Category: Tutorials

Easter Bunny Table Runner

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It has been a tradition of ours to host my husbands family for holiday meals.  Each year, for Easter Sunday, we all gather and share a meal.  We all slow down and share this special time to celebrate traditions and enjoy the holiday together.  Dressing up my dinner table with a festive table runner is always a great idea.  I used my Bunny Block and added a really fantastic finish that I know you will want to see.  I love how my Easter Bunny Table Runner turned out!  There is even a new video to show you how I quilted this on my LongArm and then showcased my special finish.  Check for the video at the bottom of this post!

Materials List

Tools and Supplies Used

Quilting the Easter Bunny Table Runner

Once you assemble the Bunny Quilt Blocks, add your sashing and borders – you can load your table runner onto your Long Arm. If you don’t have a LongArm, you can always sandwich your project and baste in the method of your choice.

I used a simple meandering quilt design to quilt my Easter Bunny Table Runner. This was easy to do because of the regulated stitch that my Juki J-350 QVP provides. The overall measurement of the table runner was approximately 20″ x 72″. It seems like kind of a long table runner, but I have a very large table. We usually have at least 10-12 seated at our family gatherings. This size table runner fits perfectly when I have all the leaves of the table installed.

It only took two passes in my LongArm to finish quilting. I am able to quilt my projects (large or small) with my LongArm Quilting System very quickly!

Trimming the Quilt & Cutting the Binding

Once I finished the quilting, it was time to trim everything up and cut the binding strips. Using my TrueCut Acrylic Ruler and My TrueCut Straight Cutter, I was able to cut accurately and safely each time. There are so many good things to know about the TrueCut Track-Guide Technology.

I had enough backing left over that I decided to use this as my binding. I love it when that happens! Normally, I would try to make my binding stand out a little more by using a coordinating/contrasting fabric, but I wanted my rick-rack to the the star of my Easter Bunny Table Runner, so this solution was perfect!

Finishing the Easter Bunny Table Runner

My Juki TL2010Q was used to piece the top of my table runner and also to sew the binding strips together. I purchased a special extension table called the Versa Table, by Sew Steady. This comes with a Grid Glider, which is one of my favorite ‘must haves’ on my sewing machine. The Grid Glider has markings that help me piece my binding strips without the need to draw a diagonal line. Quick and easy is my favorite way to make things and my Grid Glider is perfect for this step as well as helping me maintain my seam allowance and snowballing. To learn more about using a Grid Glider, visit this post. There is also a video included.

To add the rick-rack, simply align the edge of the trim against each raw edge of your Easter Bunny Table Runner. Sew this in place, using a quarter inch seam allowance. I recommend using a thread that blends with your rick-rack. I used Snow White Finesse thread.

Using my Oliso TG1600 Pro+ Smart Iron, I pressed my binding strips (wrong sides together) and attached the binding on top of the already placed rick rack. Once I finished attaching my binding and joining the seams, I pressed my binding out and decided that hand binding would give me the best results for this finish. I love how the rick-rack just peeks out of the edge of my Easter Bunny Table Runner! What do you think? Will you try this fun and easy technique?

Be sure to grab your Bunny Block Quilt Block pattern and a Precious Pastels Fat Quarter Bundle and make an Easter Bunny Table Runner for yourself! You will love it! Be sure to watch my video below for all the steps I explained in the article above.

Let me know if you have questions or suggestions! I would love to hear from you! Happy Quilting!

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Lucky Leprechaun Quilt Block

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St. Patrick’s Day is always special to me.  You see, it’s my Dad’s birthday!  So it has always meant more than wearing green and trying not to get pinched!  It has always been a day to celebrate my Dad, Larry!  That’s why I wanted to name this quilt block after him.  Now, I’m not sure if he would be happy about this or not, but be sure that I will always be thinking of him on his special day – and what better way than with a quilt block named after him!  Meet Larry the Lucky Leprechaun Quilt Block!

Materials List to Make the Lucky Leprechaun Quilt Block

Cutting up the fabric

It’s no secret that I love Painter’s Palette solids from PBS Fabrics! I carry quite a few colors in my own shop because it’s so nice to have your favorite colors to hand. You can check out my selection in my ONLINE SHOP. I have started using the TrueCut Cutting system for preparing my fabric and I have really started loving the track guide system. If you want to learn more about this cutting system, check out the TrueCut website. Be sure to use my coupon code NICOLE10 for 10% off your order!

Sewing the Quilt Block Together

I think that piecing the quilt block is my favorite part. Of course I am using my Juki TL2010Q for piecing. What I love about this quilt block is that are NO NESTING SEAMS! What a fun sew when you don’t need to worry about that! You still need to try your best for a quarter inch seam allowance! I have a great article about that right HERE. I always use my quarter inch presser foot and my Sew Steady Grid Glider. These two products, used together, have really helped me perfect my seam allowance! I also love good lighting and my Daylight Company Slimline 3 is perfectly perched above my sewing machine station!

The final touches!

Finally, no quilt block is perfect until it is pressed! I loved using my Oliso Mini Iron! These cute irons come in a variety of colors. I thought that the yellow iron was a perfect match for the project I was working on. Side note: These little irons get super hot and even have a steam function! I take one with me on retreats and use them next to my machine. Perfect!

Larry the Lucky Leprechaun

I just love how this Leprechaun Quilt Block comes together! I will be making more and incorporating several into either a table runner or maybe a table topper! What would you make with this fun and simple quilt block? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to share your creations in my Modern Quilts Facebook Group! We’d love to see what you’ve been making!

Happy Quilting!

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Ricoh Ri 100 DTG Printer

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I never thought I would be excited about a printer until I learned about the Ricoh Ri 100 DTG (Direct-To-Garment) printer!  There are so many possibilities for a small business!  I can even see an ambitious hobbyist enjoying this printer as well!  At the bottom of this post, I have an un-boxing video and first project posted.  Let me tell you a little bit about this printer!

Free Software for the Ricoh Ri 100 Printer

One of the best things I’ve learned about this printer is its ability to produce a finished product with very little effort. I was able to take a canvas tote blank and personalize it for my business in less than 5 minutes! I did have to iron the bag first, since my Amazon order came in a pack of 5 and they were kind-of jammed inside a shipping envelope. Once I prepped the canvas blank, it was easy to grab my Logo file, add my URL to the bottom and print!

You can easily download the software to your personal computer. I am using my MacBook Pro. The software also works for Windows operating systems as well. It is really simple to use. You can also design your own art and import the finished image into the Ricoh Ri 100 software. RICOH Design Software lets you easily edit and import images before printing. Use the desktop software, convenient iPad app, or simply send prints from your smartphone with ease.

Loading the print tray

You can get two different types of trays for printing. I have both, but have only tried the largest tray. The large tray has a print area of 11.7” x 8.3”. The small tray has a print area of 5.8” x 8.3”. Loading your product onto the tray is simple!

Setting the canvas bag in the tray was simple. Even beginners can accomplish this task with ease. There is enough room underneath the tray to fit an entire yard of fabric, sweatshirt and lots of other products as well! With a print size of 11.7” x 8.3”, your options seem limitless!

The RICOH Ri 100 adds value to your bottom line because of the multitude of products it can print on, such as:

• T-shirts
• Pillowcases
• Tote bags
• Infant onesies
• Towels
• And much more!

High Quality Images

I’m so happy with how my logo turned out! First, you can insert the tray into the finisher to smooth out creases. (I didn’t know this at first and used my iron. I could have saved myself the time and just used the finisher for this step). Next is to insert the project into the printer. Printing takes approximately two minutes. Just load and unload the tray – it is that easy.

Once the printing is done, then I just used the finisher (with built in safety features) to fix the ink and lock in the design. The entire process took less than 5 minutes!

Finished product – quickly!

In the past, I have been cutting fabric (with a cutting machine) and fusing it onto a project. I have also used vinyl, take the time to weed the vinyl and fused it onto a project. I will still do this for products that are based in darker fabrics. The RICOH Ri 100 all-in-one printer system prints images directly onto light-colored cotton garments using state-of-the-art DTG technology with the lowest initial investment. This machine is not for use with dark-colored cotton or polyester garments. (I have seen it used for polyester garments, but because the printer gets hot – caution is required for sure). The canvas bag turned out great! Take a look!

I’m really pleased with the quality of this printing! You can achieve superior prints thanks to RICOH’s inkjet technology, which prints directly onto the fabric. Preserve the look and feel of garments while still maintaining a high level of image vibrancy. With a low price and an easy-to-use design, the RICOH Ri 100 makes it easy to begin DTG printing right away. Because all printing is on-demand, you can fulfill even highly-customized orders quickly and efficiently.

I’m looking forward to more projects with the Ricoh Ri 100 DTG Printer! Watch the video below to see how simple the setup was and how quick this project came together!

Watch the Video

https://youtu.be/1RAeXNQ9DlU

Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletters for upcoming projects! If you are looking for small business help and ideas, visit my Creative Day Job website!

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Juki J-350 Quilting System

Juki J350 QVP Miyabi on a frame

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I am super excited to announce that Juki has sent me a frame (and lots of other goodies) for my Juki J-350 Miyabi Longarm!  If you recall – I already owned the machine, but mine was on a table with extension leaves.  This new setup is the same model machine, but now on a 10′ frame!  I can’t wait to share more about this, so let’s dive right in!

Juki J350 LongArm Table

Juki J-350 Package Details

Not all Juki J-350 packages are created equal. In fact, there are several different ways you can build your own long arm. For the past five years, I’ve had my J-350 on a table and that has served me very well. Until just recently, I’ve expanded my sewing space to accommodate a larger Quilting system. Juki sent me an entirely new system. I have a new J-350 head, they sent me a 10 foot frame, they even sent me the Quilting automation system. I’ll be sharing more about the automation system after I receive training and obtain an interface for the software. Click HERE If you want to see all the frame options, for this system.

You’ll notice a large black frame above the machine head. This is where a tablet will go so I can stitch out computerized designs with a software package called Quilter’s Creative Touch. More about that – once I receive my training next month!

Look at the size of this frame

I knew that I needed a bigger space to accommodate a system like this, so we recently knocked out a wall in our house and created a new studio for my home based business. This was a long time coming and I can’t wait to share more about my new space in an upcoming article. The frame that I knew would fit nicely in my new space is ten feet long. You have to figure a few more additional feet on each side to accommodate the side pieces and general maneuverability around the system. I could’ve probably fit the largest frame, which is a 12 foot frame, but I knew I needed to be able to maneuver comfortably and so I opted for the 10 foot frame. Just take a look at the entire system from this Birdseye view.

This view is a little tricky to comprehend, but when I share more about my studio renovation – this will make more sense. The system spans across the back wall, but is still leaving me room to maneuver on either side and even behind the machine. You have to leave a little bit of room behind the machine so that the head can travel behind the frame to make the most use of the 18 inch throat space on the Juki J-350. To learn all about the features of this amazing machine, check out my first article HERE.

The best service and install!

I feel really lucky to have some fantastic local dealers. Joan and Robert with Quilters HQ have been my friends for the past several years. I’ve purchased all of my Juki machines through them and they have been so great and easy to deal with. This power couple personally set up my machine and even stayed to help me test it out and showed me some tips and tricks along the way. I reordered the entire installation, so stay tuned for that video coming soon!

If you are in the Kansas City area, I highly encourage you to stop by one of their shops and say hello.

If you are looking for a Juki dealer in your area, click HERE and see where you can test drive a J-350 yourself! I know you will love it! If you want to test drive a machine at a show or an event, click HERE to see all the places that Juki plans to be with this amazing machine!

Watch the Installation Video!

More quilting goodness to come. Keep up with me daily on Instagram!

Happy Quilting!

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Clover Mini Quilt Walking Foot

How to use a Walking Foot

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Let me show you how to make this adorable clover mini quilt. We’re going to be using a walking foot, so I’ll show you how you can incorporate this sewing machine attachment to help you finish your projects. The Even Feed Foot or Walking Foot, is used for sewing several layers of fabric, and is great for quilting, matching plaids or stripes and sewing fabrics with nap or pile, to keep them from shifting. This foot has its own set of feed dogs that work together with the sewing machine’s feeding system, for perfect fabric feeding!  Be sure to watch the video!

How to use a walking foot

Supplies

Anatomy of a Walking Foot

Anatomy of a Walking Foot

Let’s take a look at the anatomy of this walking foot. 

First we have our presser foot lever.  It’s in the shape of a fork which fits around the needle bar of your machine.  Next, we have the foot clamp for the screw.  This is attached to the post.   Then we have our feed dogs, which work in conjunction with the machine feed dogs.  Watch the video to see how easy it is to install.  The trick is to make sure you have the foot clamp and the presser foot lever in the proper place before you install the screw.  This dual feed dogs system will help keep your quilt top and quilt backing from shifting. You don’t have to use this just for Quilting. Many people use it for piecing also! 

I think it is important to note that I also don’t recommend aftermarket accessories/parts as this can void existing warranty and cause issues. I recommend using EOM parts and accessories only.

Prepare for Quilting

prepare for quilting with a walking foot

Now that we have our walking foot installed, we can start quilting our quilt top. I’ve drawn a line for reference, because it’s the easiest way to get started. You don’t have to draw lines on your quilt top. If you feel confident enough in creating a straight line, then just skip the drawing or chalking step.   For this project, I’m drawing lines and quilting lines that are 2 inches apart. You can certainly add a row of quilting in between each 2 inch mark which will add more interest and definition in your finished project. I am using a Sewline Chalk Pen and a TrueCut Ruler to help me create my quilting lines.

Quilting with a Walking Foot

Quilting with a Walking Foot

Using a walking foot to finish your projects is an excellent way to start quilting your own quilts. Start with small projects like these and work your way into larger projects. 

Sewing with this foot is very straightforward. Once it is attached, you can just sew like you would with a regular presser foot. Don’t go too fast. It works best at a slower pace, medium speed.  

The Even Feed Foot or Walking Foot, is used for sewing several layers of fabric, and is great for quilting, matching plaids or stripes and sewing fabrics with nap or pile, to keep them from shifting. This foot has its own set of feed dogs that work together with the sewing machine’s feeding system, for perfect fabric feeding! 

The Perfect Mini Quilt

Mini Quilt with Kitty

This little 18 inch Lucky Clover Mini Quilt took me about a half hour to quilt with my Walking Foot. That doesn’t include the block assembly, trimming and binding but it makes for really cute project.  This fits perfectly on my wall.  It’s even kitty cat approved! Be sure to watch the video below and comment on your favorite use for the walking foot!

If you’d like to make your own Lucky Clover Mini Quilt, add the Quilt Block Pattern to your cart and get sewing! Be sure to share your finished project in my Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram!

Happy Quilting!

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Hugs and Kisses

Hugs and Kisses Quilt Block

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The Hugs and Kisses Quilt block is a fun and versatile quilt block!  These blocks have also been called “X & O”.  How cute!  You can make an entire quilt with either the ‘X’ quilt block or an entire quilt of the ‘O’ quilt block.  It is even better when you mix up the quilt pattern with a little bit of both!  Check out the materials list and get your pattern and let’s make some fun quilt blocks!

To get your cutting measurements and specific sewing directions, you have a couple of choices:

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. ? Read my full disclosure policy here.

Option 1: Download for free.

To download the cutting measurements & specific sewing instructions for free, you can subscribe to the Sew Much Moore Newsletter.  AFTER you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation email – and you have to confirm or my email service can’t send you the free pattern access email. But once you do confirm, you’ll get access to not just this but several other free patterns. Woot!

(PS – if you have trouble finding the pattern as a subscriber, please contact me)

Option 2: Purchase this PDF pattern

Use this link to purchase a pattern file. You’ll be emailed a download link for a file that references the instructions in this tutorial and provides the cutting measurements for this pattern.  You’ll also be able to download this file in my shop.

Hugs & Kisses QUILT BLOCK SUPPLY LIST

  • Quilt Block Pattern
  • For the Quilt Top pictured above, I made a total of (48) sets – which is actually 192 individual units. I will list the fabric requirements to make this many:
    • Qty (1) Fat Quarter Bundle of Love Cats
    • Qty (11) Fat Quarters of a variety of solids
      • Pale Pink
      • Silver
      • Coral
      • Poppy Red
      • Christmas Red
      • Rosebud
      • Bubblegum
      • Real Red
      • Petunia
      • Vintage Red
      • Pewter
    • Qty (1.5) yards of White

BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES NEEDED

Check out this video where I show my process to make an entire quilt top – just utilizing this simple quilt block. to You will love how easy it is to make and want to make one too!

Be sure to show your completed Hugs and Kisses Quilt Blocks in my Facebook Group!

We would love to see your work!

Modern Quilt Block of the Month Group

Until next time, Happy Quilting!

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Quiet Book Header

Making a Quiet Book

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Making a Quiet Book is easier than you think.  A quiet book is made of felt and sewn together. These books are perfect to entertain the kiddos without the use of technology. Keep it in your car and take it to doctor appointments, church services, siblings’ extra-curricular activities, restaurants, car rides, or airplane trips.  There are so many reasons to make a quiet book.  Let’s dive into how easy it is to do just that!

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about this click here.

Types of Quiet Book Pages

There are many types of Quiet Books available. I think the best Quiet Books are the ones you make yourself! Check out the different types of pages that are available to make! These pages are designed and created by Kailan from The Quiet Book Queen.

I especially love these pages because they include all the materials to make your own. The pieces are even precut! They come with instructions and really make creating Quiet Book pages fun!

  • Donuts and Milk Page Kit
    • This sweet quiet book page combines imaginative play with learning letter sounds and blending words!  Children can pretend to pour milk with the removable milk carton or fill the glass with water or orange juice.
  • Dinosaur Finger Puppets Page Kit
    • Do you have a dino fanatic?  This dinosaur quiet book page will ignite their imagination.  The dinosaurs are finger puppets so your child can stomp and roar to their heart’s content.
  • Unicorn Page Kit
    • This whimsical quiet book page just begs for a little one to do the unicorn’s hair!  Attach your own clips and barrettes to the yellow ribbon.  The children can work on braiding or clipping – both great fine motor skills.
  • Castle Page Kit
    • Little ones can create their own fairytale story – princess saves the day or knight tames the dragon.  This quiet book page will most definitely encourage imagination and story telling.

Calendar Themed Quiet Books

I love the idea of calendar themed pages! Children will learn the months of the year, while also practicing fine motor skills (snapping, zipping, tying bows, weaving), colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, and counting.  There is also plenty of opportunity for imaginative and creative play! The Quiet Book Queen has monthly kits that you can purchase to make creating fun and easy!

  • Calendar Quiet Book
    Use Coupon Code SEWMUCHMOORE50 for 50% off your Page Kit!
  • January February Quiet Book Page Kit
  • March Birthday Quiet Book Page Kit
  • April Quiet Book Page Kit
  • May Birthday Quiet Book Page Kit
  • June July Quiet Book Page Kit
  • August September Quiet Book Page Kit
  • Cover Kit Quiet Book Page Kit
  • October Quiet Book Page Kit
  • November Quiet Book Page Kit
  • December Quiet Book Page Kit

These Kits come with the instructions and ALL supplies you will need to make TWO Book pages!  The felt is pre-cut for you and the wording and details is ready to iron on.

Buy individually to insert into your current book or purchase the subscription to collect them all to make your own Calendar Themed Book.  

The page kit subscriptions always SHIP FREE!  No code required.

Shop for Calendar Kits HERE

Children will learn the months of the year, while also practicing fine motor skills (snapping, zipping, tying bows, weaving), colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, and counting.  There is also plenty of opportunity for imaginative and creative play!

Watch the Video

I created a video to showcase the January page kit. I also invited Kailan, from The Quiet Book Queen, to share her tips and tricks with making these special books! Enjoy!

Be sure to use my coupon code SEWMUCHMOORE50 and save 50% off your first Calendar Page Kit! Enjoy making these fun and easy Quiet Book pages! Your little ones are going to love them!

Happy Sewing!

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Start the new year with an easy sewing project for you that ends up being a unique screen-free activity for the little one in your life!

I’m teaming up with Kailan over at @quietbookqueen to give away a FULL YEAR of her Calendar Quiet Book Page Kit Subscription.
There are 10 monthly themed kits and each kit includes:
❗Pre-cut felt pieces
❗Supplies needed such as zippers, ribbon, magnets, hook and loop fastener, etc.
❗Details ready to iron on
❗Printed instructions with pictures
❗How-to videos in a private Facebook group
❗Shipping is included

Everyone starting this month will finish in December – just in time to give as a special handmade gift!

This giveaway is being hosted on Instagram – Click the Blue Button below to enter!

Enter the Giveaway

Square in a Square Quilt Block

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I love a simple quilt block and the square in a square quilt block does not disappoint. This is a beginner friendly foundation paper pieced quilt block that offers a little bit for everyone. If you’re a beginner, this is a great pattern to try foundation paper piecing. There’s no tricky combinations or crazy angles. If you are experienced with this technique then have a blast with fussy cutting! This quilt block finishes at 7 inches and is super fun to sell. Let’s get started!

Materials List

Tools and Supplies Needed

Quilt Block Assembly

Foundation Paper Piecing is a very rewarding process. You can have perfect quilt blocks each time, if you do it correctly. The best way to learn is to watch my step-by-step video tutorials and also to practice for yourself! Having the right tools is very helpful as well! I love my Add-A-Quarter Ruler and also my Daylight Company Wafer One Lightboard with the accompanying cutting mat.

Do you like Fussy Cutting?

The best part of making a Square in a Square Quilt Block is that you can really feature a particular image in your block. This is called Fussy Cutting. The light board comes in super handy to you can center the image in the right position. I loved using this fabric line by Amarilys Henderson for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics called Christmas Peace. You can find this collection in my online fabric shop right here.

Video Tutorial

Share what you’ve learned!

After you make a few of these Square in a Square Quilt Blocks, be sure to share your makes in our online community! We would love to see some of your quilts and quilt blocks!

Join the Group!

Boxy Pouch Sewing Tutorial

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I love a good Boxy Pouch and this sewing tutorial is one of my favorite methods for making this fun and functional bag!  You can call this bag a dopp kit, shaving bag or even a makeup bag.  Whatever you choose to call it, make it in your favorite fabric and follow the tutorial below for an easy and fun sewing project.  These Boxy Pouches make great gifts are best sellers in craft booths too!  Let me show you how!

Materials List

Basic Sewing Supplies

Boxy Pouch Assembly

For this Boxy Pouch, I used a Foam Interfacing (instead of batting). The Foam interfacing really provides great structure to the Boxy Pouch. I also pieced a really fun fabric panel and also used rainbow coil zipper by the yard!

Which machine should I use?

It’s really nice to choose the machine for the different steps of assembly. I used my Juki TL2010Q (with my Grid Glider table mat) to attached the zipper to the panels and then I used my Juki DU1181N to install my pull tabs and handle. And all honesty, my Juki TL2010Q could’ve handled the entire job but since I have a choice I used both machines.

Make Your Own Boxy Pouch

I’ll just take my word for it, make your own boxing pouch! Watch the video link below and don’t forget to download your PDF pattern. My PDF pattern provide step-by-step instructions so you can make as many of these fun boxy patches as you’d like. Remember, you can get this pattern for free when you sign up for my weekly newsletter.

Share your Boxy Pouch creations!

Join my Facebook group and share your box pouch creations! I can’t wait to see what you make!

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Six Advanced Embroidery Stitches

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Hand Embroidery is such a wonderful art and skill to have!  There are so many wonderful possibilities and creations to make when you know how to hand embroider.  Follow along as my friend Karen, with Studio 21 Market, shares her embroidery sampler design and shows us six advanced embroidery stitches.  Be sure to watch the video and download your pattern.

Since Aurifil is my embroidery thread of choice, partnering with them was an easy decision. If you haven’t already, head over to our first post which helps you get started.  We will pickup where we left off from our first and second episodes. 

Embroidery Sampler Material List

TO TRANSFER DESIGN

Chain Stitch or Lazy Daisy

These are fun and really pretty versatile. Though technically two different stitches, they’re quite similar, so we’re teaching them together. The lazy daisy stitch is used for the little daisies and pulled fairly tight to create an elongated loop. For the raindrops, we’ll not pull as tight so the result is a more rounded loop. 

In essence, the chain stitch used the same method of wrapping the needle to make the loop, but instead of finishing with an anchoring stitch, it is continued to make the next link in the chain. The chain stitch is done in vertical rows here for a graphic effect.

Continental Knot

This is Karen’s favorite knot stitch, mainly because it can use 3-6 strands and will still be centered over the spot where the thread comes up from the back. Replay the video a few times to see the method. It’s kind of fun to watch it curl into a little knot. One trick for knots is to keep the looped thread close to the fabric—that’s key to  stitching nice little knots. (And if you find you’re not a fan, feel free to make the more common French knots.)

Blanket Stitch

Though a simple whip stitch could be used to hold the edges of appliqué pieces. the blanket stitch also makes a nice ridge of embroidery thread along the outer edge of the fabric or wool leaf. (For the appliqué fabric leaf, use a thin two-sided fusible with paper backing on one side, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Feather Stitch

This one is so graphic and moves quickly once you get it started. It can be used with varying widths the way we used it on this feather shape, or with an even width to make a row of stitching. 

Herringbone Stitch

This is the (closed) herringbone stitch. A leaf shape is so awesome when this stitch is used. I’ve done it on tiny little meandering leaves and also on larger leaves like this one. With the overlapping center threads, it makes such a wonderful texture for a leaf without leaving any gaps or spaces down the middle.

Padded Satin Stitch

So, yeah, it’s not necessary to pad a satin stitch. And it is more time-consuming. But I wanted to include it so if there are instances where you’d like a satin-stitched area to be raised from the cloth a little more for the texture you’d like to achieve, now you know how. The dimension is outstanding!

Watch the Video Tutorial

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the entire Embroidery Sampler Series and stop to say hello to my good friend Karen with Studio 21 Market!

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