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If you sew on your cards, what do you use? A needle and thread, a full size sewing machine? Or do they have little handheld machines just for this purpose? I was looking on joann.com and didn't find anything other than expensive full size sewing machines.
I was thinking this would be fun to incorporate in to my cards, but I'm not sure where to start!
I got a little seweing machine at michaels for 6 dollars with a coupon. works great! Also, you can use a needle and thread or a regular sewing machine i am sure, but it dulls the needle faster.
I have a regular sewing machine, I actually own 5 sewing machines, since I used to sew clothing all the time. Now it's for quilts and crafts. But I did go to Ben Franklin and used the 40% off coupon to purchase the little Sew Crafty Mini by Provo Craft Tools. It only cost me 4.99 and then a month later they had the plug in adapter for it and used another coupon to get that for $2.50 so I wasn't using batteries all the time. I like it because it's small and I can travel with it too. The drawback is it only sews a straight line.
I've seen small sewing machines at Walmart and Target that aren't too expensive and have various stitches built in, that might be a good start. With many different stitches you can do a lot more stuff to your cards and other projects. I do tend to use my regular sewing machine more for my cards than the little crafty one I bought. I might think of selling the crafty one...someday.
__________________ LeAne SCS#2819 & Grandma to Lindsey! [email protected]
I have one of those mini sewing machine and frankly, I hate it. The thing fouls up on me all the time, it seems to be impossible to adjust the tension correctly. The button you push to get it to go gets stuck in the on position and I am there scrabbling wildly to get it to stop before it sews too far. I'm putting it in my garage sale. Luckily, I only paid about $5 with the 40% coupon at Michael's.
I use my full size machine. I like that it zig zags, I don't have to fuss with a chain stitch and I can depend on it to stop when I want it to!
Location: I try to live in LaLa Land, but people keep interrupting me!
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Sewing on cards
:? This is how ditzy I can be...I was thinking cross, chain, blanket, candlewick, back, daisy stitches, etc! All the embroidery stitches came to mind again, I just finished my first one last week it's posted in my gallery.
I thouhgt that's what you were supposed to DO with the paper punch (the thing that's in the new SU tool kit)! :lol: I never even thought about the machine!
I have done a few. I have a wonderful book from Denmark. I copied some of the patterns, and then shrink or enlarge what I need. Take the copy, place on cardstock and punch the holes. I use DMC floss and a regular needle. Most of the patterns I have used is for borders.
I got one of those small ones from Michael's as well for about $5. Got it out of the box, read some of the directions, looked more involved than I thought it would be, put it back in the box and I have never opened it since! :( It's just easier to use my regular sewing machine that is always sitting out.
__________________ Susan
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If I can't be a good example -- then I'll just have to be a horrible warning!
I use my big machine because it is always out and right by my dining room table so easy to access since I have no craft room right now. I love the ability to do "fancy" stitches on my cards too, just don't have any left to post in my gallery, usually do them as I need them.
I bought one of the small sewing machines from Michael's and when I got it out of the box I noticed it had oil all over it. Did this happen to anyone else? I cleaned it up, but have since been afraid to sew a card for fear of getting oil all over it. I haven't noticed any more oil...I too, prefer my regular size sewing machine.
I bought a PC mini sewing machine. It isn't interlocking, so it is constantly pulling out, especially when I'm trying to pull the thread out from under the presser foot. Not my favorite accessory, but what can I expect from a $5 purchase.
I have tried several times to use my sewing machine, but I keep breaking the needles. Is there a trick? Or should I be using a certain size needle? Any tips and tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated.
I hand embroider on cards but punch the holes first using a needle awl and mouse pad. My 8 year old son loves to make the cards too. Easier than embroidering on fabric as the holes are already there.
I'll try to attach an example to next post.
here is an example. Looks complicated but the pattern and instructions are available.
I have tried several times to use my sewing machine, but I keep breaking the needles. Is there a trick? Or should I be using a certain size needle? Any tips and tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated.
Dawn O
Have you checked your tension??( The "tightness" of the thread.) Sometimes if your tension is too high, it will make your needle snap. Make sure you have threaded the machine correctly. Also, I recommend sewing on fabric first before sewing on any card, just to make sure you have the correct stitch, length, tension, etc. I've messed up on a lot of fabric, but it's more forgiving than cardstock!!
I have the machine from Michaels also. And at first it didn't work very well. But then I figured it was only 6 bucks so deal with it. I added a piece of tape over the thread between the bobbin and the tension piece and that helped with the tension and also the thread staying in place. If you leave a lot of thread before and after you can tape underneath and then it doesn't unravel. I like the size and portability. I was Surprised we didn't come out with one in the new catty.
Dianne
I have tried several times to use my sewing machine, but I keep breaking the needles. Is there a trick? Or should I be using a certain size needle? Any tips and tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated.
Dawn O
Hi Dawn,
One thing that sprang to mind is: I remember reading on someone's blog that you should make sure that if you use adhesive/glue/doublesided tape to attach your layers, that you won't be sewing thru the adhesive - that you should just be sewing thru paper or cardstock without the sticky stuff. Maybe your needle is getting gummed up and sticking or jamming? :confused:
Now I have never done machine stitching on a card but I only thought of it because yesterday I just did paper piercing on my latest card and hand-sewed with machine thread so it looks like machine zig-zag, and because I had used ds tape to attach my layers, my hand-sewing needle kept getting all gummed up from the adhesive. Have a look at my card if it doesn't make sense.
I see many beautiful cards where some of the layers have been machine stitched... but I am not seeing any backstitching on the fronts and yet there are NO loose threads showing.
Is backstitching necessary?
Are the threads pulled to the backs of the cards and adhesive used to keep them there???
I would appreciate any ideas or tips on this asap if possible.
I see many beautiful cards where some of the layers have been machine stitched... but I am not seeing any backstitching on the fronts and yet there are NO loose threads showing.
Is backstitching necessary?
Are the threads pulled to the backs of the cards and adhesive used to keep them there???
I would appreciate any ideas or tips on this asap if possible.
Thank you, thank you!! ;)
I pull the top thread through to the back and put adhesive in that spot so it doesn't pull back up. I don't sew very often on cards. I bought a little machine from Canadian Tire for $20, but I'm not crazy about it anymore. It worked really great when I first got it, but now the tension is all messed up and I have to fiddle with it. It also doesn't keep the stitches a uniform length anymore. :( I don't have room to keep my big sewing machine out, so I just don't sew on my cards very often anymore.
Sewing on Cards
Is backstitching necessary?
