Stitched Fans and Squares Borders Card

Hand-stitches give this card its unique pizzazz. 

Top-fold card features a hole-punched panel to stitch 

geometric square & fan borders at upper, lower shaped edges. 

Stitching holes allow for 3-ply floss stitches to be added, 

then panel is mounted on front of card. 

Center other designs or greeting words in the open center area, 

such as “Christmas Magic” or “Happy Birthday” flourish 

welded words (separate designs). 

Change color combination and added embellishments

 to use this card for varied occasions. 

Card measures approx. 5.5”x7” when folded 

(slightly larger than a standard A7 card; 

use the specially sized envelope design 

“Env Scalloped Flap Oversized A7” separate design). 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A stitching panel (2 for thickness & strength)

B care base

C optional word cut center sentiment

D embroidery 6-ply floss in 2 coordinated colors

2. Prepare the stitching hole punched shapes by

using a tool (such as this un-bent paper clip)

to push through all "chad" cut outs that may still

be attached or in pre-cut positions. Brush off

all "crumbs" possible. (Image from a different project.)

3. Position and carefully align the stitching panel shapes

 so that all the stitching holes align as exactly 

as possible. Use the punch-out tool to help with alignment, 

if necessary, then attach layers in place.

4. To assist the shapes to attach well and remain flat

and not warp or curl during the liquid adhesive

drying process, press flat on a flat work surface using

a heavy flat weigh such as this large, thick book volume,

possibly with something heavy on top.

(Shown with a shape from different project.)

5. Select the 6-ply embroidery floss color for the fans

and squares motifs. Shown are the two used in

sample project. Cut lengths of 20-24" long.

Then separate out three plies and line up the lead ends,

straighten out the lengths so there will be no tangling.

Thread lead ends through eye of blunt-tip tapestry

needle size 24 or equivalent.

6.  Determine where you will begin stitching;

sample project begins at top left fan motif.

Use a small strip of cello tape to secure the tail ends

near beginning point. 

7. Insert needle UP through fan center bottom hole,

and pull through completely, leaving no slack.

8. Insert needle DOWN through left end hole at

arc of fan. (NOTE this image shows stitch made at

right side of fan - begin at left end for better continuity.)

Pull through completely, leaving no slack (here

and throughout process). 

9. Continue working in the same manner across fan

motif, inserting needle and floss UP through center

bottom hole and DOWN at next open stitching hole,

until fan stitches are complete.

10. Though only one motif is shown in following image,

stitching would continue to next fan motif, where

the bottom-most long stitches of adjacent fans

share the same stitching hole. 

As stitching continues, the floss on needle will get

used up. Prior to "tying off", end with the needle and floss

on backside. Use a small piece of cello tape to anchor

trimmed end in a convenient place near last stitch.

Then re-thread needle as previously described and

anchor ends near where stitching will re-start.

11. Follow the same starting procedure to stitch

contrast half & full square motifs. When one motif is

completed, move to the adjacent motif. Tie off and on

as needed.

12. When stitching is complete, apply a good adhesive

such as Fabri-Tack to backside of stitched panel

then position, centered from top to bottom of card front, 

and with side edges of panel and card front, 

and attach in place.

13. Finish the card by placing and attaching a sentiment

shape, such as "Christmas Magic". . .

. . . or "Happy Birthday" at stitching panel center.

Here is one version of the finished card, with black

jewels placed at centers of square stitch motifs.

Since this card is slightly oversized from typical A7

card, a custom "oversized" envelope is available

that coordinates.