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fabric postcards make mail a pleasure!

What joy we get when we flip through our stack of mail and find something other than bills! Now you can spread that joy by sending truly personalized mail, created especially for friends and family. Fabric postcards are easy to make and send – and often become unique “refrigerator art” for recipients too.

First, some mailing guidelines

  • The U.S. Postal Service requires cards and letters to be a minimum of 3½" x 5".
  • Most handmade postcards measure 4" x 6" and require a single first class stamp, not a postcard stamp.
  • To stay within PO limits, don’t make your postcard more than 1/8” thick. Anything over ¼” in thickness will require additional fees.
  • All larger/heavier cards will require more postage and may require an envelope.

Now, visualize your postcard
Fabric postcards are created similarly to quilts, with a top layer, a filling and a back.
Top tops:

  • Consider starting with a picture or image, from something printed on fabric or from your photo collection. Even magazine images can be a great start.
  • Other creative foundations include antique hankies, doilies and napkins or logos cut to size from concert t-shirts.
  • Add ribbons, buttons, lace and trim as accents.
  • Explore scrapbook and fabric supply stores for additional accent elements like silk greenery.
  • Don’t be afraid to layer, but remember the mailing constraints.

Filling it in:

  • Many fabric postcard makers choose fast2fuse, a stiff facing with fusible webbing on both sides.
  • Placing simple cardboard between the front and back layers is a fast option that doesn’t require a trip to the fabric store.
  • Flannel and quit batting work well but won’t build a stiff postcard, and you may be required to use an envelope and/or pay additional mailing fees.

Bottoms up:

  • Form a single mailing panel using fabric and build the “business side” of your unique postcard to fit the top layer.
  • Use individual shapes of fabric to form the elements you want to include and use permanent marker to write your return address, the recipient's name and address and your message on those shapes. Then fuse or stitch those elements to the back panel of the card.
  • Don’t be afraid to make the back as decorative as the front, but be sure you leave the right amount of room for the address and postage areas.
  • You can also download a template for the back of your postcard, in a variety of sizes, from www.premiumpostcard.com.

Make it edgy

  • Use fused binding for a fast and simple finished edge.
  • Try using yarn in a decorative stitch to blend the layers together, or simply sew special ribbon around the edges to finish your postcard with panache!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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