don't gum up your machine.

I sew on just about every card and project I do. Just doesn't feel finished unless I do.

My advise -

Decide how much you plan on doing it. If just trying it out or only once in a while then don't spend a ton on a machine. Try garage sales or Salvation Army. I had in the closet a old cheap singer. It broke after a couple of months. (more to fix than buy new) I then purchased a cheap brother, broke after a year or so. Then I got my Janome. (full size) I think it was around $350 on sale. All metal gears unlike the others which are all plastic. I have been using it for I think 4 or 5 years. LOVE it. Don't have as many stitches as the other machines but really how many do you use?

Someone told me to use a denim needle in the beginning. So I do. Don't know if it helps but that is what I use.

Stay away from sewing over glue or adhesive - really messes up your needle.

Dust it out once in a while. Paper looses fiber when sewing and it builds up on and in the machine. I really should take mine in and get it professionally cleaned, but I fear not having it for even a day. LOL

Have fun with it! Really does add a fun texture to your work.

Hope those help :)

Sewing on cards
 

I wrote a tutorial on this topic- here is the link- it is posted on my blog and on Crafters Digital Art Center......

Here is the link- it talks about the basics- needles, threads and simple tips on starting to sew- straight lines, turning corners......

HTH

Shelly

Trying again- THIS is the link for the sewing Turorial

Sorry about that

Shelly

Thank you, MichelleO, that does help. I've been sewing for years, on fabric, and my machine broke about a year ago. I just got a new one, and I was thinking about sewing on my cards as well as fabric. I think I will keep a seperate needle just for paper.

Do you keep the feed dogs up, just like you would with fabric? Do you sew on fabric with your same machine or do you use a seperate machine for papercrafting?

Tricia does a lot of sewing on cards - and they are lovely!

... Simply Stamping ...

Yes, keep the feed dogs up.
I use a separate machine - but primarily because I sew downstairs and craft upstairs, and while it's easy to keep a machine out upstairs, I have to put it away after each use when I'm working downstairs. Since I always cleaned it regularly, I wasn't too concerned about using the same machine for both, although I did keep separate needles for paper.
While I did occasionally sew on cards when I really wanted the look, since DH talked me into buying a (blush, 3rd) sewing machine in a discount store, I sew on my cards a LOT more.

subbing

Thanks, I will check those out.

Sabine, your DH is a keeper! ;)

I missed this the first time around, what a fabulous tutorial. THANK YOU!

Thanks Heather! I think it is very worthwhile to think about the materials you are using and then it makes more sense. I just love the look of sewing on cards!

I sew on my cards all the time. I had been a quilter before I stamped and I use the same machine, the same thread tension and the same needle as when sewing on fabric. I don't do anything different when sewing on paper then when I sewed fabric.

Thank you, Beate. My new machine just came last week. I think I'm ready to try it out.

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As soon as I figure out how. :rolleyes: I've never had a computerized sewing machine before. :confused:

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