Unlock Your Machine's Hidden Stitches for Heirloom Napkins

Eleanor Vance · 2026-09-10

### Why Decorative Stitches Deserve a Second Look During National Sewing Month, we tend to shower love on the machine that brings our creative visions to life. But how often do we actually explore the decorative stitch library buried in our sewing machine's menu? This year, I decided to change that. I'm diving into those overlooked stitches and giving plain napkins an heirloom-worthy upgrade. If you've ever flipped past those fancy stitch options, you're not alone. They can seem intimidating. But here's the thing: with a little practice, they become one of the most rewarding features your machine offers. And the best part? You can make a set of stunning napkins that look like they took hours—when really, they come together in an afternoon. ### Gather Your Supplies Before we start stitching, let's talk about what you'll need. I used a Summer Solstice Wovens fat quarter bundle by Pieces to Treasure for Moda Fabrics, but any woven fabric works beautifully. The woven texture adds a delicate, airy feel that contrasts nicely with the sturdy decorative stitches. Here's your supply list: - Woven fabric (fat quarters or yardage) - Contrasting thread (I used 50wt Aurifil in Yellow and Midnight) - Totally Stable Iron-on Tear-Away Stabilizer by Sulky - A pen or pencil - Sharp fabric scissors (I love my Sweet Snips 6-inch) **A quick note on thread:** Don't be afraid to play with color. A bright contrasting thread makes those decorative stitches pop, turning a simple napkin into a conversation piece. ### Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric First, decide on your napkin size. I wanted mine to feel like little hankies, so I cut my fabric to roughly 12" x 12" for a finished size of 11" x 11". You can go bigger or smaller—just cut your fabric about 1 inch larger than your desired finished size. Next, cut four 1.5" strips of stabilizer, roughly the same length as your fabric. With the textured side facing the fabric, iron the stabilizer around the perimeter. Then, use a pen or pencil and a ruler to mark your desired finished size directly onto the stabilizer. This line becomes your stitching guide. ### Step 2: Dive into Your Decorative Stitches Now the fun part: choose one prepared fabric piece as your tester. Every decorative stitch behaves differently, and by adjusting the width and length settings, you control the scale and density. As you experiment, jot down the stitch number and settings 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—only happy accidents that become your new favorite." Spend a good 20 minutes just testing. You'll be surprised at how many variations you can create from a single stitch. ### Step 3: Stitch and Cut Your Napkins Once you've settled on your favorite stitches and settings, it's time for the real deal. Load a bobbin with your colored thread so both sides match. Then, following your marked line, stitch around the perimeter of each napkin. After stitching, tear away the outer stabilizer, leaving the inner stabilizer intact. This makes it easier to cut away the excess fabric. A good podcast or a weekend movie marathon and a pair of sharp scissors will make quick work of trimming. ### Share Your Creations I can't wait to see what your machine can do! If you make your own decorative stitch napkins, share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag @fatquartershop. We love seeing your work and sharing it with the community. Happy sewing!