Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Fabric Postcard Tutorial

I have had several requests to do a tutorial on making the fabric postcards that I have shown on my blog. They are a really fun, small project to work on and I hope that everyone can enjoy the process. Give it a try and post a photo on your blogs to let me see what masterpiece you have created.







Locate several scraps of fabrics that are pleasing to you. There can be as many as you feel comfortable using. Cut into strips that when sewn together will give you a piece that will measure at least 4 1/4" by 6 1/2".





Sew strips together. At this point you are really free to do anything. Sometimes I will do piecework, sometimes just one solid piece of fabric and sometimes a paper pieced project.



Cut a piece of double sided fusible interfacing such as Timtex or a similar brand used for making fabric bowls. I cut this piece at 4 1/4" by 6 1/2".



Using a dry iron, fuse your work to the piece of interfacing. You may want to use a silicone pressing sheet underneath as the interfacing is double sided fusible and can release onto your ironing board.



Trim the fused card to a measurement slightly larger than you want. I like to trim mine to the 4 1/4" by 6 1/2" measurement.



At this point you can add decorative ribbons, trims, stitches, paints or whatever else you feel like. Free motion quilting can also be done by dropping the feed dogs on your sewing machine and using a darning foot.



I also like to add beads to my cards. This can be done by sewing them on individually or threading them onto a wire. All hand sewing and ornamentation must be done before adding the card stock to the back.



To add beads on a wire I coil one end of the wire, thread the beads and then coil the other end.



Stitch the wire or beads in place by hand. Be sure to tack the wire down frequently between the beads to avoid the possibility of them slipping off in the mail.



At this point you will trim your postcard to the size of 4" by 6 1/4" and you will cut a piece of card stock to 4" by 6 1/4" as well.


Mark the card stock at the midway point and do a decorative stitching, stenciling or simply drawing a line down the marked line.



Iron (no steam) card stock to the back side of the postcard. Be sure your iron is clean or you can leave marks on the card stock. You can also use a pressing cloth to avoid the problem.



Apply a paper backed fusible web to a selected border fabric cut 3" by 6 1/2". I prefer a double stick fusible web as it is easier to attach the borders to the postcard.



Cut four strips at 5/8 of an inch wide by 6 1/2". Strips will eventually be trimmed to the size of the postcard. Another way of finishing the edges is to use a zig-zag stitch or a satin stitch around the edges. I prefer the borders as it gives the card a more finished look.




Remove the paper backing and attach two side borders first by folding them in half and ironing them in place - over the two short edges of postcard. Trim to match the four inch sides.




Continue to apply border to the 6 1/4" sides as you did in the last step.



Add decorative stitching down the middle of the entire border.



Take a moment to sit back and enjoy your finished project.



Add a note, stamp and address. Mail it off to a friend.































































32 comments:

  1. Absolutely fabulous! And I know without a doubt that my husband has the patience in this house - I could never do that project! Just beautiful.

    Have a wonderful week-end!

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  2. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm so anxious to try making some cards. I make all my cards with card stock plus but this will be a new experience.

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  3. Wow – talk about a serendipitous visit to your blog for my first time… I've been wondering how to make fabric post cards for a few months now, and here you have an easy-to-follow tutorial! Thank you SO much from this newbie quilter!

    Can you really just put a stamp on this and mail it? It doesn’t need to go into an envelope? Does it make it through all the post office machines unscathed?

    Again, thank you!

    Where in southern CA are you located? I'm in Ventura County.

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  4. Thank you SO much! I can't wait to make a few myself, now that I have the instructions. Your tutorial was brilliant!

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  5. Thank you!!! I've always want to try a fabric post card and honestly haven't seen directions as nice as yours!!
    Have a great weekend

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  6. This is absolutely beautiful! How clever you are, and the tutorial is so well done!

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  7. This is such a great tutorial for those of us who are somewhat "craftily challenged" :)
    You do make it look so easy!
    Great post..
    xo

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  8. These cards do look nice and interesting. However sewing is not my thing so I won't be taking it up. I make my cards with stamping and embossing.

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  9. I've been wanting to try to make one of these for some time now. Thanks for the tutorial it has really helped me understand the process.

    I am curious though, have you ever had a problem just mailing it like that instead of in an envelope?

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  10. That is absolutely beautiful! A lovely postcard and gift all in one!
    Hugs,
    Kelli

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  11. I can't wait to make one soon. Thanks for the tutorial. It's great!!!

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  12. what a great idea! I love it! What a fantastic idea! thanks for sharing!

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  13. You do such great tutorials, are you sure you weren't a teacher instead of a nurse?????? I had to go get my birthday card from you and check it all out again. They are just so beautiful and I LOVE the little beads with the letters on them. I will have to try to make one!! I think I'd better print off your tutorial. I've never used the double sided fusible but do have a silicone pad that I just recently bought. I'm almost finished with my Rudolph wall hanging, just need to go to Jo Anns and get some buttons for the eyes. Didn't get it put in my post today as I didn't want them eyeless. Next I'm going to do a set of Santa placemats. Started tracing onto the fusible last night. Always have to have something going as you know. We've had some beautiful weather but looks like rain next week for a few days. Parts of our lawn already need to be cut. Guess spring has really sprung!!

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  14. Great tutorial! Your postcard is beautiful and inspiring. I definitely will be making some of these. Thank you!

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  15. WOW! You make it look so easy! Thanks for doing the tutorial! It's wonderful!

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  16. How beautiful!! I would never throw that postcard away!! Too pretty and so much work in it. i think i will stick with scrapbook cards..smile. Thanks for all the work you did on this tutorial!!
    Sandy

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  17. Those are just beautiful. Thanks for posting the directions..
    Have a great evening...

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  18. that is very nice. thanks for the tutorial.I too wonder about it getting caught and torn in the mail machines.

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  19. This is wonderful, you should have entered it in the SewMamaSew contest, maybe next time. If I received a card like that I would treasure it forever!

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  20. Stunning! How clever you are. I love these!

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  21. How beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing -- I am bookmarking this page.

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  22. I am not sure if you will see this comment, but I love your fabric post card. I think it is beautiful. I am now planning on trying one because your tutorial is very easy to follow. Let's hope that mine will come out as nice as yours.

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  23. I am not sure if you will see this comment, but I love your fabric post card. I think it is beautiful. I am now planning on trying one because your tutorial is very easy to follow. Let's hope that mine will come out as nice as yours.

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  24. this is so fabulous..thanks alot for sharing this. Now I can try make my own fabric card/postcards..:)

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  25. Loved your instructions and technique. I made my first fabric postcard and used fabric for the backing. I like your idea of using cardstock and your instructions were extremely clear. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  26. Thanks for the instructions. Though I do lots of crafts, I'm getting ready to do my first fabric post card swap on Swap-bot.com. I'm following, would you follow on my blog?
    http://vintageterrace2.blogspot.com/
    Thanks,
    Coleen Franks

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  27. Great tutorial and with so many elements to mix and match in design. Thanks for taking the time!

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  28. I love it, I am so gonna start these, I have a new machine and I am learning to use all the stitches, when I first starting to blog and following folks a lady sent me one from Australia because I admired her work, I was so happy for it. thank you for sharing at T,T & T... at SimpleSew.. your the bestest MOM

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  29. Your cards are "sew" creative. Your directions are super !

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  30. Oh my goodness, Mary...I have been browsing for fabric postcard tutorials and look what I found.....5 and a half years after your post! Can't wait to try it out and send to Irene at her little ranch where she will be spending Thanksgiving this year!

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  31. What a great tutorial. I love the special added touch using beads in a phrase. Thanks for sharing with us all. If you are interested in my blog related to sewing fabric postcards, it is listed below!

    Thanks sew much

    ShereeSews
    http://sewfabsew.blogspot.com

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