First of all, you don[t sew through the cardstock, (or paper, if you use that..) secondly, I'm having trouboe with wsome hand sewing, and have a small hemostat handy, to pull the needle through.... I found some, (made in asia,) at a huge(so called) Yard sale, at the local airport.... They usually sell for $3, or 5/$10.. I have them laying all over the house, to help me pull small things through material, etc... Hemostats come in many sizes, but I like the smaller ones for sewing... Try it, you'll like it... I like them now, since my 2 little fingers, (left hand) are numb, due to too much knitting & crocheting. my operation will be 6/2/2011... Diana.