I’m participating in a postcard swap for the next 6 months. I wrote about it here

For those who are participating in the Postcard Swap, and even those who are interesting in how you go about making a postcard, here’s some great instructions.

TOP
Make the top face of the card to the theme given for the month. Cut the top slightly bigger than 6 x 4 as it may shrink when quilting. Any method acceptable for patch work, applique or the newer fibre arts (not paper) is good. An applique is enhanced by quilting the background to throw the picture up in relief. If you need help with any of these terms or techniques please ask. Fix the top to a fine batting e.g. Pellum before quilting. This batting can be fusible or use a layer of vleisofix. Do any beading or hand work now.

STIFFENING
We all like a fairly stiff card. Fast2fuse is my favourite product because I can sew a satin stitch binding right through it. A couple of layers of vilene or equivalent stiffening are also good. One of our better makers uses 4 inch curtain heading. I like to stick all layers together so I find my Fast2fuse is double sided heat fusible. Lay the top face down on the ironing board, then place the stiffening over it exactly square, then the backing face up ward and press, not iron.

BACK
Cut the back a little bigger than 6x4 of plain white (pale) fabric e.g. homespun before ironing it to the stiffening. After finishing draw up the back as you see a commercial postcard, with address details in the bottom right corner, and leave space for the stamp.

BINDING
Most cards I have received are simple zig zagged. Some are great and some need a lot of improvement. Here are some tips. Trim your layers to exactly 6 x 4 perfectly straight. (use a rotary cutter and ruler if possible). Make your stitches so close together that no thread can escape or if they do go over it a second time. Make sure the needle goes outside the card so no raw edges are seen. Where appropriate enhance the edge with a fancy thick thread, wool, cord or something unusual. Those who have fancy stitches on your machines, use the ones with a straight edge on the outside or in combination with zig zag.

Of course you can use bias binding or regular quilt bindings machined on one side and hemmed on the other. Some turn under a seam allowance on both top and back and slip stitch them together, but whatever the method you use, try your very best to be as neat as possible.


If you are interested in joining a worldwide postcard swap, see the details below.