Unlock Hidden Decorative Stitches for Heirloom Napkins

Amanda Moore · 2026-09-10

### Why Your Machine's Hidden Gems Deserve a Second Look During National Sewing Month, we like to give a little extra love to the machine that brings our creative ideas to life. This year, we're diving into the often-overlooked library of decorative stitches on our sewing machines and giving plain napkins an heirloom-worthy finish. It's amazing what a few carefully chosen stitches can do. ### The Perfect Fabric for a Summer Picnic Feel Summer isn't quite over yet in our neck of the woods. The Summer Solstice Wovens collection by Pieces to Treasure for Moda Fabrics captures all the joy of a summer picnic in one great collection. The woven texture gives our napkins a delicate, airy feel that perfectly complements the sturdy decorative stitches we used for the border. Here's what you'll need to make your own set: - Woven fabric (we used a Summer Solstice Woven Fat Quarter Bundle) - Contrasting thread (we used 50wt Aurifil in Yellow and Midnight) - Totally Stable Iron-on Tear-Away Stabilizer by Sulky - A pen or pencil - Sweet Snips 6" Fabric Scissors ### How to Make Decorative Stitch Napkins #### Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric Decide what size napkin you want. 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 down. 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. #### Step 2: Dive into Your Decorative Stitches Choose one of your prepared fabric pieces 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 explore, write the stitch number and settings you used next to it on the stabilizer so you don't forget. This little step saves a lot of frustration later. #### Step 3: Stitch and Cut Your Napkins Now that you have a collection of stitches to choose from and know the perfect settings for each, it's time to start 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 when we tore away the outer stabilizer and left the inner stabilizer. A good podcast or a weekend movie night and a pair of sharp fabric scissors will make quick work of trimming. > "The best part? You're not just making napkins—you're creating little pieces of art that will last for years." ### Share Your Creations We can't wait to see all the great stitches your machines have as you make your own decorative stitch napkins. If you decide to make your own, be sure to share them with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag @fatquartershop so we can see and share your work. Happy Sewing! Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!