How to Make Cross-Stitch Greeting Cards

Cross-stitch is a very simple form of embroidery. Surprise your friends and family with these unique stitched greeting cards.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Cross-stitch Charts
• Embroidery Needles
• Embroidery Greeting Cards
• Greeting Card Blanks
• Acrylic Paints
• Calligraphy Pens
• Cross-stitch Fabrics
• Cross-stitch Patterns
• Decorative Rubber Stamps
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Hoops
• Fabric Glue
• Glitter
• Glues
• Masking Tape
• Medium-weight Cardboard
• Acrylic Paints
• Masking Tape
• Cutting Boards
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Pencils
• Heavy Notebook Papers
• Pencils
• Stamp Pads Of Paper
• Craft Knife
• Rulers
• Pencils
• black, fine-line permanent markers

Using Embroidery Card Blanks

1. Purchase greeting card blanks made especially for embroidery.

2. Find a design that you like and transfer the design onto your cross-stitch fabric. Reduce or enlarge the design as needed. See "How to Transfer an Embroidery Design" for instructions.

3. Stitch your design onto the fabric.

4. Mount your stitched design by using fabric glue or masking tape to attach the fabric to the card.

5. Embellish the card front with acrylic paints, glitter or decorative stamps and add any holiday greeting or message to the inside of your cards.

6. Write your message with a calligraphy pen or black or metallic medium-point permanent marker.

Using Regular Greeting Card Blanks

7. Make sure your design will fit into an area that measures 4 by 6 inches.

8. Stitch your design onto your fabric.

9. Use a craft knife, cutting board, ruler and pencil to cut a hole in the front of the greeting card blank. This will be the window through which your design is seen. The cutout should be centered on the front of the card.

10. Trim the edges of your cross-stitch fabric so that the piece of fabric is ¼ inch to ½ inch smaller in length and width than the front of your greeting card. Trim fabric so that the design is centered.

11. Use masking tape or fabric glue to attach the centered design to the card front.

12. Cut a medium-weight piece of cardboard or heavy paper to the dimensions of the greeting card front. The cardboard should be the same color as the greeting card.

13. Place the cardboard or heavy paper onto the back of the cross-stitch fabric and glue to the front of the greeting card along edges so that the cross-stitch design shows through the window. Allow glue to dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the window for your design in the shape of a rectangle, square or circle - add an arch to your rectangle. Decide on the shape before you stitch your design, as the shape will affect the available design space.

[motherbear]

on 4/21/2008 A photo of the finished product would go a long way in encouraging others to try this. If I can't see what I will end up making, then it is difficult for me to take it on. Also, looking back at the model while reading the instructions helps a lot.