Super quick & easy Fabric notecards (sewalong)

[BugzNBean]

Ok- this is the super quick and easy way to make fabric cards (or at least my way :) )
I"ll work on this being downloadable sometime this week.

I like to use premade cardstock cards - Already cut and come with envelopes. I've also bought cards on clearance and covered up the top picture.

1. pick out fabrics you wish to use. I like to cut them into random pc's and directions to make it puzzle like but really you can cut as you go.

2. using a glue stick, glue the entire front of the card (where you'll put the fabric).

3. Lay the first layer of fabric onto the card (I like to go from most see through to least see-through).
http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/data/517/medium/fabric_card_steps_1. jpg

4. put 2nd, 3rd, etc layers on. Put a little glue onto the edges of the overlapped fabric to help them stick and lay flat.
http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/data/517/medium/fabric_card_steps_2. jpg

5. using a ruler, cut the fabric that goes over the edge of the card
http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/data/517/medium/fabric_card_steps_3. jpg (http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/showphoto.php?photo= 2008&size=big&cat=)

http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/data/517/medium/fabric_card_steps_4. jpg (http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/showphoto.php?photo= 2009&size=big&cat=)

6. Sew around edges and raw edges. I like to use zig zags of various lengths/widths and other decoration stitches.
http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/data/517/medium/fabric_card_steps_5. jpg (http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/gallery/showphoto.php?photo= 2010&size=big&cat=)


7. Trim threads and fold card. all done!


** Oh- when you're completely done - change your needle - this will dull out the needle terribly and give you holes in clothing. I try to remember to throw out the needle when I'm done b/c I always forget this.

[nessamamiof6]

How do I stop the card from being where it can be taken apart where I stitched??? I used a straiht stitch to make cards once and it was like the straight sticth made it where it can be torn like those papers with the dotted tear off parts?

[Mommatothebear]

How do I stop the card from being where it can be taken apart where I stitched??? I used a straiht stitch to make cards once and it was like the straight sticth made it where it can be torn like those papers with the dotted tear off parts?

I also wonder about this. Doesn't it make it perferated and easy to tear?

[BugzNBean]

Honestly, I almost never use the straight stitch. I would say, don't stich on a fold line. When you use a straight stitch in the middle you have the reinforcement of the fabric.

Maybe lengthen your straight stitch a little so there is more card inbetween stitches. I'll try to play around alittle tonight if Faith lets me.

I've never had the problem of them tearing. I'd say 99.9% time i use either a zig zag or wavy stitch around the edges- maybe that makes a difference. ??

I just went through my pile of them (made by me and others) and none are tearing.



OH - another thing :) For quick kids cards (like invites and thank yous) - just cut a square/rectangle the size of the card, centering the picture, and then cut to fit card and zig-zag. My kids love picking pictures for thier cards.

[Angie]

Thank you Erika! Now I need to pick up some cards so I can try to make some.

[Mommatothebear]

Oh another question. So you do this with the feed dogs out? (Or do you hide them like when quilting)? DO the feed dogs crumple the paper, etc?

Walking presser foot yes or no if you use the feet dogs?

(Sorry to ask so maky questions, but I want all my facts straight before I go try it!)

[BugzNBean]

I don't mind questions :)

My old machine didn't have adjustable feeddogs (couldn't drop them either) and it was fine.

On my newer machine I usually sew with them at a level 3 and they work fine on the cards. I'm guessing you'd need to play with yours. I've not tried real paper... the card stock is firm and stiff - kind of like lots of layers of thick interfacing. I just sew them where-ever my feed dogs currently are. If your machine is super tight, then you may need to turn them down a notch.
Does that help?

[EarthMaiden]

Thanks for the sew-a-long. Been wondering how to do this.

love and blessings
angie

[BugzNBean]

I forgot to add - ALWAYS change your needle after you're done before sewing clothing! :)

[Nik6]

Thank you for the sew-along Erika! I've been wanting to try these for awhile. I think they will be perfect for teacher gifts this Christmas and now I can get a head start on them.

[CrosseyedToad]

Thank you for sharing!!!!!!