Written by Creative Director Kerry Zerff
On
no terms would I consider myself a pro at
sewing but 4 machines later I realize that
you do get what you pay for. I’ve tried those
mini ones only to have my stitches come
unraveled while trying to pry my project from
the machine. I’ve even tried the hand held
one that vowed to be able to fix your
curtains without ever having to take them
down. I’m now the proud owner of a full size
machine and couldn’t be happier.
Most scrapbookers don’t use their machines
for actual sewing. When I first got mine I
sewed the kids each a few pairs of pajama
pants to justify the purchase, but deep down
I knew that it was cardstock over fabric.
Just what can you do with a sewing machine?
Almost anything! Sewing paper is easier than
sewing on fabric. It doesn’t bunch up and
it’s easier to keep it straight.
You can create functional elements with
sewing like pockets that are guaranteed not
to come unstuck or you can use it for purely
ornamental purposes. The latter being my
favorite. How cool is a layout edged with a
zigzag stitch? And don’t stop there! The
more stitches your machine can do, the more
options you have! It’s easy to create an
entire background with your machine. It’s
easier to see if you use a contrasting
thread color or you can keep the effect
subtle with a similar thread color.
A Few Tips
Here are a few tips that have come in handy
while playing with my sewing machine:
- Practices on scrap paper first.
- The tension does not need to be as tight as
it does with fabric. It’s easily adjusted by
playing with the top thread tension.
- A smaller needle = smaller holes in your
paper.
- A wider stitch keeps the holes farther
apart. If your holes are too close you could
end up perforating your paper and the
stitches will get lost in the holes.
- Use a cardstock base. Most pattern papers
are too thin and if you use a cardstock base
it keeps everything nice and tight and less
likely to tear.
- Plan where you are going to stitch. If you
can avoid trying to manipulate your entire
layout on the “inside” of your machine it’s
an easier task.
- Glue your papers together before you sew
them. This prevents them from moving around
or bunching up.
- Sew without thread. You can use the holes to
hand stitch a thicker thread or leave them
for a perforated look which looks really
neat on vellum.
- The chances of your stitching coming undone
are highly unlikely so avoid backstitching.
It creates more holes than you need. If you
have long threads leftover tape them to the
back of the layout or simply cut them off.
- Change the effect by changing the color of
the thread that you use.
- Check your bobbin regularly. You don’t want
to get half way thru your project to have it
run out. It’s pretty tough to retrace the
holes perfectly.
- Keep your bobbin full of clear or white
thread. This goes with most top thread
colors and you don’t have to change them as
often.
In the first layout “Aloha” the sewing that
I’ve done is purely for ornamental
purposes. I love the effect of mixing
different coloured threads together.
In “McKenna” the sewing has turned my photo
mat into a pocket to house journaling. I’ve
also gone overtop of the fiber flower with
the sewing to give another effect.
In “S!” I’ve used sewing to create my giant
flower background. Love the effect that
gives!
and for my tag I’ve outlined the
patterned paper and attached the rickrack and
twill tape to the tag.
Give sewing a try! Create your own design
using the tips above and post your layouts
in our "Show."
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