TUTORIAL TUESDAY-Stitching by Lilith Eeckels

It's tutorial time!  I love sewing and love using my sewing machine to add little details to my layouts and projects.   I know that the idea of a sewing machine can be intimidating.  It is easier than you think - thread your machine, plug it in and go to town!  Once you try it - you will want to use it on every one of your projects.

There are so many different ways to incorporate machine stitching into your layouts.  On my "THAT LOOK" layout I sewed around the edges of patterned papers.  I also wanted to spruce up the title, so I added some stitching across the alphabet stickers as well.  Both of these additions add texture and interest to my layout. 

Another way to use your sewing machine on your projects is to use it without tread. The finely pierced holes make great borders.  If you don't own a sewing machine, and don't want to invest in one, WE R MEMORY KEEPERS has a rotary stitch piercer which creates perfectly aligned holes, just like a sewing machine.  You can also get the same effect by piercing holes with a paper piercer or needle.  Some rulers have piercing holes - which will make spacing your hand pierced holes perfectly spaced.

Sometimes I don't want to go through the effort of getting my machine out - and I don't have time to hand pilot the holes, but I really want to add stitching to my project.  On these occasions I just using a journaling pen and draw stitches directly onto my project.  This is quick and easy - and it adds a nice touch.

Another way to add stitching onto my layouts is to hand stitch with a needle and embroidery thread.  On the layout below,  I printed the title onto paper and placed it over the the cardstock I wanted to stitch onto.  Then I pierced pilot holes using my paper piercer.  Afterwards, I took needle and thread and hand stitched my title on the cardstock.  On the same layout I added a few cross stitches to finish it off.

One quick tip before sewing directly onto your project, make sure to take a piece of scrap piece of paper and do some test stitching beforehand to make sure the settings of your sewing machine are correct and that it is performing properly.  You don't want to ruin your project by having your sewing machine act up.  it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Give stitching a try - you will be so glad you did!