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kylissa
Model SISter (2131)
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# Posted: 10 Feb 2008 21:36
I just bought a new sewing machine (very early b-day present from my g'ma) and didn't know the best way to sew on paper/LO's. Do you use a particular tension so the paper doesn't rip? Thanks!
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candiMANDI
SISter Elle (1897)
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# Posted: 10 Feb 2008 21:40
I use a loose stitch setting, a lighter tension. It's good to practice a little first, and you can try out different techniques and stitches.
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akuti
Model SISter (2253)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 05:57
I pretty much sew on paper the same way as i sew on fabric~! once you get the hang of it, you will pretty much power on at it!! b ut yeah maybe loosen the tension a little at first to work out how much you have it on. and goodluck!! :D
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AnnaB
SISter Elle (1851)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 06:57
I love sewing on my layouts and I never changed the tension or anything. But I don't use the machine a lot for other things and it's ooooold, so maybe the tension is a bit loose anyway? I don't know - but I just want to wish you a happy sewing...! :)
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groovcat
Haute SISter (858)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 08:00
i want a sewing machine so bad - just to sew on layouts. i've tried sewing clothes but am horrible so i can't justify the price of a sewing machine just for scrappin' :(
If anyone has any cost effective ideas I'm all ears!
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HeatherJ
Model SISter (2312)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 09:34
I too have sewn on a few layouts and normally keep the same settings as fabric sewing. I would 2nd the suggestion on practicing 1st that way you can be sure you have the look you want. A longer stich tends to show more so you may like that better.
Happy Sewing!
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HeatherJ
Model SISter (2312)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 09:35
My daughters have had "play" sewing machines. They are small, but a lot cheaper than a full size and would be perfect to use for your layouts. Thought I'd lend the suggestion.
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ajw472
Favorite SISter (6820)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 12:01
i use a denim needle - it's a bit sturdier that a regular needle, and it comes in handy when i am doing a lot of layering.
hey groovcat - do you have a freecycle group in your area? you can post that you want a sewing machine, or wait to see if someone posts one for offer. everything has to be free, and the main site for freecycle is freecycle.org. good luck!
angie
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milkcan
SISter Elle (1868)
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2008 12:05
The only thing I would say is that you need to change your needle more frequently (because paper dulls it) than with fabric. Also, be careful about stitching through adhesive because it will gunk up the interior works of your machine. Happy sewing!
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nitty.grittyjody
Big SIS (4290)
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2008 11:02
Good advice here!
I have never done anything differently when I sew on paper. But I think I have always sew more than one layer together...like fabric onto paper.
Have fun playing around and trying new things. I'm going to make sure I never sew through anything sticky. =) Great tip!
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kerry lynn
Favorite SISter (6469)
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2008 11:17
The only thing I would say is that you need to change your needle more frequently (because paper dulls it) than with fabric. Also, be careful about stitching through adhesive because it will gunk up the interior works of your machine. Happy sewing!
and make sure to not use that needle for anything else except paper it will shred fabric...
xo
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lisaannette
SISter Elle (1958)
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2008 12:34
and make sure to not use that needle for anything else except paper it will shred fabric...
Thanks Kerry.. great tip! I just sewed on my first layout last night. Never thought about it messing up my needle. I sew outfits and stuff all the time.
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flowerdisco
Stylin' SIS (171)
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2008 23:01
These are great tips...thank you! I own a sewing machine and is an old one like 16 years old. I hardly use it because I have to get it out to put on the table I use for scrapping and well is just an inconvenience, but I like the look of stitches on paper.
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groovcat
Haute SISter (858)
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2008 20:08
hey groovcat - do you have a freecycle group in your area? you can post that you want a sewing machine, or wait to see if someone posts one for offer. everything has to be free, and the main site for freecycle is freecycle.org. good luck!
Yes! I've been meaning to join freecycle for 5 years now but just haven't gotten around to it yet. This may be a good push....
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tracirenae
Model SISter (2111)
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2008 10:18
GROOVCAT:
they do sell mini sewing machines for about $20. i have one upstairs but have yet to figure out how to use it. that is one of the things i want to learn but no one is around to show me!!
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kylissa
Model SISter (2131)
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2008 11:31
i tried the $20 sewing machine and i ended up taking it back. it didn't work for me.
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tia0220
Model SISter (2820)
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2008 11:34
i want a sewing machine so bad - just to sew on layouts. i've tried sewing clothes but am horrible so i can't justify the price of a sewing machine just for scrappin' :(
Check your local craigslist. I bought mine that folds down into a night stand looking deal for $50.....though I have yet to do anything with it!
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kylissa
Model SISter (2131)
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2008 11:39
my sewing machine that i bought was a deal! target runs specials on a singer sewing machine for only $69.99- regular price $89.99- it is a basic singer but it comes with a manual, ideas, and an awesome DVD.
that is why i got it early because it ran on sale and i caught it.
check it out HERE
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ohradiogirl
Stylin' SIS (101)
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2008 12:06
I got a Brother sewing machine for Christmas. I've had some success, but the tension thing is something that is working against me. I might play with it today an see how loosening it up works out - though I thought that I did have it loose. Good info.
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scrappinjill
Baby SISter (3)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 09:36
I needed some of this advice...I have a new sewing machine and have been playing around with sewing on my LO's...
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AmberUlmer
Big SIS (4029)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 09:43
wow! great advice! I've been sewing more... and not just paper so Im glad I read this!!! Thanks girls!!!
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rertel
Favorite SISter (7354)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 09:52
ditto what amber said!
i tried sewing on paper 2 years ago and busted up my machine. then spent $120 to get it fixed and i've been terrified to try it again.
thanks for all the great advice ladies!
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sandritaaaaa
Style Addict (1067)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 11:06
i want to learn to sew so badly!! i come from a loong line of self-proclaimed seamstresses. the women in my family make everything! i always told them i wanted to learn and my mom always wanted to teach me but i never got around to it-too busy playing with paper =) i got my mom a new sewing machine last yr for christmas and she loves it and i cannot come near it because i will probably ruin it she says. i told her i want to sew on some paper and she looked at me funny. this weekend im supposed to be getting a 'lesson' because one of my projects is to make dresses for my nieces. i hope that happens and while im at it, ill also do some paper! of course keeping in mind the great tips all of you have posted.
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lisaannette
SISter Elle (1958)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 12:04
I really hope you you that you get your lesson in sewing too! I consider it one of the most wonderful gifts/talents that my mother & grandmother gave to me. There are lots of sewing blogs and sewing instructions on the web that could help a sister tremendously! just google sewing :) and have fun.
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christa
Style Maven (547)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 12:53
I got a sewing machine for my birthday last december and one of the reasons i wanted it was to sew on my layouts, but if you were to ask me where that sewing machine is now I would tell you it is in the unopened box. :(
I'm actually storing it until I have a place to set it up....soon!
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mrsdd02
Style Addict (1412)
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# Posted: 17 Apr 2008 13:04
the wider the stitch the better.
((piercing the paper too close together is not a good thing.))
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marolle
Little SISter (32)
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2008 14:06
is it worth it to buy one of the small ones to use on layouts ???!
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amytangerine
Vogue SISter (3791)
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2008 17:12
i totally think the small ones would rock for sewing on paper. then you can even bring them to crops!
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JokeBK
Little SISter (11)
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# Posted: 15 May 2008 04:10
I've never changed anything. But try it on apiece of paper first. Succes!
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KateW
Fashion Plate (474)
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# Posted: 15 May 2008 04:21
i want a sewing machine so bad - just to sew on layouts. i've tried sewing clothes but am horrible so i can't justify the price of a sewing machine just for scrappin' :(
If anyone has any cost effective ideas I'm all ears!
I was exactly the same and eventually gave in and got a cheap one in Lidl's which is probably like your target (i guess!) it was very cheap but ATM is still sitting unused, I have to have a play with it (coz I really don't have a clue) Maybe keep an eye out for a cheap machine if your only gonna use it on paper!
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