[Laurel Lakey]

Hey guys and gals,

I just got a new sewing machine for Christmas and I wanted to know if I could sew some papers together. Do I need a special needle or thread for that? Would I need a specific type of stitch? I have a Bernina 430 machine if that helps to know.

Also, have you used your sewing machine with any of your SG products? Anyone do anything with iron-ons? Just curious to see what the possibilities are!

Thanks in advance!

[MaryJo]

Yes you can sew paper with a machine. It depends on the paper. I use a "Paper Template" paper for paper piecing quilts. Its a very thin paper almost like vellum, but softer. You can use a regular needle. don't use one with a large eye, it will make the paper tear. Other than that you should be okay

[April Showers]

I sew on heavy card stock when I make cards. If you only have a larger needle, make sure you use a longer stitch length. And you can do any of your cool stitches on paper as long as you use the smaller needle and have your tensions adjusted correctly. (Since it is new, we'll hope they're still right.)

[Meisie]

and keep the needle for paper stitching only, it will soon be too blunt for fabric. I actually save my too-blunt-for-fabric needles to use for paper. The tension is the biggest factor, to get a nice stitch that sits comfortably on top of the paper and not cut into it. Also, build up your layers of paper so that, as far as possible, you only sew 2 layers of cardstock at one time, it just makes it easier to keep it all neat and the tension right, without having to adjust it all the time..

HTH

[ScrappingForever]

Yep, I sew on paper all of the time!

The machine I have...well...I only sew on paper! LOL So I just use the needle that came in it and regular thread. Oh, and I've sewn on all different weights of cardstock with no problem. Haven't done much sewing two layers together, tho.

HTH!

[Launa]

Oh how fun Laurel! I have a Bernina too! They are AWESOME Machines! And you should be able to sew on anything you want to! It is a good idea to use a longer stitch length though! You can also sew without thread for a great paper punched look! Have fun! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Laurel Lakey]

Wow, guys, thanks so much for your responses. I knew you'd know what to do!

I'm excited to start stitching on some thank-you cards, and the longer stitch length makes sense, but it's not something I would have intuitively thought about.

Cool beans, thanks for the help!