Paper Embroidery Designs : A New Trend
Paper embroidery has been around for thousands of years; however it has found a
new resurgence with the popularity of scrapbooking. While most of us think of
embroidery as a thread or yarn embellishment on fabric, embroidery can also be
done on paper. To embroider on paper you use the same threads as you would on
fabric. By punching small holes in your paper you can easily pull your threads
through to make wonderful designs.
Embroidery on paper can allow you to be creative in many different ways. Paper
embroidery can allow you to personalize your scrapbooks or other items in an
entirely new and exciting way. You can make your own hand-sewn holiday cards
with paper embroidery. You can also make a masterpiece to frame with paper
embroidery as well. The options are literally only as endless as your
imagination is.
Paper embroidery can be a very easy and inexpensive hobby. All you will need to
get started is a sheet of stiff or fibrous paper, some embroidery threads, a
needle, and a pair of sharp scissors. You can find all of these items at your
local craft or drugstore. If you choose to work with very stiff or thick papers,
you will also need to purchase a paper piercing tool.
Choosing Your Paper
The best option for paper is to use a heavy cardstock. This will allow your
design to be worked easily and also help to keep the shape of the paper you are
using. To make pulling your threads through the paper a snap, you will want to
pierce the paper in your design first, and then thread the various threads
through the holes to make up your pattern.
Choosing Your Needles
The best needles for paper embroidery are those which are very fine and sharp.
Because they will pierce your paper the best, they make the cleanest and most
professional looking results. If you are having problems piercing the paper,
then your needles are not sharp enough.
Choosing Your Threads
In the case of paper embroidery, the threads you choose have a very direct
effect on your end results. Because paper is coarse, it will rub on your threads
as you insert them through the paper. For this reason, you want to select
threads which are smooth and not bulky. By choosing smooth threads they will not
fray as you pull them through the paper, and your final design will look much
crisper and cleaner.
Metallic embroidery threads are now readily available almost everywhere. You can
use the metallic threads to add some shimmer and elegance to your designs.
Easy Patterns
You can purchase books and individual patterns online if you need a guide for
your embroidery projects. However, if you are a bit more adventurous, you can
make your own patterns or use a rubber stamp design as your guide. Simply stamp
your paper in a complementary color and start sticking it.
Adding Embellishments
One of the most fun things you can do with paper embroidery is to add beads onto
your threads. With the popularity of jewelry making these days, beads can be
found in a wide array of styles and colors. By adding some beads to your designs
you can give them a three dimensional look.
Finishing Off Your Projects
When working with embroidery threads on paper, you do not ever want to knot your
threads. If you do, it will leave bumps on your project. The best way to deal
with thread ends on the back of your projects is to use a small amount of clear
tape to tape them in place. This will make your thread ends flat with the back
of the paper and will allow your finished project to be nice and smooth.
If you are looking for a new craft, give paper embroidery a try. It is
inexpensive to do, can be done with items available just about anywhere, and
produces beautiful results in very little time.
