Social Distancing has become our new normal but we know it will come to an end. It is sometimes hard to know when we are living in a turning point in history. I don't think any of us would doubt that right now. As our lives get back to normal we will remember this time. I wanted to create a design that you could send to your friends and loved ones so they can look back and talk about. When I was growing up, we kept photo albums and I loved to sit with my parents and ask questions. It always sparked some great family discussions. This "Sewcial" Distancing Embroidery design just might do the same thing for you.
At the same time that we are sheltering in place and trying to stay well, there are "Essential Workers" who are on the front lines. I have a brother who is a nurse in Houston. Now he is always a hero to me because the medical facility where he works specifically helps patients on respirators. With the increase of patients and lack of some important PPE supplies, he is more than ever risking his own health every day. I wanted to create a second design in his honor and this Hero Social Distancing Embroidery design does just that.
So there are TWO FREE DESIGNS! Both of the postcards stitch out in one hooping and do require a 5x7 hoop. The back of the card can be customized with any fabric. My brother was in the Army so I used that for his postcard.
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The materials needed besides your fabric are cardstock and a firm interfacing. I used Pellon with an adhesive because I had it in my stash, but plain interfacing would work also.
The design includes a PDF pattern that you use to cut out all of the pieces. An SVG cut file is included also if you have an automatic cutter. I would advise exact cutting because the design is very precise around the blanket stitch edges.
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All of the details sew and then the fabric goes on the back so you hide the stitching.
Sewing card stock on your embroidery machine or sewing machine for that matter is not difficult. I used a Sharp 75/11 embroidery needle. A little embroidery tip is to pull just a length of extra thread after each trim and when each embroidery object begins to sew. These designs have been digitized so there is a color change after each trim. This will give you the opportunity to grab that thread while the first couple of stitches begin. It really does help resolve any thread shredding or tangling.
You can use a white bobbin or match your color to the blanket stitch around the edges.
My firm interfacing was adhesive on both sides so I did an extra step of pressing it once completed. This just strengthen all of the layers and should help as it travels through the postal system.
Mailing these postcards should not be a problem. I brought both of them to my local post office and cleared the designs with them so they should be deliverable. The USPS has some guidelines that need to be followed with postcards. At the time of this post, the size must be no larger than 4 1/4 inches x 6 inches and the thickness no larger than 1/16th of an inch. I weighed mine and they are 4 ounces so well within the limit of postcard postage but double check that when you mail yours. I will however be using Forever stamps so I hope there is enough postage. Once the Postal service receives and stamps the postage as being cancelled, your receiver will have a part of history they can save. Kind of like a newspaper clipping but special because it came from someone who cared about them.
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Here is a picture of one of my postcards after it was received. You can see that the USPS did stamp it as Non Machinable and the Forever Stamp postage did have to be increased with an additional ounce stamp. You will need to verify the required postage with your local Post Office before mailing.
Are you ready to make these postcards? Visit my Free Designs Page and download them. Remember that a 5x7 hoop is required. There is a graphic that you can look at to see the design types and sizes to verify your machine can stitch these out. I also have a You Tube video below that you can watch the entire stitch out. There are full color instructions in the download also. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
