There is something special about receiving a handmade card, because you know the person who made it put a lot of thought into designing it and subsequently creating it. But for me, combining two of your hobbies makes a card extra-special!

Adding stitching to cards is one of my favourite things to do. In this feature, I’m showing you how you can use dies to help you create beautiful embroidery on your cards with ease. All you need is cardstock, a few of your favourite dies, embroidery threads, a needle and a dash of patience. The step-by-step guide should also help you get started and give you some ideas.

Did you know there are dedicated dies for cross stitching? No more endless hole poking! These dies do the entire job for you, so you can focus on being creative and enjoying the process. On the other hand, you can always get a foam mat – or you can use the back of a computer mouse mat – and your trusted pokey tool. Within these five cards, I show you how simple dies can help to guide you on your journey to a beautiful and cohesive design. Using an embossing mat with your chosen die is the key here and it’s super-quick too. Instead of spending time drawing or printing and copying a design, simply run the die with the embossing mat through the machine. You will end up with a perfect imprint of the die in which you can make perforations with a pokey tool, leaving you ready to embroider in your favourite colours. How easy is that!

And you don’t have to stop there! Die-cut flowers, leaves, stars or similar shapes, and add details with stitching before adding these elements to your card. The possibilities are endless.

My biggest tip for embroidery on a card is to use a thin needle and to pull your thread slowly, running the thread in between your fingers when pulling through to prevent it from tangling. With these tips, you will do a beautiful job in no time and with ease. Have fun!

1

Die-cut a white medium circle, then run the circle through the machine with the Cross Stitch Canvas die on top

2

Use a pencil and a letter stencil – or follow the perforated dots ­– to mark placement for the letters

3

Use the pencil to very lightly connect the dots and erase any unnecessary marks

4

Stitch the letters with a lilac embroidery thread – you can go in one direction first, then come back in the other direction to make a cross stitch

5

Or you can go one way all the way around the letter and then all the way back to speed things up. Or you can make tiny crosses all around. Whatever works for you!

6

Fill the inside of the letters with iridescent confetti sequins and adhere the panel to the card front. Stamp, heat-emboss and add the sentiment, then add a twine bow to finish

We All Miss Someone At The Moment, So Send Them A Card To Say Hi
Create this card with die-cutting, cross stitching, heat embossing and layers
Stamping1 min read23 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White 4”-square card blank
  • Black & white cardstock
  • Clear VersaMark inkpad
  • Opaque White WOW! embossing powder
  • Lilac embroidery thread
  • Needle
  • Let It Snow Nuvo by Tonic Studios Pure Sheen Confetti sequins
  • Black & white baker’s twine
  • WPlus9 Hand Lettered Hello stamp set
  • Heat tool
  • Amy Tangerine Comrade Plus One Embroidery stencil kit (optional)
  • Tonic Studios Circle Layering die set
  • Altenew Cross Stitch Canvas die
Simple Get Well Soon Or Sympathy Card To Send Prayers And Hugs
Create this card with stamping, masking, dry embossing, heat embossing, stitching and sequins
Stamping1 min read23 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White 4¼x5½” card blank
  • Black & white cardstock
  • Rainwater Mama Elephant Pigment inkpad
  • Clear VersaMark inkpad
  • Opaque White WOW! embossing powder
  • Royal blue colour embroidery thread
  • Needle
  • Crystal Clear Neat & Tangled sequin mix
  • Pokey tool
  • Washi tape
  • Altenew Pinstripe stamp set
  • Altenew Heartfelt Sentiments stamp set
  • Heat tool
  • Altenew Mega Ampersand die
  • Masking paper
Pretty Stitched Floral Happy Birthday Card
Create this lovely card using stamping, die-cutting, heat embossing and hand stitching
Stamping1 min read23 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White 4¼x5½” card blank
  • White & black cardstock
  • Lavender Fields, Deep Iris & Volcano Lake Altenew Mini Cube inkpads
  • Clear VersaMark inkpad
  • WOW! Embossing Powder: Opaque White
  • Silver metallic sewing thread
  • Needle
  • Pokey tool
  • Altenew Floral Art stamp set
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • Heat tool
  • Altenew Cross Stitch Canvas die
Send Warm Wishes With This Sweet Cross Stitch Hearts Card
Make this card using die-cutting, embroidery and stamping
Stamping1 min read23 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White 4”-square card blank
  • White & black cardstock
  • Onyx Black VersaFine inkpad
  • Turquoise green ombre embroidery thread
  • Needle
  • Black & white baker’s twine
  • Washi tape
  • Heat tool
  • Altenew Heartfelt Sentiments stamp set
  • Altenew Sewn With Love die set
Send A Smile For Someone's Birthday With This Sweet Sequin & Stitched Card
Create this card using Fuzzy Lemon Smile Sentiment die, Altenew Cross Stitch Canvas die and Birthday Greetings stamp set finished with blingy sequins
Stamping1 min read23 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • White 4¼x5½” card blank
  • Black & white cardstock
  • Aqua Creative Expressions cardstock
  • Clear VersaMark inkpad
  • Opaque White WOW! embossing powder
  • Ranger Glossy Accents
  • Royal blue coloured embroidery thread
  • Silver metallic sewing thread
  • Needle
  • Crystal Clear Neat & Tangled sequin mix
  • Black & white baker’s twine
  • Heat tool
  • Altenew Birthday Greetings stamp set
  • Fuzzy Lemon Smile Sentiment die
  • Altenew Cross Stitch Canvas die