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Blog > Fabric Postcard Tutorial

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Remember many moons ago, when we were gearing up for the 150 years of postcards exhibition at UPU? Among the many postcards we received that year was this lovely handmade piece by Annie (aka freezeframe03) from the USA:

Annie's postcard for the 150 years exhibition

Isn’t it just stunning, the way it combines the stamps with fabric, and the binding all around it? 😍 We were in awe of it!

Annie has done many fabric cards over the years and feeling inspired by them, I asked her if she could whip up a mini-tutorial to help me and other newbies get started on making one of them. She agreed, made a postcard just for it and wrote the tutorial below, which I’m happy to share with everyone. Enjoy!

"There are many ways to make a fabric postcard. I’ve made this updated tutorial to show how I make them. They are a lot simpler to make than you might think!

Selection of fabrics

The supplies you will need are as follows:

  • Fabric scraps for your postcard front design
  • 4”×6” (10×15cm) front base fabric
  • 4”×6” (10×15cm) piece of stiff Peltex
  • 4”×6” (10×15cm) light to medium weight fusible interfacing
  • 4”×6” (10×15cm) piece of paper or card stock (not too thin) for the address and message side
  • A bit of transfer webbing, if you decide on a pictorial design (I use the lightweight Wonder Under).
Traced designs on transfer webbing

Trace your design on the paper side of the transfer webbing. Loosely cut outside your traced lines. (Your design will be backwards from the way you trace it, so be sure to trace any alphabets backwards to begin with.)

Fuse your traced designs to your fabric choices

Fuse your traced designs to your fabric choices.

Then cut them out on the lines. Allow the pieces to cool until they will release from the paper easily.

Then cut them out on the lines

I press my design base fabric to the Peltex. It is not fused, but the layers will stay together better until you begin sewing on them.

Trim the interfacing a smidge before fusing it to one side of your paper. You don’t want any hanging over, it will fuse to your ironing surface. Set the paper message side aside until needed.

Fuse the interfacing to one side of your paper

With the paper removed from the back of your cutout pieces, arrange them on the base fabric and Peltex where you want them and fuse them to the base fabric. Be sure to leave 3/8” (about 1cm) around all sides as that is the space the binding will cover.

Fuse the front to the back

Now you will stitch around your design as desired. You can fuse all of your design at once or you can fuse the pieces as you are ready to sew them.

Stitch around your design

This method is raw edge appliqué, and it is my favorite to use on postcards. Pull your thread tails to the back on the Peltex side and tie them off.

Raw edge appliqué

My next pieces on this postcard I fused the webbing to the back of fabric scraps, then cut them with a cutting die through a cutting machine.

Add other pieces to the design following the same method

When the papers were ready to release, I fused the flowers where I wanted them on the base fabric. I then stitched the stems and the flowers.

Once you are finished with your postcard design, align the front and back and stitch them together roughly around the very outside edge. This will hold the loose fabric edges in place while adding the binding. It will be covered later by the binding.

Stitch front and back together

Most people will just zigzag (satin stitch) around the outside of their postcard to finish it. You can do that now, or follow my binding method that I show in detail on my blog, step by step. I like my binding method as it finishes the edges as well as giving the design a framing.

The end result will look like this:

The finished postcard!

To finish it up, I put a very tiny amount of Fray Check (glue also works) on the binding ends to keep them from raveling. Put a bit on, then wipe it with your finger. You don’t want too much, it will make the corners hard.

Adding a bit of fray check to the side corners

And, DONE! With a paper backing, adding some extra fun on the address side of the card is simple.

Back of handmade postcard

If you have any questions at all or need some further detailed info, I am more than happy to help out with both.

Happy Mail Day!
Annie"

Thank you Annie, that looks amazing… and maybe not even that complicated? I’m planning to gather the materials I need this week, dust off my sewing machine and give it a go with a simple design over the weekend. Who wants to join me in a little crafty session? 😊 Make sure to check out Annie’s blog for tons more creative inspiration and lovely handmade postcards!

80 comments so far

Sunna, Netherlands

So very beautifull! I would love to make them, but i always have a fight with my sewing machine. Maybe I would give it a try....I have al the materials.

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Starfevre, United States of America

This is amazing but I don't have a sewing machine so I'll stick to buying cards on etsy and other sites. Very fun, I hope I get one one day!

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H1ldeke, Belgium

So beautiful ! ❤️

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tippy0828, United States of America

Wow, so nice! And to think some people don't want handmade cards! So much nicer and so much more thought and effort has gone into this. Sadly, i don't have a sewing machine : (

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ChevyColoradoGirl, United States of America

looks so fun!

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mysweetlife63, United States of America

Oh my gosh - that's wonderful! Thank you for such clear directions!
d

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cutetaiki, Indonesia

So beautiful, i dont have sewing machine but i might make one with hand sew.

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Velka, Belarus

It's so beautiful! Wow!❤️

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booboo_babies, United States of America

Thanks for sharing! Maybe I will try this if I ever get my own sewing machine. As someone who occasionally does handmade postcards, I am always looking for new ideas. I would love to see more tutorials like this.

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SuziH, Canada

These are beautiful and amazing. If only I had a sewing machine.
Would there be a problem affixing the postage stamps, address? How about writing on the fabric?

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TeresaArizona, United States of America

Really beautiful. Color me impressed! I would love to receive a postcard like this....I have a sewing machine, but it looks complicated to me! lol

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ROHITHKAMATH, India

Looking forward to get one of these

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CorgiGirl, United States of America

Beautiful. Thanks for providing directions!

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joma4153, Netherlands

Wow, BEAUTIFUL.
Thank you for showing this.

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athanasi, Greece

Pieces of art!!! So beautiful!!!!

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nicetry, Germany

Those cards are looking nice.
I am making cards with much less effort with fabric, paper and glue.
But I'm happy people tell me what they want so I won't send those to people who prefer other stuff. We're different and free to tell what we like. (Though the sender can send whatever he/she/they want.)

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Sandristica, Spain

Great!

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HookedonPostcards, Vatican

Thank you! Just the nudge I needed to attempt such a postcard. Annie (aka freezeframe03) - so very kind of you to share your skill and craft! HUGS.

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madi322, Russia

Просто супер!! Очень оригинально ❤️❤️❤️

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Pixiedustlady, United States of America

This is beautiful!! I would love to receive something like this!! Just gorgeous!!!

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Leonnady, Russia

Очень мило! Спасибо!

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RomaandPaul, United States of America

Beautiful…and made with lots of joy!

I love, love, LOVE handmade postcards of all kinds, including upcycled postcards made from packaging (always interesting).

When people say they only want “real” postcards, they’re missing out + they don’t know the definition of a postcard.

I’m just grateful for anything that shows up in my mailbox. It’s always perfect.

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ipuenktchen, Iran

thank you, dear meiadeleite, for remembering this blogpost!!!
it's so interesting and I will give a try!!!!
thx to annie for sharing!!!

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EvieB, United States of America

Love this - thanks for sharing the directions!!!

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kikiksenia, Australia

looks absolutely gorgeous!

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Destiny62, Belgium

Impressed by so much creativity! Real pieces of art, would love to receive such a handmade card, what a treat that is!
Will definitely try this out myself, thanks for having shared.

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LulaandLittle, New Zealand

We would love to receive a card like that! Gorgeous. It looks challenging but we might give it a go!

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cherry_cobbler, Russia

Никогда не ладила со швейной машинкой, может решусь сделать это с помощью иглы и ниток.

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cherry_cobbler, Russia

Никогда не ладила со швейной машинкой, может решусь сделать это с помощью иглы и ниток.
I've never got along with a sewing machine, maybe I'll decide to do it with a needle and thread.

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narong, Thailand

In the future I hope to have to get it.

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Nique, Canada

So creative!!

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dogfan, United States of America

These are fantastic! Such talent!

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kallini2042, Canada

Simply gorgeous! I'd love to receive something like this - hopefully more people would get encouraged to make cards like this and with the tutorial! I started making my own (far less complicated) and ended up loving the process more than the result. I've made too many even to mail them all and now keep my own handmade in a separate photo album. In my opinion, people should try making what they can and the whole "realness" concept would quickly change.

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kallini2042, Canada

I wonder how this one is made - just using an old card?
https://www.postcrossing.com/postcards/US-7668748 ???

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dheeuntea, Indonesia

Interesting...🤩

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Beat4953, Netherlands

So beautiful👌

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shieru, Russia

Many thanks for this inspiring post! <3 Have never tried sewing, but these postcards certainly look worth of it.

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NiMaSt, Germany

They are beautiful😍. I’d love to receive one like this.

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wwwera, Israel

I hope now users that don't want to receive handmade postcards, will change their minds :) Postcrossing is a wonderful space for creativity and craftsmanship :))

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Luluz, Finland

Wow - what a great idea!
My sewing machine is in heavy dust - we don't speak same language. Should I try again?

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surfclub66, United States of America

Absolutely beautiful! I don't own a sewing machine, but I would love to receive this. I would love to see more handmade cards. There is so much you can do with a postcard!

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Chenoah, Germany

Stunning beautiful art pieces, really. I am no longer able to sew with a maschine but I have thought about trying to make one by hand, like Arpillera Art. Thanks for the list with supplies, this is super useful.
❤️🤗

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sacdalton, United States of America

Homemade cards like these are some of my very favorite, and even more so seeing the work that goes into them. thanks for sharing.

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volvomom, United States of America

These are truly works of art! I admire your work. Much appreciated you sharing here! :)

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rockycip, United States of America

Your postcards are so very beautiful! Thank you for sharing your art with us. Roxy

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Blue_butterfly, United Kingdom

These are works of art! I feel inspired!!

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Terrierinarttu, Finland

Wonderful work - i wish my address is coming one day to you.

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SnyderSisters, United States of America

Great tutorial!

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owls_nasty, Belarus

Its very interesting

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ezredax, United States of America

Wonderful works of art. Thank you for sharing the instructions.

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Chirp2lou, Canada

Thank you Annie for sharing your technique and for putting so much time, talent and creativity into your cards. I hope to find one in my mailbox in the future!

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Flippie, Canada

Dear Annie, woah...you're talented. I'm not good with sewing machines but I hope to receive one day a beautiful card from you. You never know!

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NIDUSKA, Finland

really great art

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nothlitHAWK, United States of America

That is phenomenal! Such wonderful use of colors and shapes! Absolutely gorgeous!

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strawberry131, United States of America

Fun! I will have to give that a try with something very basic.

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SorteKat, United States of America

I love it. It's so WOW. If I got a postcard like this I would frame it. Thank you for sharing your instructions.

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freezeframe03, United States of America

Thank you all so very much for your generously kind words. It is quite encouraging to know there are lots of postcrossers out there that are open to receiving handmade postcards.

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rousita, Mexico

This is beautiful cratfmanship! I love the tutorial and would love to give it a try. I will have to look for the right materials, or equivalents here in Mexico. Congratulations and thank you for sharing :)

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MarjaKoo, Finland

So beautiful postcards!

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alison41, South Africa

I am awed by your artistic skills! I hope to receive one of your lovely cards one day.

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tanyatalwar, Belgium

This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this idea. Would love to make something like this. :)

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beesknees, United States of America

love it!

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supercmonkez, United States of America

I received a quilted card from another talented Postcrosser and love it!

Thank you for sharing the tutorial, your card looks amazing, I am going to give it a try, can't wait to see the results!

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mikala027, United States of America

The tutorial is awesome! It is fun to add a special touch to postcards we send. I looked at Annie's profile and we have the same birthday!

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Winterborn, United States of America

Wow - how lovely! Thank you for sharing, Annie!

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jmh67, Germany

Great idea and craftsmanship, but I cannot help wondering how well these cards travel trough the postal system without an envelope, and whether you have to pay extra postage for them because they may not pass through the machinery.

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roka100, Japan

wow I love it :) amazing card and a fantastic idea.

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meiadeleite, Portugal

@jmh67 You can see a photo of the postcard as we got it, here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9GmpeFNNc/ It arrived in perfect condition! :)

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Prithika, Sri Lanka

Wow amaizing..I must try. Thank you so much 💐💐

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Susaninutah, United States of America

Love this card! I have the same questions as jmh67 about mailing something like this. Does it need to be in an envelope? Extra postage?

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Tisfortexan, United States of America

The card is so unique - thank you for sharing the technique. I'll have to try my hand at making a fabric card.

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denarose, Australia

Love it. I enjoy sewing and have appliqued little motifs on kiddies clothes. You are very talented.

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LuSays, United Kingdom

WOW!! It looks amazing! and is soooooooooo special.

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ManonGarden, Belgium

Gorgeous, you're very very talented :)

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Mischwald, Germany

Wau !!! Home wonderful you re postcards are and Made with so much love 🥰

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artdavinci, United States of America

What a great tutorial… if sewing machines did not scare me (I sewed through my finger as a child) I would love to try this.

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SweetLeo, China

Good job! So cute card!

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TerryO, United States of America

What a gorgeous postcard! Your work is stunning! You've inspired me to try out a fabric postcard. :-) Thank you.

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ChattyCathy, United States of America

I LOVE receiving handcrafted postcards. These are beautiful. You are very talented!

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May00, China

oh my god. i love it! It is so AMAZING!

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