Sew Simple

When I first noticed stitching on layouts, I thought to myself, “I’ll never be able to try that—I can’t sew!” But you know what? Even the worst seamstress (which I would probably qualify for) can sew on layouts! Stitching on your layouts adds another dimension to your project and helps to “anchor” your elements to the page.

**The first thing I do before sewing on any layout is practice on an extra sheet of paper. I like to make sure my stitching will look right and it helps to check the overall threading of the machine.

**When you are comfortable with the look of the stitch, sew directly on the paper BEFORE adhering it to the layout. If you adhere it first, you are likely to have bubbles in your page. Only after you stitch do you adhere to the layout.

**If you find that you have trouble sewing a straight line, keep your layout in the “freestyle” form so that a crooked stitch fits right in with the design.

**Get the look of sewn on buttons by running thread through buttons with a needle as your guide. Simply attach them with a glue dot once they are threaded.

**If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can still get the sewn look by handstitching. Use a needle and thick thread directly on your paper—it usually helps to punch the holes beforehand so that you can just run the stitch quickly through with the needle.

**Remember that sewing on paper usually wears out a needle faster than sewing on material. Change your needle often and have fun trying this new technique!