Add Fabric for Pretty Paper Projects

May 22nd, 2008 in paper crafts

Khris Cochran, contributor

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This card features gorgeous fabric from Sandi Hendersons Ginger Blossom line layered over pieces of olive, brown, and cream-colored cardstocks. The
bold graphic print makes a fantastic focal point without the need for
further embellishment.

By using spray glue to affix fabric to a pillow box template, a simple
box turns into stunning gift packaging. The fabric is from Sandi Hendersons Ginger
Blossom line, and the template for the pillow
box can be downloaded for free at Mirkwood Designs.

This card features gorgeous fabric from Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom line layered over pieces of olive, brown, and cream-colored cardstocks. The bold graphic print makes a fantastic focal point without the need for further embellishment.

Photo: Khris Cochran

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My secret craft confession: I don’t sew. In fact, I have publicly stated that sewing is my Sworn Mortal Enemy. Thread, needles, and I just don’t get along. But that doesn’t stop me from having a deep love of fabric. Give me a gorgeous hand-dyed dupioni or a delightful pattern from Heather Bailey or a nifty retro print any day, and I’m in a higher level of craft nirvana.

If you’re an omni-crafter like I am, you probably have a stash of great fabrics in your craft supplies. Today, I’m going to present some techniques for using those fabulous fabrics in handmade cards.

Cutting Fabrics

The easiest way to cut fabric is with a pair of sharp scissors. A good pair of sharp scissors will save your sanity.
For straight cuts, a rotary cutter (looks kind of like a pizza cutter) is wonderfully easy.
For something a little more decorative, there are scissors with shaped cutting edges that are made for fabric. They can be pinking shears or have blades that make waves or deckles or other interesting cuts.
If you want to go a bit fancier, die cutters will cut through many kinds of fabric. (Hole punches, sadly, will not.)

How to Stick it Together

Stitching – Did you know that you can stitch fabric to paper? This, to me, was a totally outrageous discovery. Either with a sewing machine or by hand, you can stitch these two wonderful things together. When using a machine, take a few minutes to try out different tensions and needles sizes on some scrap paper and fabric.
Spray adhesive – I love spray adhesives for fabric-to-paper adhesion. They’re easy, fast, and have a strong bond. The problem is that the spray can be messy—and smelly—so you need a well-ventilated space and a protected work surface.
Fusible webbing – Found in quilt shops (or the quilting/fabric area of your local craft store), fusible webbing is a great product for adhering fabric to paper. It’s like a sticky mesh that’s activated by the heat of an iron. It provides a strong, even bond and is pretty easy to do.
Brads and eyelets – You can adhere fabric to paper without any kind of glue at all. Brads and eyelets are an easy, decorative way to attach fabric.