About Decorative Stitches + Project.

Today even the simplest mechanical sewing machine comes with at least a few decorative stitches built in; these are sometimes erroneously called “embroidery stitches.” These fancy stitches might include a nice blanket stitch or perhaps even a scallop or honeycomb stitch.

More expensive machines come with perhaps 60 or more such stitches and possibly even multiple width options depending on the features included. These stitches are produced like any other, by having the fabric under the sewing foot with the feed dogs feeding the fabric in the correct sequence to make the selected stitch. While the stitches can be called embroidery these differ from what an “Embroidery Machine” can do. With an embroidery machine the fabric is put in a hoop and the hoop is attached to a mechanical arm on the machine which moves the hoop to create the embroidered design in conjunction with the needle.
Today we will be talking about the built-in decorative stitches that are produced on just about any machine and are therefore open for everyone to experiment with. And experiment you must since each machine needs it’s own set of adjustments to make the most of these fun and flirty stitches. The first thing to know is that dec-stitching requires stabilization of the fabric to help keep it flat and firm so that the stiches can look their best. There are multiple products that you can use depending on the fabric you want to embellish. Remember to always try a sample before stitching on your actual project; this will save you loads of frustration! Also look to see if your machine came with a foot exclusively meant to be used with dec-stitching.

It will often have an open toe and the underside with be carved out so that the fuller stitches can slide smoothly under the foot. If your machine did not come with such a foot check with your local dealer– Most likely there is one you can buy for just this purpose.
Stabilization, from Lite to Bulletproof
Your first line of defense when it comes to dec-stitching is heavy spray starch.

By liberally starching your fabric you might gain enough fiber strength that you will not need anything else. Spray your fabric giving the starch a minute of two to soak in and then iron until bone dry for best results. Remember: Run a sample!
If starch was not enough your next option is to try tear away stabilizer for close satin stitches. Cut the stabilizer into strips and place under the area you want to stitch. If needed, hold the paper in place with a pin or two. If you happen to be in a pinch with no tear-away around you can use adding machine paper tape or even plain copy paper if you are really desperate. If you are stitching anything that is openwork you will want to use a water dissolvable stabilizer since pulling off the paper will ruin the open work.
For even more support combine the previous techniques for unquestionable support that should work for even the most troublesome fabrics.
Technique Is Key for Top Notch Stitching
Slow and steady are the key words when it comes to making wonderful dec-stitching. This is not the time to put the pedal to the metal and gun your machine as fast as it will go. If you are stitching slow enough to start getting bored then you are probably going the right speed for getting the most out of your stitches, especially the ones that incorporate satin stitching or lots of back and forth action. Feel free to speed up a little as you gain confidence but at a certain point your stitch quality will suffer.
Typically you will be stitching using your regular thread but don’t be afraid to branch out into some of the beautiful rayon threads that have a wonderful sheen and depth to their color. This will more often than not add an extra little something to your project. If using a metallic be sure to use a needle made just for that very situation.
Depending on your machine you might get a better stitch-out by lowering your upper thread tension 1-2 notches so the upper thread pulls to the bottom nicely and you don’t have bobbin show through. If tension adjustment does not help to make a perfect stitch, use matching bobbin thread to disguise this little annoyance.
Getting to Know Your Stitches
So, you have 45 built-in dec-stitches, there they are with tiny little indications on the front of your machine, but what do they really look like? Well here is your time to find out. By making a machine stitch sampler you will never again be at a loss in deciding which one would look best on your newest project!
You will need:

• 1 piece of firmly woven cloth starched and backed with a piece of tear-away stabilizer
• 1 wooden embroidery hoop to display your stitch masterpiece (not to use for stitching)
• Fabric marking pen with disappearing ink
• Sewing machine and thread(s) of choice

Start by marking the fabric with a circle a bit bigger than your hoop size. Then draw lines through the circle about 1 inch apart as guideline for stitching.

Now take your fabric to the machine and start with your very first decorative stitch and sew it out. Start way off of the circle area so you have time to tweak the settings so that by the time you are in the circle are your stitch is looking great!

When the circle is filled mount it into the hoop, trim the extra fabric. Turn it to the back and hold in place with a touch of hot glue. Use a ribbon to hang it near your machine so you can consult it as you are thinking about adding dec-stitching to your next project!