Stitching adds a delightful, handcrafted look to scrapbook pages. It also gives layouts a lovely finishing touch. Here is some information on basic technique and provide helpful tips and ideas for ways you can use your sewing machine or other tools to stitch on your scrapbook layouts.  

"Splash Pad"by Greta Hammond

Greta Hammond stitched the large star accent on her scrapbook page with contrasting red thread to draw attention to it.

Outline a shaped paper accent with a straight stitch. Here's how:

1. Cut out a large star from patterned paper.

2. Stitch around the outside edge of the star with a contrasting-colored thread.

3. Leave the sewing needle down in its lowest position in the paper at the corner of the star. Lift the foot peddle of the sewing machine, turn the paper to line up along the next edge of the star, and continue stitching.

Tips for Success

* Experiment with various colors of thread to create different looks on your scrapbook page.

* Use matching thread colors to give your layout subtle dimension and definition without being distracting--like Greta did on the borders of this page.

* Select coordinating or contrasting thread colors to draw attention to key elements or to add color and texture to your layout.

* If you're nervous about stitching, don't sew directly onto your scrapbook layout. Stitch a border, an accent, or a photo mat, and then adhere it to your layout.

Q&A: Machine Stitching on Scrapbook Layouts

Q. Will stitching on paper ruin my sewing machine?

A. No. If you're concerned about the paper dulling your needle, consider using a separate needle for stitching on paper.

Q. Can I stitch on cardstock and patterned paper? How about specialty papers like vellum or tissue paper? What about transparencies?

A. Yes, you can stitch on any of the above-mentioned papers. Stitch slowly for best results. If you're nervous about getting started, try stitching on a couple of scraps to get a feel for it.

Q. Can I stitch on chipboard, cardboard, or acrylic?

A. No, we would not recommend it. Check the manufacturer recommendations for your machine before attempting this.

Q. Can I stitch fabric to paper?

A. Yes. Because the fabric will have more "give" than the paper will, work slowly and check to make sure the fabric isn't pulling or isn't misaligned.

Q. I stitched through adhesive and now my needle is gummy. Help!

A. Be advised that stitching over strong adhesive can cause damage to your sewing machine.

Try to position the adhesive so you won't stitch over it. But if you do, clean the needle with an adhesive remover, like Un-du, and a soft cloth.

Q&A: Stitching Circles on Scrapbook Pages

Q. How can I stitch a circle on my scrapbook page without cutting the circle out first?

A. Lightly draw a circle in pencil using a compass, cup, or dinner plate, and then gently erase the line after stitching.

Q. How do you get an even circle when you stitch? Is it a matter of cutting out the shape and then trying to keep an even margin as you go?

A. It's definitely easier to stitch a cutout circle. To get even stitching, you must have a guide to regulate the distance from your needle to the edge of the paper circle. Use your presser foot as your guide.

Q. Is there a size range of circles that are easiest to stitch?

A. The space between the presser foot and the body of your sewing machine determines the size of the project that can be stitched. Most machines can easily accommodate 12" x 12"or smaller projects, because these projects can easily be maneuvered within this space.

Q. Is there a trick for stitching small circles?

A. Smaller circles can prove challenging to maneuver while stitching. For best results, cut out small circles, stitch them, and then adhere them to your layout.

Q. Are large circles, like 12" x 12" circle papers, easier or more difficult to stitch on than small circles?

A. Stitching on a 12" x 12" circle paper is super quick and easy because you have more time to maneuver the piece through the machine before your needle has to change directions.

If you don't have a sewing machine you can always stitch by hand. It takes a little longer but you can control the size of your individual stitches. Using a pencil, lightly draw where you would want your stitches to go. With this technique, you can draw designs, letters or doodles. Using a ruler and a paper piercer, punch holes in your paper at regular intervals along your drawn lines and then erase when done. You can then use a back stitch to complete your look.  

We R Memory Keepers sells The Sew Easy stitch piercer tool that pierces the paper for you and you simply thread through the holes in a variety of different stitch effects from a straight stitch to a zig-zag to hearts and words and scallops.   

A simple and fast way to get a stitched look without needle and thread is to draw the stitches on individually with a marker or pen (you can use a glazed pen for dimension).  

Or, you can purchase a stamp that looks like sewing stitches; For example, Technique Tuesday offers a great set called Hanging by a Thread. Of course, being a stamp, it can be imaged in a variety of colors and even heat embossed.

Happy paper sewing!