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Okay here is a question for all you guru's. HEHEH. All of you stitching guru's. There are so many of you who do stitching on your cards. A lot of them look like you used a sewing machine. SO if you did tell me is there a difference in thread? I want to start stitching more and I have an old cheap sewing kit. The thread in it seems kind of thin, and well "cheaply made". But by no means do I know anything about sewing. SO my question is what kind of thread do you use...where do you buy it...walmart, michael's? Somewhere else?
I've done a bit of stitching on my cards and I love the way it just finishes off a card! I've used my machine and also hand stitched too! Personally, I like to use a heavy duty thread when I use my machine, b/c I like the bolder look (I get mine from walmart). When I hand stitch I use regular embroidery thread. It comes in 6 strands, but I split them and use 3 strands for hand stitching on cards. Like on this card, I used the back stitch (with some seed beeds added), running stitch, and a few french knots!
so there is a difference in thread? There is heavy duty...and cheaper? Good to know. So how do you know if it is heavy duty? I guess the kind I have is thinner and "cheaper".
Yes, there is "standard" thread and the heavy duty actually says "heavy duty" on it. It really only depends if you want a "thin" look or a "thicker" look! =)
Yep...you just answered my question because I do want the thicker look and couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting it. Just checked out your website...love it.
I use my sewing machine and regular Guetermann Thread. It's my favorite. You can find it at JoAnn's. I used the same thread back in the days when I was creating quilts.
What's a Sew mini machine? Is that like a regular sewing machine?
PS. Thanks Kristin for the compliment on my site! ;)
It is a nice quality, very small machine, only about 5 lbs. It sews only a couple of stitches, but works just like a big machine. They have it at Hancocks on sale from time to time, for $39.99 - $49.00.
It's very popular with crafters and cardmakers because of its reasonable price and small size. Even folks who have full size sewing machines get this little one just to sew on their cards. I know I did!
Like Beate I use the Gutermann. I know they also do a heavier weight; I've only ever bought it for buttonholes, but I keep meaning to try it on a card.
For great video tutorial on the Janome Sew Mini, google Gina K. Sorry, don't know the website address since it has changed in the last few years. The tuts go from 'out of the box' to tension to actual sewing on a card. It is well worth the viewing.
I have this machine for crafting. Must get it out again and use it.
For great video tutorial on the Janome Sew Mini, google Gina K. Sorry, don't know the website address since it has changed in the last few years. The tuts go from 'out of the box' to tension to actual sewing on a card. It is well worth the viewing.
I have this machine for crafting. Must get it out again and use it.
Good luck!
Here's a link to Gina K's wonderful blog. Scroll down on the left to Tutorials for several great lessons on the Sew Mini:
I've nevered tried stitching - thank you for the links - I may actually get out my sewing machine and give it a try. The look of stitching always looks wonderful.
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It's very popular with crafters and cardmakers because of its reasonable price and small size. Even folks who have full size sewing machines get this little one just to sew on their cards. I know I did! ...
I'm another one who bought a Sew Mini to use only on cardstock. For anyone considering using a high-end, computerized sewing machine on paper, here's a link to Gina K's post about a warning from Pfaff: sewing on cards by Darlene G at Splitcoaststampers
If you like the look but don't want to do the actual sewing, there's always faux stitching. This Craft Critique article explains how to do it with paper piercing: Craft Critique - Paper Piercer. You can also use a piece of plastic canvas for a piercing template.
There is a relatively new product out (for those who plan to only sew on cards/paper) made by We R Memory Keepers. You can find it in local craft stores (Michael's/Hobby Lobby) and probably scrapbooking/sewing places. It is basically a handle with a little pierced roller on it that makes holes as you roll across the paper. There are different roller heads available for different stitches. You then sew with a needle into the holes you made. They sell those items as well. Pretty inexpensive with a coupon!
There is a relatively new product out (for those who plan to only sew on cards/paper) made by We R Memory Keepers. You can find it in local craft stores (Michael's/Hobby Lobby) and probably scrapbooking/sewing places. It is basically a handle with a little pierced roller on it that makes holes as you roll across the paper. There are different roller heads available for different stitches. You then sew with a needle into the holes you made. They sell those items as well. Pretty inexpensive with a coupon!
I have seen this and wondered if anybody had it and if it was worth the money?
It looks so easy to use and there is also punches I seen that do the same thing instead of buying the handle with the pierced roller.
Use a denim or embroidery sewing machine needle (depending on the thickness of the paper/cardstock) and specialty thread for a fab look! There are MANY cool threads used for sewing embellishment/machine embroidery that would kick it up a notch!
In answer to the "wheel" posts above: The gadget is called "Sew Easy." As mentioned, it will not replace machine sewing, as it is for hand sewing and the stitch size cannot be changed. It's a handle that has interchangeable wheels. Each wheel has a pattern of prongs that pierce the paper as you roll it along, then you hand stitch through the holes. The handle comes with a straight stitch wheel for $8.99 (Yes, cheap with a coupon!); other wheels--zig-zag, scallop, blanket--are $2.99, and the lazy daisy is $3.99. You can buy a pad for it--it doesn't pierce well on a hard surface--but I find an old foam-backed mouse pad works very well. Self-sealing craft mats are too firm. Perhaps a craft-foam mat might work, too, if you need a longer length of sticthes, say for a scrapbook page.
The wheels are plastic, so I'm not sure how long the little points will stay sharp, and it's best to use a guide (I use an inverted cork-backed metal ruler) if you want your stitches in a straight line. I do wish there were a way to have a "starting point" indicated on the wheel--it's tricky to start at a particular place in the stitch pattern if you are not going edge-to-edge on your paper or cardstock; say, for instance, you want a single lazy daisy flower instead of a whole row, and you don't want to start or end with a partial flower.
It won't replace machine stitching, but for those who don't have the money or space for a machine, it's an inexpensive substitute. I pierce several cards, then grab the embroidery floss (company also makes fibers for it; haven't tried them), a cup of coffee, put my feet up, turn on TCM, and stitch away--happily relaxed.
Last edited by Blue-Spruce; 03-07-2012 at 07:41 AM..
Reason: Did not read the previous posts (sorry!) that mentioned this product.
It is a nice quality, very small machine, only about 5 lbs. It sews only a couple of stitches, but works just like a big machine. They have it at Hancocks on sale from time to time, for $39.99 - $49.00.
It's very popular with crafters and cardmakers because of its reasonable price and small size. Even folks who have full size sewing machines get this little one just to sew on their cards. I know I did!
I've been using mine for about 4 years now. I use it a lot for my cards and layouts. I like how small it is because I can leave it out on my desk. (I have a small space.) It's even fallen off my desk a couple times and still works great. I would definitely buy another when/if this one stops working.
I'm "sew" glad this thread was started. LOL I got the Janome Sew Mini for Christmas but, I don't actually know how to sew with a machine to begin with. So my sister set it up for me but, I could definitely use some tutorials on turning corners and keeping it straight. How do you ladies do that? :confused:
I sew a lot (professionally) and embroider by hand and machine so I've used many threads. 'Regular' sewing thread is usually polyester or cotton and polyester. Quite a few companies make it, I only use Guttermann for paper (inexpensive but good quality) and sometimes garment sewing if i dont have mettler which I use for garments (excellent quality). I dont use Coats and Clark (cheap to average quality depending on which kind). Rayon thread is an embroidery style thread, very shiny and lovely. While not strong enough for garment construction, it is lovely for embellishing and so would be good on cards. It is a bit fine though. metallic threads are lovely too but unless your machine is well maintained, it can cause tension and bobbin problems as it can be temperamental. you may need a specialty needle as well. Embroidery threads can also be made from polyester.
As for needles, any sharp new needle will work for ordinary Cardstock, one or three layers. Avoid placing adhesive where you sew as this can really gum up your machine. And cost a lot in repairs. Don't use needles for stretch Aka microtec or ballpoint. They are blunt so they slip between Fibres instead of piercing them. Use a large size for thicker threads and/or when you want larger holes and/or more layers. Sew slowly for more layers. You might want larger holes if you aren't using thread for a piercing look or if you use no thread and hand sew after with embroidery FLOSS (not really thread, don't machine sew with it). Be sure you don't get floss and thread mixed up. Floss isn't spooled and even if it was, it isn't smooth or strong enough for machine sewing.
Hope this helps
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
Last edited by Rebecca Ednie; 03-07-2012 at 04:38 PM..
Wow ladies. Thank you for all the information! I have only ever sewn a few times. I own regular size singer sewing machine, my hubby bought it for me specifically for sewing on cards. I have no idea how to use it for sewing on anything else. HEHEHE. So...I decided that since he bought it for me I should get using it and NOT let it just sit on the shelf.
Again, thank you for all the information. I bought some thread and am practicing.
I use my sewing machine and regular Guetermann Thread. It's my favorite. You can find it at JoAnn's. I used the same thread back in the days when I was creating quilts.
This is what I do, too, mainly because I sew and have lots of different colored thread, so use what's on hand. I reserve a needle for sewing on my cards so that I don't sew on fabric with my "paper" needle.
If you can find an older mechanical machine they work great and you don't have to worry about the electronics. I have a Necchi that is almost 25 years old and it still works great. Whatever machine you choose just use a longer stitch length or it will cut the cardstock like a perforation.
I purchased Coats & Clark heavy duty thread for use in my new Sew Mini. Do you recommend the same thing for the bobbin? Also, do you need to change the bobbin thread when sewing on cards if you switch the regular thread. Thanks for any help! I am looking forward to figuring this all out!
I use the same thread on my bobbin because that is all I buy. I keep the white thread on the bobbin. I try to sew on layers where the stitching won't show on the underside when the card is assembled so I never change the thread even if I change the color of the top thread. Hope that helps!
I use the same thread on my bobbin because that is all I buy. I keep the white thread on the bobbin. I try to sew on layers where the stitching won't show on the underside when the card is assembled so I never change the thread even if I change the color of the top thread. Hope that helps!
Oh I definitely needed to know the answer to this one!
Thread does make a big difference regardless of what you're sewing. The cheap stuff breaks easily, pills and gets bound up in your machine. I used cheap thread for years and when I started using quality thread (like Gutterman) it was like having a new sewing machine.
I use the same thread on my bobbin because that is all I buy. I keep the white thread on the bobbin. I try to sew on layers where the stitching won't show on the underside when the card is assembled so I never change the thread even if I change the color of the top thread. Hope that helps!
From a sewing standpoint it is always suggested to use the same type and weight of thread in both the bobbin and needle. The color can be different, but try to have the same brand and weight of thread. It makes your sewing machine perform better when the two threads are the same. I am not a paper sewing expert but this is the rule of thumb for fabric sewing, and I would think the same would be true of sewing paper and cardstock.
I gave up....using my sewing machine makes me swear, so I broke down and bought myself a "faux" stitching stamp set. Things are much happier in my world since I decided that was the only way I was going to achieve that look without having to put myself in "time out". LOL!!!
From a sewing standpoint it is always suggested to use the same type and weight of thread in both the bobbin and needle. The color can be different, but try to have the same brand and weight of thread. It makes your sewing machine perform better when the two threads are the same. I am not a paper sewing expert but this is the rule of thumb for fabric sewing, and I would think the same would be true of sewing paper and cardstock.
Thanks for sharing your sewing expertise! I figured it would be best to use the same weight and type, but I didn't know for sure. I'm definitely not a seamstress. ;) My thread on my bobbin is the same weight and type (the Coats & Clark Heavy Duty XP I mentioned above). I just leave the white on the bobbin at all times even if I change the color of the top thread. Hope that makes sense.
"Stitching on cards" guru's...?
