Machine Sewing

[janh]

Whats the best size needle to use when machine stitching on a layout? Also does anyone have any useful tips for machine sewing.

Many thanks

[ifa]

I use normal size 90/14 that I also use for regular sewing. But if you sew on paper, you will make the needle blunt so keep some spares. And practise on a scrap piece before you go ahead on your LO because you can't remove the needle holes in your LO if you don't like it.

Ifa

[snipper]

My tip:
Don't be tempted to adhere your pieces of paper with dst to keep them in place whilst stitching. Within a short space your needle gets thoroughly gunked up and the thread pulls tight and mashes up your beautiful papers beyond recovery. The needle is not salvageable either. I learnt this the hard way, and so now I try and clip pieces of paper together to hold them while stitching, or stitch on a piece before glueing it to the main 12 x 12.
I don't really notice the size of needle, as long as you keep one separate for paper, as it makes it too blunt for fabric.
Other than that, it's very enjoyable, no trimming seams, neatening off, turning the right way out, ironing...

[Bluemoonjules]

I usually only stitch on heavy weight papers.

You can stitch on your PP before attaching to cardstock, but I usually stick anything I am going to stitch on first - with repo Herma as it is less tacky.

[puddlepants]

yes, I would only partially adhere away from stitch lines before stitching as the adhesive make sewing difficult and more likely to go wrong. Large stitches are less likely to tear too. Get lots of practice before the real thing.
have fun
annie

[wombat]

and don't go too fast.

[janh]

thanks everyone, will give it a try

[Amanda Marriott]

Metallic threads work great on layouts too, just make sure that you buy some needles specially made for metallic thread cos otherwise the thread will break