Sewing on Paper

Today we have something really special for you: Sunnyvale-based fiber and paper artist and a FabMo regular, Maureen Lardie is sharing tips and tricks on how to sew on paper and is sharing pictures of some of her art work with us.

Enjoy!

Sewing on Paper with Your Sewing Machine

By Maureen Lardie

Yes, you can use your sewing machine to sew on paper! I sew on paper frequently to make booklets, collages, and greeting cards.

Although you do not need a special thread, needle or foot, there are a few tips that will help you out.  I tend to use my regular thread (50 weight) and a 90/14 or larger needle because that’s usually what is already in my machine.

The most important thing to do when sewing on paper with a straight stitch is to increase your stitch length. If you don’t you will simply perforate the paper and it will fall into pieces. I usually use a 3.0 mm or larger (10 stitches or less per inch). A zigzag stitch on paper works beautifully and doesn’t necessarily need to be large.

Sewing through paper will gradually dull your needle at a slightly faster rate than sewing through fabric. If you like, you can have a dedicated needle for paper that you switch out. That’s too much trouble for me, though.

Remember that once you sew through paper, there will be a permanent hole. You cannot rip out your stitches and sew again. (A fun idea: sew through cardstock using an empty needle and hang in the window or on a lampshade. Little points of light will shine through.)

Notebooks

To make small booklets for notetaking, cut ten pieces of scrap paper of any kind plus one cardstock-weight piece (such as a magazine cover, FabMo wallpaper, or postcard) to 4” x 6”. Stack them with the heavier piece on the bottom, with the side that you want for the cover facing down. Draw a line down the middle from top to bottom to use as a sewing guide. Use paper clips to hold your small stack of paper together as you sew. This will prevent the pages from sliding around as they pass under the needle. Sew down the middle on your line. Fold in half. These little notebooks make great stocking stuffers. I always have one or two in my purse.

Collages

Another way I like to use my sewing machine to sew on paper is to create collages. Instead of glue I sew the paper pieces together. I use straight and zigzag stitch to create some wonderful and unexpected texture.

Greeting cards

To make custom sewn greeting cards, you can use blank cards or make your own blanks by folding a piece of cardstock. Sew your embellishments to the front. You can use bits of paper, fabric, trim, and wallpaper. Consider using rubber stamps to add words (Happy Birthday, Seasons Greetings) or cutting up old greeting cards you may have received. One FabMo find that works especially well is the paper-backed fabric in the decorator sample books. The part that would normally be thrown away cuts well and sews cleanly onto your greeting card. If you’re layering papers on top of each other, stitch them together before attaching to the card blank.

Now that you know some tips for sewing on paper, it’s time to try out some projects. Let us know if you make something!