Transform Plain Napkins with Decorative Stitches: A Free Tutorial

Sarah Atkinson · 2026-09-10

National Sewing Month is the perfect excuse to show some love to the machine that turns our creative ideas into reality. This year, I'm diving into the often-overlooked library of decorative stitches on my sewing machine and giving plain napkins an heirloom-worthy upgrade. Trust me, once you see how easy it is, you'll want to stitch up a whole set. ### Why Decorative Stitches Deserve a Second Look Most of us stick to straight and zigzag stitches, but our machines are packed with dozens of decorative options. These stitches can add texture, color, and personality to any project. For napkins, they create a beautiful border that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple. Plus, you can customize the width and length to suit your style. ### What You'll Need Before we start, gather your supplies. Here's what I used: - Woven fabric (I chose a Summer Solstice Wovens fat quarter bundle for its airy texture) - Contrasting thread (50wt Aurifil in Yellow and Midnight worked beautifully) - Totally Stable Iron-on Tear-Away Stabilizer by Sulky - A pen or pencil - Sweet Snips 6" Fabric Scissors You can find these supplies at your local quilt shop or online. The woven fabric gives the napkins a delicate feel that pairs perfectly with sturdy decorative stitches. ### Step-by-Step: How to Make Decorative Stitch Napkins #### Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric First, decide on the size. I wanted a dainty hankie look, so I cut my fabric to roughly 12" x 12" for a finished size of 11" x 11". You can make yours any size—just cut the fabric about 1" larger than your desired finished dimensions to allow for trimming. Next, cut four 1.5" strips of stabilizer, roughly the same length as your fabric. With the textured side touching the fabric, iron the stabilizer onto the perimeter. Then, use a pen or pencil and a ruler to mark the finished size of your napkin onto the stabilizer. This will be your stitching guide. #### Step 2: Play with Your Decorative Stitches Take one prepared fabric piece as your tester. Every decorative stitch is different, and by adjusting the width and length settings, you can control the scale and density. As you experiment, jot down the stitch number and settings next to each sample on the stabilizer. This way, you'll remember exactly what you loved. > "The best part about decorative stitches is that they make you look like a pro, even if you're a beginner." #### Step 3: Stitch and Cut Your Napkins Now for the real deal! Load a bobbin with your colored thread so both sides of the stitch match. Stitch along your marked line using your chosen decorative stitch. Once done, tear away the outer stabilizer, leaving the inner stabilizer intact. Then, carefully cut away the excess fabric close to the stitching. A good podcast or movie marathon makes this trimming step fly by. ### Show Off Your Work I'd love to see your decorative stitch napkins! Share them on social media and tag me so I can admire your handiwork. Happy sewing!