Sewing Machine Tip: Make a Decorative Stitches Catalog

Maybe you're like me (and a lot of other quilters) and use your machine on straight-stitch for nearly every project. And yet, many of us have sewing machines with a variety of different functional and decorative stitch options. So today I have a little challenge for you - which I already took myself this weekend: sit down and get to know the variety of stitches you have available by making a "Decorative Stitch Catalog" for your sewing machine model.

To be honest, the biggest reason I don't use the additional stitches on my sewing machine is because I forget that they're there! Because of that, I know that I'm only scratching the surface of what my machines are capable of. Today I've teamed up with Baby Lock Sewing Machines to share some of the decorative stitch options that are available on their machines. This post is sponsored by Baby Lock, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a Baby Lock Ambassador I have a few different machines on loan at a time, which gives me a few options to play with. The Baby Lock Jubilant is a great lightweight, but sturdy machine. It's my go-to travel machine when I'm teaching or sewing away from home. It's a great back-up machine if you're looking for something more mobile, but it still sews like a champ.

The Baby Lock Jubilant Sewing Machine features a variety of decorative stitch settings that allow users to add creative embellishments to their sewing projects. With an easy-to-use selection dial, you can choose from a range of decorative stitches, including florals, scallops, and geometric patterns. The machine's user-friendly interface and clear display make it convenient for sewists to experiment and personalize their designs with these decorative stitch options.

The Jubilant has 80 built-in stitch settings including 50 utility stitches (8 of which are different button hole stitches) and 30 built-in decorative stitches! That's pretty amazing for a machine at this price point.

This week I sat down to play with the variety of decorative stitches and how they actually stitch on fabric. It is a lot of fun to try out the different stitches, but I realized how helpful it would be to have a stitch catalog that I could use as a reference.

How To Make A Decorative Stitch Catalog

This stitch catalog is super simple to make - and honestly a lot of fun. It's so cool to see the variety of stitches your sewing machine is capable of making!

To make this Stitch Catalog I cut a 6" x Width of Fabric strip of some muslin (or any leftover) solid fabric. From the 6" strip I cut 4 pieces 6" x 10" and folded them in half to make four 5" x 6" pages - with the folded edge on the right.

Using a dark thread (and it's kind of a fun excuse to use a pretty color that you don't get to use very often) start stitching a row of each stitch option or setting on your sewing machine. I stitched multiple stitches per row, and in some cases adjusted the stitch width and length to show what it would look like.

Take a fine point ink pen and note underneath the stitching which stitch number is used.

After you've stitched your catalog, line up the raw edges of the pages on the left and sew together to create a handy booklet. So simple and SO handy.

I also made a couple of stitch catalogs for my Baby Lock Chorus sewing machine. The Chorus has an even bigger variety of utility and decorative stitches - and to be honest, I'd never even seen most of them.

Hopefully playing with the variety of stitches on your sewing machine will inspire some creativity with those stitches. Plus making this little stitch catalog is an easy project for some fun, mindless sewing.

I'm excited to try some new projects and embellishments now that I know the variety of decorative stitch options that are available with my machine.

Even if you don't have a lot of decorative stitches, this is still a great way to experiment with and document the variety of blanket or satin stiches at different stitch lengths and widths like this book Andy made here. Then you're always ready to go without having to experiment every time you sit down to applique.

Here's a look at where I used decorative stitching to embellish these Quilt-as-You-Go Christmas stockings:

Here's another fun project you can make with your decorative stiches: embellished Christmas ornaments and tags!

Have you ever made a decorative stitch catalog for your sewing machine? Any other elements you would add?

This post is sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing Machines. I bound this quilt with a Baby Lock Accomplish straight stitch machine which is a great way to get it done fast! If you’re interested in learning more about Straight Stitch Machines go here.

I have been a Baby Lock ambassador for over 7 years now and have loved every machine I’ve worked with. They also have machines simple or complex to fit your needs! You can find your nearest Baby Lock dealer here.

Go HERE for tips for choosing the right sewing machine for you. 

If you're looking to buy a sewing machine or upgrade the one you already have, this time of year is a great time to find a good deal. Here are a few:

My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe is having a huge sale on machines this holiday season with free shipping !

Other reliable online options include Sewing Machine Plus, and Sewing Machine Parts Online. Or check your local dealer this month for great end-of-year savings.