Your Sewing Machine's Hidden Stitch Library: Make Heirloom Napkins

Robert Williams · 2026-09-10

## Your Sewing Machine's Hidden Stitch Library: Make Heirloom Napkins Did you know your sewing machine is probably hiding a whole library of decorative stitches you've never touched? Most of us stick to straight and zigzag, but those forgotten stitches? They're the secret to turning plain fabric into something that looks like it came from a boutique. During National Sewing Month, we're giving some love to those overlooked stitches and making napkins that feel heirloom-worthy. And the best part? You don't need to be an expert. If you can sew a straight line, you can do this. ### What You'll Need - Woven fabric (we used a Summer Solstice Woven Fat Quarter Bundle—the texture is airy and perfect for summer) - 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 ### Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric First, decide on your napkin size. We wanted ours to look like little hankies, so we cut our fabric to roughly 12" x 12" for a finished size of 11" x 11". You can make yours any size—just cut your fabric about 1" larger than your desired finished size so you have room to trim. Next, cut four 1.5" strips of stabilizer that are roughly the same length as your fabric. With the textured side touching the fabric, iron the stabilizer onto the perimeter of your fabric. Then, using a pen or pencil and a ruler, mark the desired finished size of your napkin onto the stabilizer. This is your stitching line. ### Step 2: Dive into Your Decorative Stitches Grab one of your prepared fabric pieces to use as a tester. Every decorative stitch is different, and by playing with the width and length settings on your machine, you can control the scale and density of each stitch. As you experiment, write the stitch number and settings next to it on the stabilizer so you don't forget. > "The best way to learn your machine's decorative stitches is to play. There's no wrong answer—just happy accidents that turn into beautiful details." ### Step 3: Stitch and Cut Your Napkins Now that you have a collection of stitches and know the perfect settings, it's time to work on the real deal. If you haven't already, load a bobbin with your colored thread so both sides of the stitch match. We found it easiest to cut away the excess fabric after tearing away the outer stabilizer and leaving the inner stabilizer. Put on a good podcast or a weekend movie, grab a pair of sharp fabric scissors, and the trimming will go quickly. ### Share Your Creations We can't wait to see the great stitches your machine has as you make your own decorative stitch napkins. If you make some, share them on Facebook and Instagram and tag @fatquartershop so we can see and share your work. Happy sewing!