Sew a Christmas Tree Greeting Card
How to Create a Christmas Tree Design with a Sewing Machine
Dec 10, 2008
A simple zigzag stitch in a bright sewing thread makes a bold statement and adds textural interest, while performing the function of holding layers of card together.
Strips of bright red card can be machine stitched onto white linen-effect card to create a stylish, stylized Christmas tree image. The thread ends can be neatly tidied away on the reverse side, which can then be topped with a punched star. Variations on this theme can use the same zigzag stitch to add patterned bands around a traditional bauble shape and vertically to enhance candlestick designs.
Important Note
For this activity, use card that is only shiny on one side; otherwise the sewing machine foot will slip and your stitching will be irregular. Use large, widely spaced stitches for best results.
- Place a sheet of red card on a cutting mat. Using a metal ruler and a craft knife, cut strips 1in wide and 5in long. You may wish to use a paper trimmer for extra speed.
- Cut the strips into five lengths of 4in, 3in, 2in, 1.5in and 1in and place, right side down, on scrap paper. Use a glue stick to attach each piece to a 5in square white linen effect card.
- Set your sewing machine to zigzag stitch and sew along the center of the longest strip. Remove the card from the machine and trim either end of the thread to 4in in length. Repeat with the remaining strips. If you haven’t used your machine with card before, test first on a scrap card.
- Starting with the bottom strip on the right side, thread the end of the sewing thread onto the needle. Take the needle through to the reverse side of the card, pulling the thread all the way through, then remove the thread from the needle. Repeat for either end of each strip.
- Turn the card over so that the right side is face down and place two lengths of adhesive tape over the thread ends to make sure that they don’t unravel. Trim the excess thread with scissors.
- Place double-sided adhesive tape along each edge on the reverse of the white card. Peel off the backing of each tape piece halfway and fold outwards. Position the card, right side up, over the red single-fold card, then remove all the tape backing.
- Punch a star and cut a tree base 0.5 x 1in from red card, then glue both in place on the white card.
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