Hand Stitched Embellishments

Thanks for joining me today for this weeks Papertrey Ink Design Team Tip!

Stitching is making its way back into paper crafting in a big way.  It's a show stopping embellishment that's featured in many of my favorite scrapbook layouts these days.  I'm super excited to share with you today my try at this technique.  I've found that dies (when used in an embossing sandwich) make the perfect stitching templates to follow.  

Check it out...

This fun card was created using the Sketched Shapes stamp set a coordinating dies.

The stitching was done with a few fun colors of floss and by using the small triangle die as a template.  I'll show you how...

Here's How:  Since the Sketched Shapes dies come connected, I first separated the triangle die from the the rest of the die shapes using my hubby's wire cutters.  Using a post-it-note I temporarily adhered the die into place and then ran this through my Cuttlebug using the proper embossing sandwich.  Depending on your embossing machine, you may need to refer to the instruction booklet for the proper set up.  The result you are looking for is an impression from the die not a cut.

I performed the above step 5 times to create the row of triangles which I will now use as my guide for paper piercing.  Take Note:  The bigger the space between your pierced holes equals less stitching/work for you.

Time for stitching...  tie a knot in the thread and hide this on the backside.

Take Note: I've used a backstitch.  I'll show you how, but if you need more info many how-to's can be found via the internet.  Here's How:  Begin with a basic straight stitch from hole 1 to hole 2.

Continue by coming up to the front through hole 3.  Next, backup and stitch through to the backside using hole 2 (This is the "back" part of the backstitch).

Stitch to the front from hole 4, then back up to hole 3 to stitch to the backside.  Take Note: From here on out you are essentially, 1... skipping a hole when stitching from the back to the front and 2.... backing up to the previous hole when stitching from the front to the back.

When complete use a piece of tape to hold loose ends in place.

Things will get messy on the revers side, but no worries this will be covered up.  :)

Take Note:  Don't be scared... load up on adhesive!  This will help keep the stitched panel nice and flat.

One last example for you today.  This time around I began like I did on the card above.  By embossing the large triangle die, but before stitching I stamped the coordinating image (both from Sketched Shapes).

While I was stitching I threw in a button.  Bonus! The sentiment is from the Bigger Blooms stamp set.

That's it from me today.  I hope you'll give stitching a go.  Have fun!

Thanks for stopping by.

Maile

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