18
bernette SEWING MACHINE WORKBOOK
DECORATIVE STITCHING
Decorative Stitching and
Embellishment Techniques
As you begin to experiment with decorative stitches there
are several things you should keep in mind:
• Type of thread you plan to use
• Presser foot you select
• How you prepare your fabric
Selecting the thread for decorative stitching often comes
down to a personal preference and what looks best on
your project.
Cotton embroidery thread, especially in a heavier weight
such as 30, gives a beautiful look to the stitches and has
a nice luster to it.
If you want a high sheen, rayon or polyester embroidery
thread are good choices.
The presser foot you select is critical for good results
because it can affect the way the fabric feeds under the
needle, inuencing the stitch formation.
Usually the key to selecting
the correct presser foot is
the sole. Stitches that are
more open and have less
thread will stitch well with
an all-purpose presser foot
such as the Zigzag foot.
When creating heavy, satin-stitched patterns, you will
need a foot that is not at on the bottom. It should have
some type of indentation that allows the foot to ride over
the completed stitch without dragging or inhibiting the
feed of the fabric. The Satin Stitch foot and the Open Toe
foot are designed for this purpose.
Preparing your fabric correctly can take the frustration
out of stitching, giving you a positive experience with
beautiful results. The fabric needs to be stable enough to
support the stitching without tunneling or puckering. This
can be accomplished in several ways, sometimes with a
combination of techniques:
• The fabric itself might be heavy enough to support the
stitching.
• Interfacing (fusible or sew-in) can be applied to the
wrong side of the fabric and left in the project.
• Stabilizers are used as a temporary form of support.
Type of Thread
Presser Foot
Preparing the fabric
b33 & b35
b05