Greeting Card

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This finishing technique allows you to create greeting cards from either fabric or perforated paper cross stitched projects. The instructions are provided for creating a card with a rectangular cut-out to display the cross stitch but the same technique can be used for a circular cut-out.

Materials Required

  • Card Stock, 2 sheets (or similar heavy paper)
  • Pen Knife  
  • Steel Ruler
  • Double Sided Tape
Braided Cording

Instructions

  1. Select a card stock color that will work well with your stitched project. Determine the width and height of the card you would like to create. We will use a 5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.78cm) for this project. Cut two sheets of card stock to the desired width but twice the desired height or 10" x 7" (25.4cm x 17.78cm) for a 5x7 card.
  2. Cut one of the pieces of card stock in half along the width of the card resulting in two pieces of card stock that are the same size as your finished card. One of these pieces will be used to cover the stitched project after it is affixed to the inside front of the card.
  3. Braided Cording Draw a line lightly down the center of the second piece of card stock along the fold created. On the left side of the center line, locate the center of that half by drawing two lines, one from the upper left corner to the bottom of the center line and the second from the lower left corner to the top of the center line. Draw a third line through the center going from top to bottom and a fourth through the center across (see diagram).
  4. Determine the size of the opening you want in the front of the card. Make sure you have at least 1" (2.54cm) between the opening and the edge of the card. For this example, we will simply make the opening 3" x 5" ( 7.62cm x 12.7cm  ) which works out to 1" (2.54cm) in from each edge. Place a mark 1" (2.54cm) from the edge of the left side on the vertical and horizontal lines drawn in step 3 through the center.
  5. Braided Cording Using the marks drawn on the horizontal and vertical lines in step 4, draw four lines parallel to each edge that cross through the marks. This will outline the cut-out region where your project will be displayed.
  6. Braided Cording Use the pen knife or a sharp razor to cut out the rectangle marked in Step 5.
  7. Braided Cording Affix four pieces of double-sided tape around the edge of the cut-out region.
  8. Braided Cording Trim your finished cross stitch 1/2" (1.27cm) beyond the region that will be displayed in the opening of the card. For this project, the opening is 3" x 5" ( 7.62cm x 12.7cm  ) so you would trim your cross stitch to 4" x  6" (10.16cm x 15.24cm). Remove the backing from the double-sided tape and carefully center your cross stitched project in the opening. You may find it easier to place your cross stitched project face-up on a flat surface and then place the card over the stitching to ensure that the work is centered.
  9. Apply double-sided tape to the area surrounding your stitched work. The double-sided tape should go to the edge of the card stock except in the center along the fold line.  Remove the backing from the double-sided tape. Take the first piece of card stock cut in step 2 and gently place onto the stitcky part of the double-sided tape. Press together firmly.
  10. Braided Cording Once pressed firmly together, place the card with the stitched project facing up along the edge of a desk or other surface that has a sharp edge. Place the second piece of card stock cut in step 2 over the front of the card. Align the edge of the card stock cover sheet with the edge of the desk.  Place the steel ruler over the card along the fold line and hold down firmly. With your other hand, press the other half of the card down next to the edge of the ruler. Once a crease has been formed, pick the card up and press the two halves together along the fold. You may need to rub your fingernail or some other smooth object along the crease to ensure that it is completely folded.
  11. Braided Cording Braided Cording If the edges of the card do not line up exactly, place the metal ruler along the edge and cut off the excess using the pen knife.
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