Hand-Sewn Greeting Cards with Baker’s Twine

Sewing on paper?  I know, we’re going a little wacky today, but the slight absurdity is totally worth it.  These hand-sewn greeting cards are perfect for any occasion to add a special touch to a card for a special person.

Materials for Hand-Sewn Greeting Cards

• Scissors
• Cardstock or scrapbook paper
• Baker’s twine or yarn (Note: You can buy baker’s twine at the Dollar Tree.  What?!)
• Clear tape
• Sewing needle (or make your own sewing needle with a paperclip and tape – directions below)
• Pushpins

How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards

First of all, your shape does not have to be a heart.  It should be something simple and I like the look of the effect when you use a heart, but feel free to use other shapes.

Cut your paper to the size that you want.  For two of the cards I made, I traced a standard greeting card and the one below I cut to be approximately a square.

Print and trace your shape.

Use a pushpin to create holes around the edge of the heart and one in the center.

If you’re using a regular sewing needle these holes should be the right size.  If you don’t have a needle lying around the house, you can make your own needle. Straighten out a paper clip and use a small bit of masking tape to attach your baker’s twine to the end of the paperclip with the baker’s twine trailing off the end.

If you decide to use the paperclip needle method, your holes will be too small.  To make them bigger, go back and use the tip of a mechanical pencil (without the lead) to make the holes slightly bigger.

Cut about 2 1/2 yards of baker’s twine in your desired color.  String the twine through the needle or attach it to your paperclip.  Tape the end that is not attached to the inside of the card.  (It doesn’t really matter where you tape it as it will likely be covered up by other twine.)

Begin sewing the card.  Go through the center hole, then to one of the outer holes and repeat the process.  Your middle hole will expand as more and more twine is pulled through.

Continue sewing until all holes have been sewed through.

Your baker’s twine should end on the inside of the card.  Cut the end of the twine and secure with clear tape.  (You could also use glue if you don’t like the look of tape.)

Use these cards with a thoughtful gift to give a handmade touch to your gift-giving.

Interested in more paper crafts?  You might like Scrapbook Paper Gift Envelopes, Paper Marbling, or How to Make Handmade Envelopes.