How to make an ATC or a fabric postcard (4094 Views)

view all steps

•  
  1
•  
  2
•  
  3
•  
  4
•  
  5
•  
  6
•  
  7
•  
  8
•  
  9
•  
  10
•  
  11

• 

  Step 1 of 11

  This is what you will have in the end - or something similar.

  The pictured ATCs were made for a "skull & crossbones" themed swap some time ago.

  They are kept pretty simple, but of course there's no limitation for embellishing them...

• 

  Step 2 of 11

  Okay, let's begin.

  First of all decide which size your card will have and cut the needed amount from timtex or fast-2-fuse (whatever is handy...)

  ATCs are usually 2.5" x 3.5" in size, so I used these measurements.

  Interfacing for Postcards can also be bought "pre-cut", but using the named interfacings from the yard will give you more freedom to play with the size of your card.

• 

  Step 3 of 11

  Get some scraps ready for your "main theme".

  I used a bigger scrap from a quilt and stamped it with the lino cut I also used for my nephew's onesie (can be seen at my creations).

  For stamping I used silver pigment ink and heat-set it.

  Pigment ink will wash out if it's not heat set, but on the other hand - who will wash those cards?! ;)

• Step 4 of 11

  Cut your background fabric or woolfelt to size - make sure that you cut it a bit bigger than the cards will be later.

  Cut the BACKSIDE of your cards in finished size.
  If you want to write on it later, make sure you use pure cotton fabric.

• 

  Step 5 of 11

  Roughly cut out the stamps and place them on your background fabric.

  I used free motion embroidery to attach them to the background. (Yes, this looks a bit crooked on purpose!)

  You may also use handstitching or even fusible web for your creation.

  Remember to test in advance what will work best for your fabrics!

• 

  Step 6 of 11

  Mark the finished size of your card.

  Fun part:

  Cut away the excess around and fray the edges!

• 

  Step 7 of 11

  Embellish and have fun!

  Remember: The sky's the limit. If you love glitter, let it out. Take sequins, beads and glittering thread.

  If you love it puristic, just make it b&w... possibilities are endless!

• 

  Step 8 of 11

  Fuse the frontside to the precut fast-2-fuse. Just follow the instructions that come with this interfacing.

  If you used timtex, you will have to use fabric glue (test it first!!!) or a double-sided fusible web to attach the fabric front to the timtex.

• Step 9 of 11

  Cut front fabric to size of the interfacing.

  Take your backside fabric and attach it to the backside of your ATC. Again, either do it like indicated from fast-2-fuse or use double sided fusible weg for the timtex.

• 

  Step 10 of 11

  Using the narrow zigzag stitch (or satinstitch) of your machine, sew around the edges one or two times, depending on the look you want.

  You can use contrasting thread for the second round or try how variegated embroidery thread will look.

• 

  Step 11 of 11

  Sign cards and you're finished.

  Have fun!