How to Sew a Fabric Postcard - Updated Version

[@AshfordsBoulevard]

Ive watched several videos on fabric postcards and your video is to most informative and concice. Some people talk way too much and i appreciate that you got right to the point.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you so much. 💜

[@trinam2503]

So cute Robin!!! My older sister lives in an assisted living facility. Ever since I move to another state, I send her a fabric post card every 4weeks or so. I made her a basket to save them in. They really brighten her day! Our mom says every time she sees her, she shows off the latest one. They are so easy! Even if I'm doing an applique one, I can easily do it in an evening. It uses scraps and makes her so happy! ❤ right now she isnt allowed to have visitors so they are even more special to her.

[@rsislandcrafts]

That’s a wonderful gift for your sister. I need to make a fabric box for mine but inspiration hasn’t hit me yet.

[@suesmith5033]

What a great idea to send out these now. We all enjoy a special surprise! I'm old fashioned I guess but I love getting things in the mail. Just not bills! 😊

[@patbowman6723]

I love getting mail too unless it's a bill.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I’ve always loved mail. I used to sign up for all kinds of free things several years ago just to make sure I had mail most days.

[@patbowman6723]

@@rsislandcrafts I love mail too. I usually get the kind that want money or are to occupant. lol

[@darlenewarner648]

Thank you making Valentine postcards!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I just made a few last week. It was fun to work with all of my pink scraps. Happy sewing!!

[@darlenewarner648]

@@rsislandcrafts all of my postcards perforated after I stitched the outside :( Suggestions on how to save them?

[@rsislandcrafts]

@@darlenewarner648 That’s one of the reasons I don’t use a zig zag or satin type stitch. It cause It to perforate and separate. I received a postcard in a swap that perforated and my plan is to sew a straight stitch on the inside of the perforation. It won’t be very noticeable and It will hold all of the layers together. You could also add single fold binding around the edges but that’s extra work and binding doesn’t always lay nicely on a fabric postcard in my opinion. The straight stitch should hold It all together and you still have the look of the satin stitch that’s already there. I hope that helps.

[@darlenewarner648]

@@rsislandcrafts OMGoodness thank you so much!

[@rsislandcrafts]

@@darlenewarner648 You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help a little.

[@giovannacasadio9600]

Always love watching your work, I made mine using thin recycled cardstock on the inside and a 100gsm paper for the writing area at the back, it is not as squishy as yours but I think as it is recycling it is fine. Hope you like it when it arrives 😊.

[@conishkee]

4/6/22: Great Googa-Mooga, Robin, this is a FANTASTIC idea, especially when it comes to using up the scrap pieces. There are so many places I can go with this project now that you've got my head in a whirl, so I definitely plan to get into this in the near future. You are so inspiring with your creative ideas, and I appreciate it. Thank you! 😊

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you. I love how creative we can be when making fabric postcards. Since it’s a small project it’s not as scary to try new things. I love trying new crazy ideas.

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you Robin. Turned out lovely and great idea to send out for birthdays while we are in lockdown💕

[@lauraruthruff4741]

Love these ideas. A lot of people like to make their own holiday cards. This would be perfect!!

[@melonibeyer6667]

I have that seam ripper. I love that little eraser on the end. works great to get the threads out of your fabric.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Yes! Although I have switched to an actual white eraser to clean off the threads. Much quicker.

[@melonibeyer6667]

I will have to try that.

[@samnikknott]

Thanks Robin, just found your channel. Love your ideas. Greetings from the UK :-)

[@rsislandcrafts]

Welcome!! Thank you so much. 🦩

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Another useful video which I'll share to Pinterest - I love your postcards, especially the one I received. It arrived in perfect order, no damage, just waiting to be admired; THANK YOU

[@rsislandcrafts]

Wonderful! I always wonder how well they travel.

[@patbowman6723]

Looking good. i like the red one with the campers on it.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Me too. I couldn’t resist.

[@patbowman6723]

@@rsislandcrafts ty,ty,ty,ty,ty for my P/C

[@bevcote2357]

Very nice. Blessings.

[@donna57]

Love it

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Interested in the source of your clear plastic envelopes.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I buy my clear envelopes on Amazon but I’ve heard you can find them at hobby lobby and office supply stores. I buy 100-200 envelopes at a time but the office stores etc have much smaller packs

[@barbarameehan113]

Robin, I have the comic boards and I don't like putting my fabric on them. This is a great use of the 100 I have. Question, are you saying they can be sewn through to attach the Little quilt sandwich?

[@rsislandcrafts]

Hi Barbara. In the past I’ve used heat-n-bond scraps to attach the quilted postcard to the comic book board. Now I just use school glue. Both hold the two pieces together so that I can stitch around the outside of the postcard. I’ve used quilting clips when I first started making fabric postcards but I find the glue is easier. Other than the round of binding type stitches I don’t sew through the comic book board. I hope that helps.

[@barbarameehan113]

@@rsislandcrafts thank you Robin. You answered well.

[@nancyshaner8548]

What model of JUki do you have? Good videos.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you. I have a Juki HZL - F600.

[@reneemarinelli6368]

HI. Do you have to adjust the machine or use a different needle to go through the cardboard?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I haven’t with either of my sewing machines. The comic book board will dull the needle of course but I’ve sewn quilt blocks, sewn three fabric postcards to completion and gone back to sewing fabric for zipper pouches. You should test your machine and see if It likes It or you can use cardstock instead.

[@reneemarinelli6368]

@@rsislandcrafts Thank you so much. You are a saint with all you share on your site.

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re very welcome. When I started my creative journey I tried to learn from blogs and books. I struggled with understanding what others thought were simple steps or the blogs didn’t show that one little step that I was stuck on. When I started making tutorials here on KZbin I knew I wanted to make others feel successful with their projects. I love to share what I’ve learned and to hopefully make sure nobody is stuck at 2 am with their projects ✂️

[@glendapugh5838]

So when you send the postcard to the person it has to be put in the plastic bag and if so where do you buy the bags? Thanks

[@rsislandcrafts]

I buy the clear envelopes on Amazon but others have found them at hobby lobby. You can mail them in a manilla envelope or I’ve also found white envelopes that fit the size postcards I make on Amazon. Some people have mailed their postcards without an envelope but I do not recommend that. It’s easy for them to be damaged by the sorting machines or just from going through the usps system and being delivered. I have a fabric postcard playlist with more information about making postcards and mailing them. Thanks for watching.

[@chrissyoldfield8566]

Where can I buy the clear covers you are slipping your post card into? Love the postcards!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I buy the clear envelopes from amazon. There are several to choose from but these are from most recent purchase - - 100 - Clear Resealable A2 / A6 Card Envelopes Polypropylene Cello Bags 4 3/4" x 6 3/4" 1.5mil (A6) www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5UW1A8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yn7WEb18QMR35

[@chrissyoldfield8566]

RsIslandCrafts - Robin thank you just ordered some! 👍🏻

[@rsislandcrafts]

Welcome to the addiction 😆

[@Vapaja]

Thank you so much for sharing what envelopes you get! Super excited to try this!!

[@MyraNagy]

Hi, I was wondering what machine you are using with that decorative stitch?

[@rsislandcrafts]

In this video I’m using my Juki HZL - F600. Now I use my Brother CS6000i for my postcards.

[@judystratton2005]

So you put the stamp on the cello bag envelope?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I put the postage stamp on a mailing label that goes on the cello envelope. I have a separate video about how I mail my fabric postcards. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5zUZJyhibubhpIsi=ggm4cJotlLum9TKZ

[@tomifinch9752]

Can the postcards be used as mini mug rugs or will they wet the card?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I know some have used the postcards I’ve sent as mug rugs but as you said you risk getting the card wet. Some people prefer to use fabric for the back of their postcards. Then It would be safe to use under a drink that sweats. Of course if you don’t spill your drink then you wouldn’t have to worry. I’ve recently been making mug rugs the same size as my fabric postcards. That way I can mail them for the cost of a first class stamp. I do slide the comic book board into the envelope before mailing. Only because I like It to be sturdy while It travels from my house to someone else’s house. Have fun!

[@tomifinch9752]

Thank you.

[@kathytincler2446]

I just love this idea! What presser feet do you use throughout? I'm a newbie & stress out over changing feet....it's a fight, I'm not good with machines....sigh. Knitting, crocheting & other crafting are much easier for me but I want to learn this! Tfs

[@rsislandcrafts]

You can use the basic presser foot. No need to change unless you do something extra fancy.

[@kathytincler2446]

@@rsislandcrafts Thank you so much!

[@artslook7712]

so nice! love it!!

[@carolthurston9580]

Do you swap out the needle on your machine for a dull one? Doesn’t stitching through cardboard tear up the needle quickly?

[@rsislandcrafts]

Yes, sewing through paper and cardboard does wear out a needle. I don’t make one or two fabric postcards here and there. I make 40-50 at a time. That way I have them on hand when I want to send one to a friend or give some away. I bought a second sewing machine specifically for making my scrappy cards and fabric postcards. I do use It for other things in between postcard making. I change the needle after a marathon card making session. When I’m only making one or two cards I just use the needle that’s already in the machine. I find that a little sewing through paper doesn’t dull the needle too much. I use my main sewing machine for sewing quilt blocks and my second machine for bags etc. It just comes down to what you’re making and how many you’re making. If you’re making one now and then It is a good idea to have a separate needle.

[@louisealley4703]

Can you use recipe card weight for the basic shape??

[@rsislandcrafts]

I think a recipe card would work. Some people use fabric for the part you write on.

[@sewwhat9387]

Hello....what Juki sewing machine are you using.? Thank you

[@rsislandcrafts]

Hello. I sew on a Juki HZL-F600.

[@kathytincler2446]

Hi- I'm finally getting ready to try this but want them to be note cards. (we had quite the conversation in another vid about these projects a couple of weeks ago vid in which you were very helpful to me, an old newbie) Since I want to only do the notecards could I just stop at the material & batting & either glue or use dbl sided tape to attach to the card or would that not hold very well? My scary concern is trying to sew thru material, batting & a piece of card stock. Tia

[@rsislandcrafts]

Hello again. 😁 Have you seen this video? m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmLYi5SClralaJY Instead of using tiny scraps you could sew whatever design you’d like adapting the process as needed.

[@wmyoung1000]

what size needle do you use?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I use a universal 90/14. The same that I sew with on other projects. It works fine for me.

[@wmyoung1000]

@@rsislandcrafts thank you :)

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re welcome

[@joane8651]

Robin, how much is the postage needed to mail these? If you already said, I must have missed it, thanks.

[@joane8651]

I found it on your previous video, thanks--

[@rsislandcrafts]

I love that these can be mailed for the price of a basic stamp. I do know if you mail It without an envelope that It could cost more because It has to be hand cancelled. It’s not safe to go through the sorting machine.

[@suemauer5965]

Do you always use straight strips? Some of my scraps have curved edges.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Curves are fine. They add movement to the design. They’re also perfect for landscape postcards. I pulled these scraps from my strip scrap bin.

[@suemauer5965]

@@rsislandcrafts Thank you - this is my first time to see one of your videos. I really enjoyed it!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you and welcome!! I hope you check out some of my older videos.

[@dianesweeney5898]

What size needle?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I sew with a universal needle. 90/14

[@dianesweeney5898]

Needle size??

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s mostly batting and fabric so I use my usual universal 90/14 needle. I don’t save It only for postcards. When it’s dull I change It.

[@beverleysimmons8080]

No girl i like that one lol my style darn don’t have any of that good i got cotton batting Saturday noon day just resting lol clean up this morning lol i would h ave done the same thing