tutorial :: patchwork fabric card

I've been meaning to make one of these cards for a while. I thought I'd document the process and share it.

This project is a great way to use up scraps of any kind of fabric. I used mostly vintage bed sheets and napkins/serviettes.

Sewing the fabric on to the card stock isn't as crazy as it sounds and is very easy. Make sure you needle is newish so it pierces the paper.

Follow the tutorial after the jump...


SUPPLIES
:: Various scraps of fabric.
:: Thread
:: 8 1/2 x 11 card stock or blank greeting card
:: Fusible interfacing like Heat 'n Bond Ultrahold.
:: Sewing machine. (You could do it by hand, it's a small enough project)
:: Iron
:: Parchment paper
:: Scissors or rotary cutter
:: Ruler or quilting ruler
:: Printer paper (optional)
:: Printer (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1 Pick out your fabrics and start sewing scraps together like an improv patchwork quilt. Choose a seam allowance that works for you... mine is usually a 1/4 inch. Press each seam to one side similar to quilting. Once you have pressed your seem, sew over top of the seam with a zig zag stitch.

2 Continue piecing until you have a large enough piece to cut out your shape. If you want the finished shape to look "patchworky", be sure to cut your fabric pieces in to smaller sections so you can see as many pieces of fabric as possible.

3 Cut out a piece of fusible interfacing that's larger than your piece of patchwork and follow manufacturer's directions for fusing on the top back of your fabric. I place a piece of parchment paper between the iron and the fabric so the glue doesn't burn on to the bottom of the iron.

4 Print out your shape on standard printer paper. You could also draw your shape freehand on to any kind of lightweight paper. Cut the shape out of the paper and pin it on to the interfaced fabric.

*TIP* Choose a graphic shape that is simple. This will make sewing easier in step 9.

5 Cut out the shape using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Peel off the paper backing exposing the glue.

6 If you are making your card from a 8 1/2" x 11" piece of card stock, do that now. Score the card stock down the middle, then fold in half to create a typical greeting card.

7 Place the fabric shape, glue side down, on to the card. Cover the card with parchment paper and iron. Do NOT use steam. Do not press the iron down, just let it sit, or you will crease/bend the paper. Pick it up and move it to the next spot instead of sliding the iron.

*TIP* In the photos I have the card folded when ironing the shape on to the card... it probably makes more sense to have the card open flat. duh!

8 Let the card cool. You might want to press it under some books to keep it from warping.

9 Once the card is cool, open it up and start sewing around the shape using a zig zag stitch. This is easier than you'd think. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Trim loose threads. Or, you can trim the threads a bit longer like I did.

*TIP* Use white bobbin thread so the thread blends in with the card on the inside.

10 Write your greeting on the inside of the card and send!

That's it! A fairly easy project with great results. Send me photos of your completed cards! I can't wait to see what you all come up with. Good Luck!