Many of you who know my designs, know how much I love sewing on paper. At least 50% of my designs have some stitching on them…it is something I love to do and seems to go well with my style of creations. When I was asked to do a little sewing machine stitching on cards tutorial, I must admit it that it had never occurred to me before. It is just something I do and don’t think about. For some of you, this may be pretty basic, for some of you…a new technique to try. I do hope it will inspire you to add a little more machine stitching to your papercrafting!
This tutorial was requested by Amy Westerman who attempted machine stitching for the first time yesterday. Every Tuesday Amy tries out something new on her blog and she always has a hit! Sunday’s Amy also does a FABULOUS sketch challenge. Check out her great first attempt at Heartfelt Greetings!
I’ve included cards throughout this tutorial from past uploads to my blog. If you would like more info on any of these designs, simply click on the design title and it will take you to the original entry on my blog. To see any of the designs close-up, just click on the picture. If you’d like to comment on this tutorial…I’d LOVE to hear from you. The comment button is WAY down at the bottom of this tutorial!:)
Your Sewing Machine
The first thing to address is your sewing machine. I own an electronic Brother sewing machine with lots of fun goodies and stitches on it but don’t worry…a regular sewing machine will work just as well! I have mine from days when I was obsessed with sewing and smocking. I’ve always had to be making something and once I discovered papercrafting…well….. Also my daughter sadly outgrew home-made smocked dresses. I’ll have to share a photo of her sometime…she looked adorable! I digress…. I hope this intro doesn’t discourage you! Sewing on paper is something anyone can do…you just need a little practice and patience and soon you’ll be stitching everything! Any regular sewing machine should work…nothing fancy is needed. With the price of sewing machines having dropped so much in the past few years, a sewing machine is a great investment for your papercrafting projects, as well as any fabric alterations and repairs you may need to make. I will caution you… a few craft companies have in recent years come out with small inexpensive “craft” sewing machines. While I have never tried one…I have never heard anything good from anyone who owns one. If you are reading this and HAVE had great success….please comment on this tutorial…I’d be most interested to hear about it and also which company produces it. That way I can pass the information along!
Sewing Quick Tip: Make sure you keep your sewing machine clean, lint free and oiled to get many years from it. Read your machine directions and make sure you thread the machine correctly and with the presser foot in the raised position. If you are having trouble with your machine, it may be time for a tune-up. Your sewing machine distributor will be able to help you with that.
Tension
I believe on of the biggest problems people have with their sewing on paper is machine tension.
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