How to Do Embroidery on Greeting Cards
Hand-embroidered greeting cards can be made from threads that vary widely in color, texture and thickness. They may be embellished with beads and other decorative material. The card stock, available in a rainbow of colors, ranges from handmade to linen finely woven on a machine. The instructions that follow assume that you are familiar with embroidery.
Things You'll Need
- Straight pin
- Thread
- Needle
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Paper
- Blank greeting card
- Pattern
Instructions
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1
Place the pattern in the center of the design area on the card. Use the masking tape and tape it in place.
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2
Punch holes on the outline of the pattern design using the straight pin. The holes should be slightly larger than the width of the thread to help prevent tearing. The holes are the fill-in-the-blank guides for inserting the thread. Take care not to make the holes so close that the paper will tear when it is sewn.
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3
Complete punching the holes and remove the pattern from the card. Place the pattern where it can be used for a reference.
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4
Choose the threads for each segment of the card. Determine the style of stitch to be used. The back stitch, for example, is good for curves.
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5
Set up an area that will support the card while you work on it, such as a soft cloth folded into layers.
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6
Support the card where stitches are being placed by holding it carefully between your thumb and fingers. Place a piece of paper between your fingers and the card to protect against smudges.
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7
Thread the needle but do not tie a knot in the end of the thread. Instead, tape one end of the thread to the back of the card.
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8
Gently push the needle and thread through the supported holes. End the stitches on the back of the card. Tape the other end of the thread in place. Repeat for each section to be sewn.
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9
Cut the paper to fit over the stitching. Glue paper to conceal the non-decorative side of the stitches.
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Tips & Warnings
Use smaller stitches for going around curves, longer stitches for straight lines. Select a sturdy weight of card stock, one that is difficult to tear. Pick one that has visible fibers. Select a sharp, thin needle.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Public domain
