How to Make a Machine Stitched Card
Sewing paper is slightly trickier than sewing fabric -- but only because paper tears more easily. You do not have to worry about seam allowances, or stitches coming undone. Use the same principles to sew a card as you would when sewing any fabric project. Take care when sewing to avoid ripping the paper or otherwise damaging it, and you will create a customized card with unusual texture and exceptional quality.
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Instructions
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Cut out the shape of the card from card stock. Cut out any additional shapes that you plan to sew onto the main card.
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Set the sewing machine to sew stitches between 1/8th inch and 1/4 inch long. Make sure the bobbin thread comes out of the left side of the machine.
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Practice on scrap paper to increase your skills before sewing the final card. Place the card on the sewing machine, positioning it where you want to sew the seam. Stitch slowly, so you do not tear the paper or create an uneven seam. Do not backstitch the first and last stitches. Instead, cut the thread and tie a knot in the back of the card to secure the stitches.
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Sew the seam in the card just for appearances, or use stitches to hold pages together.
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Tips & Warnings
You do not have to sew paper on paper only. You can also attach fabric, ribbon, feathers and other soft embellishments to the card.
Do not sew over photographs, as this can damage and warp the image.
Do not sew glued attachments as this can gum up the sewing machine and cause problems for future projects.
References
- "Scrapbooking Techniques: Sewing on Paper (Scrapbook Techniques)"; Catherine Matthews-Scanlon; 2006
- Spotted Canary.com; You Can Sew on Paper; C.M. Scanlon; February 2011
