Tutorial - Faux Stitching by Anna

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We are back this week with a Faux Stitching Tutorial by the fabulous Anna Wight!!

One of my absolute favorite things to add to my cards and other paper craft projects is faux stitching. You might be familiar with the faux stitching technique that uses a paper piercer (or thumbtack) and marker to create faux sewing machine holes and faux thread. That is a great technique, but I do something a little different!

Let me introduce you to the tracing wheel! When I add faux stitches to my projects, I prefer to use the tracing wheel which is commonly used by seamstresses. You can find tracing wheels in most sewing departments at fabric and craft stores. They’re inexpensive, and are so very handy! I’ve put together several projects to demonstrate just a few ways you can use this wonderful little tool!

For the sailor card shown above, I used the tracing wheel to create a subtle grid on the base of the card. Most of the time I just eyeball the lines on my projects, but you can use a clear ruler to easily guide you if you prefer to have evenly spaced, straight lines. I recommend using a self-healing mat under your project. The mat will provide just enough “give”, while not allowing the tracing wheel to cut into your paper (or your table top). If you don’t have a self-healing mat, a magazine you’re willing to roughen up works well too.

When you complete your grid, you’ve got a more interesting card base without the added weight (and cost) of patterned paper.

You’re not limited to creating faux stitching on plain card stock! Here I’ve added a grid to polka dot patterned paper for added visual interest. The added texture is nice as well.

You can also use the tracing wheel to quickly add graphic qualities or other visual elements to your projects.

I used the tracing wheel on this card to give motion to the spaceship. A few lines is all it takes to bring a little life to a very simple card. And because I wanted to use solid black card stock behind the spaceship, using the tracing wheel to create blasts worked really well!

You can use the tracing wheel to create straight lines around the edges of your cards, and you can create curved lines to accent other areas, as I’ve done on this card to detail the tops of the hills.

I also used the tracing wheel to create flower stems and center lines on the leaves, and also to parts of the sentiment banner to pull all of the card elements together.

You can also use the tracing wheel to simply add visual interest to the edges of your projects as well. I like using it around the edges of matted layers. It quickly adds another element to the project that doesn’t add extra weight or bulk. It’s a technique that’s ideal for cards being mailed!

Tracing wheels have been around for a long time. Keep a look out at antique shops, ebay, garage sales, etc for unique, vintage wheels. Here are two wheels from my collection that are fun to use. A double wheel, and a flat edged wheel. Each wheel produces a unique line, so be sure to find one that you really enjoy using.

How do I feel about tracing wheels? I think they’re out of this WORLD! I hope you consider adding one (or more) of these fun tools to your paper crafting toolbox.