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