Thursday, March 12, 2009

stitching

If you look at my pages lately, it's pretty apparent that I am crazy about stitching on my layouts. I use my sewing machine on almost every layout. I like the way the stitching seems to anchor the paper to the background and finish off the edges. Nine times out of ten I use a simple zigzag stitch. I rarely even set the machine to a different stitch. I also always just leave the bobbin with white thread in it to save time. (it never shows on the front!)

I also like to backstitch on my pages. It's very easy to do and can really add some unique design elements to your page. Bazzill sells everything you need to get started including some great templates. All you really need though is a paper piercer, pencil, mouse pad or something spongy, needle and embroidery floss. I use a premade temple if it fits my design. Sometimes I simply freehand sketch a design lightly with pencil. It is important to put a mouse pad under your paper to give the piercer some cushion to break through the paper. If I sketch my own design, I pierce holes approx. every 3/8" to 1/2" apart. The templates are easier because they have the holes there for you already.



An example of machine stitching combined with backstitching. I simply pierced the holes 1/2" apart for the flower stems.




On this page I used a new Bazzill template.


I hope this inspires you to try some stitching on your pages too!
Laina

7 comments:

Mary - said...

oh how awesome - i'm so loving all of the stitching tools and gadgets! time to add some of these items to my shopping list. also really cute & fun layouts! thx for the inspo! :) m-

Runaway Farm said...

I'm so glad you showed off your work with those templates. I bought one a few weeks ago and keep looking at it over and over again thinking what will I do with this? I am in a non-creative funk lately and last night lifted a lo to get me back in the groove. . . next lift maybe the one you made with flowers. Thanks!

Jewel said...

Love your layouts! I do not sew so have been faking my stitches but love the look of the real thing. Anyone have any suggestions of what type of machine to get for a beginner?

Laina Lamb said...

You don't need a fancy machine. Just make sure you can do a zig zag. I just saw a post on 2peas that the Pixi Portable machine is on sale for $30 now at Walmart. Portable for going to crops.

pickmepam said...

love the stitching laina!
i think i'll break out of sewing fabric, and put in some paper!

Jewel said...

Thanks Laina for the suggestion. I just read a review on the Pixi so am thinking of making a trip to Walmart today!

Smash Attack Ash said...

Thank you SO much for posting about stitching! I've been wanting to stitch my pages for a long time, but I'm not really up-to-date on all the products, etc. I currently use a needle and thick string! I knew there had to be an easier way. :)