Machine Embroidery
Handmade Cards & Tags
Single Fold Cards
Basic single-fold, two-panel cards can be decorated with embroidery by attaching embroidered paper or fabric to the card, or by embroidering directly on the card itself.
Adapt either technique for cards you make yourself. Experiment with various handmade papers and cardstock to make your own cards in any color, size or pattern. Fold the cardstock in half and crease firmly. Use a ruler and rotary cutter to trim both layers at once for the neatest finish.
For the first technique, embroider one or more designs on decorative paper or fabric. Trim the designs to the desired size and shape. For visual interest, trim the embroidered pieces with decorative-edge scissors or rotary cutting blades, or moisten and tear the paper to create a feathery edge (4).
Apply glue or adhesive to the embroidery wrong side and attach to the card front. To ensure a good bond all the way to the embroidery's edges, use a spray adhesive. Or apply paperbacked fusible web to the embroidery wrong side before trimming the motif, then fuse the embroidery to the card. If desired, add other embellishments (fibers, buttons, decorative machine stitches) to the card as well.
To embroider directly on the card, hoop adhesive stabilizer and adhere the card front to the stabilizer, centering the embroidery area in the hoop. Cardstock is stiff; if possible, use a hoop that's larger than the card front to keep the card from peeling away from the stabilizer.
Embroider the motif directly on the card. When stitching is complete, carefully lift the card from the stabilizer. Support the stitches as you work, so they don't pull out of the card. Trim the stabilizer just outside the motif.
To conceal the embroidery wrong side, cut a piece of decorative paper about 1/4" smaller than the card. Cover the entire card interior or just the back of the embroidered panel. Glue the decorative paper to the card or use a spray adhesive.
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