A Few Random Sewing Tips For Scrapbookers
November 10, 2008 Scrapbooking, Sewing, Techniques and Mediums No Comments
Above is a mini scrapbook page I created for a pet scrapbook I’m keeping. I used fabric paper and just did a little primitive stitching around the edges. I wanted to add stitches for texture and to highlight the quilt in the photo. This page was featured on a segment of Creative Living (PBS) for CreateForLess.
I love sewing. Machine sewing or hand sewing, there is something very soothing about working with fabric, thread, and a needle. I gathered up a few random tips I’ve learned from my scrapbook sewing experiences and these tips can also be used for other paper crafts!
- When using a sew machine always use a scrap piece of paper (the same weight as the paper you want to use for your scrapbook page) and run some test stitches to get the feel of how your machine sews the paper.
- Experiment with the stitch width of your machine for different looks.
- Sewing machines do a great job for sewing a border.
- Sew on a pocket for your page. Randomly sew across, up, down, and diagonal creating a unique background paper.
- Use any decorative stitches your sewing machine might have.
- Always make sure there is no adhesive on the front or back of anything you are sewing through. Adhesive can jam up your sewing machine.
- When hand sewing you might have an easier time if you paper punch small holes where you plan to hand sew. It’s much easier than hoping your needle can pierce the paper evenly.
- Threads and fibers can be used to dangle charms, paper roses and small buttons.
- When hand sewing you might want to lightly trace your pattern or design onto the scrapbook page or cardstock (for a card).
- Try using embroidery flosses and threads, tapestry yarn, tatting thread, metallic threads and specialty yarns. The variety makes for a fun textured page or card.
- To keep fibers from unraveling dab just a touch of clear paper glue to each raw end. You can also use a fray stopping liquid.
- A dab of clear nail polish will hold any knot and keep it from coming through the paper. Make sure the knot is to the back of your scrapbook page.
- Try mixing colors and textures of fibers for a page. Use thick fibers to frame your title, captions or photos.
- Don’t throw out your scraps of threads and fibers. Keep them in a small box and use them for smaller projects.
- Pulling a thread over beeswax or thread conditioner will keep the threads from tangling and knotting. Beeswax will stiffen thread, while thread conditioner will soften threads.
