The Final Stitch Episode 7: Quilting with Decorative Stitches

[@dia9491]

I know this is three years old but your story about Penny’s surrender quilt made me cry. I surrendered to the decorative stitches recently and it’s so fun. And the outcome so far is just mind blowing. It’s really therapeutic just to make a scrap quilt, throw in all the random colors, all the random stitches, be in the moment and enjoy. It’s wonderful.

[@ambermlamb]

I was just gifted a fancy Janome machine from my mother which is a big upgrade from my entry level Janome. It has nearly 300 stitches and I’m a little overwhelmed. Thank you for this lovely video. It really let me stretch my creative juices.

[@sverse5225]

I have to say.....Natalie is my favorite teacher!! Her voice is so calming and she explains each step so perfectly.

[@joyfulhope4474]

The stitching on the binding is beautiful. Really adds a special touch to the quilt. Great job.

[@katywuste9054]

I love this series with Natalie. There’s something different in each video.

[@mamas_quilts3573]

She's enough like Jenny that i love her already!

[@juliakolb4085]

When I bought my machine I made a fabric book with all the different stitches and the settings i used for each. That way I had a reference that I keep with my machine manual. You still need to make a practice strip so you can adjust the settings for the material I am going to sew on.

[@chriscabana1897]

That's a great idea! My little featherweight only sews a straight stitch but I sure do love her! I might think about getting her a sister 😉

[@seaborgium919]

I've been meaning to do that. It's a good idea

[@danalee7405]

You can always write down the settings on your fabric book or sample so you do not have to test as much with every project to get exactly what you want

[@kathleenk7726]

I also did that, what a great help it has been over the years!

[@roseschovanec6706]

I love this idea!

[@tblack4719]

Appreciate that you demonstrate with a regular sewing machine that most of us can relate to vs a $$$$ high-end machine.

[@shelvieparker]

exactly my thought

[@joyfulhope4474]

Natalie, this is such a great video. Never thought to use different decorative stitches this way. Love this idea. I am with you in straight stitching in the ditch. Drives me so crazy to get out of line. I have been known to pick out the parts that are out of line and redo. Probably not the best idea though. Thank you for this video. You are simply wonderful.

[@godschild3547]

I just love these two girls just chatting away and I'm always learning something new from u all! Thank u sew much💟💟🙏🏻☃️

[@issa32065]

I always finish my quilts with a decorative stitch for the binding. I dont have the patience to hand stitch the finish and it always looks so great with a decorative stitch

[@marthabellamy3818]

That sounds like a great idea, it doesn't matter if it shows or not on other side!! I'll have to try that!

[@lucyctremblay6773]

I agree that I love this series with Natalie. I would like more instructions on the width she chooses for her decorative stitches

[@klindstrom3762]

I do too. I even have a signature stitch for this. I keep my edge along the stitch line from the back and it creates the decorative stitch equally over the front and back of the binding.

[@ambermlamb]

Love this! I made a small table topper recently and used a zig zag stitch and it worked with the farmhouse vibe of the topper. I’m making a more modern throw at the moment and zigzag would’ve been awful.

[@nancydublin9666]

Hey Natalie! You're doing a great job and good to see you being one of MSQC's "stars." Love all of you.

[@michellecarr5096]

This is one of my favorite videos! It has made me try something new, I'm always afraid it won't turn out well.

[@kathyb.8769]

I absolutely love your method of teaching and sharing of knowledge... keep the episodes coming!!

[@GrrannyH1]

What a great idea! I recently quilted a baby quilt using my walking foot to quilt diagonal lines of a wavy stitch that is built in to my machine. It made really nice diamond shapes and I didn't have to worry about straight lines that might have jogs in them.

[@jiffer240]

Can’t get enough of Natalies demos! Always interesting and informative!

[@marybethspencer1119]

I so look forward to your tutorials, thank you! You often teach me something I didn't realize I would like to know. Lots of fun!

[@OKLisa]

This is a great example of how they did Crazy Quilts back in the day. Of course they were done by hand but now you can make them entirely on your machine.

[@lindacole5774]

The very first quilt I made my sister had me quilt my top with decorative stitches. I have so many projects with the fancy stitches. I'm glad you are showing others how to use them.

[@victoriaclifford2715]

I love to do my binding from the back and fasten to the front with a decorative stitch.

[@kathyeubanks5524]

I like that idea! 🤗

[@kellyrobinson5122]

Fantastic idea!

[@beverleybrowning3480]

I still add my binding to the front & glue baste to the back. But I like to use a decorative stitch on the front, especially to cover the back fold if it's not right on. Guess I should try it the other way around!

[@rebeccamills4673]

I sometimes do the same thing, especially on baby quilts, since they get lots of use!

[@jennyc9318]

Natalie, you always have the best tips and you explain them so well! You are a natural teacher (compliment comes from a teacher). They need to give you more time online teaching.

[@maryannecarter2632]

I find that when I'm binding by machine and I get to a corner that folding the bottom corner up first and then the side you are stitching over, it tucks in where you are heading and less likely to shift as you get to the corner. Love these tutorials. Thankyou.

[@bevwyckoff2451]

Just today I finished a quilt top and was pondering how to quilt it. Didn't even consider decorative stitches. Wow! Thanks!

[@martinakopel5283]

I'm excited to try the decorative stitch. Machine quilting seems scary to me but this looks easy peasy. Thank you so much for this Episode.

[@frans3474]

Variegated threads can look really cool too with decorative stitch quilting. ❣️🌹

[@penny9157]

I hope Penny will see this tutorial and contact you , that would be so amazing ! Thank you again for another great tutorial , have a fantastic week

[@carmenallocco6497]

Thank you , like the way you sew the back of the binding first and than the front. So, much better than the reverse as I have been doing. Sweet

[@loriv895]

Thanks, Natalie! So enjoying this series. Love your calm vibe! One of my fav comfort quilts is very old and coming apart at the seams. I’m thinking that using these decorative stitches over the seams to reinforce them and give this beloved rag new life!!

[@joycescott6649]

Love all of your videos, very easy to understand the processes. I would also remind the quilter to always check and make sure they have a full bobbin before starting to do the binding, those fancy stitches use more thread then the straight stitches.

[@cheryldrotning7184]

I love to have you show these decorative stitches in quilting and the binding. I always bond quilts with my machine. Thanks!

[@angielovett4159]

Thank you! Awesome info and the tip about keeping the bobbin and thread the same color. So smart! I wouldn’t have thought about that. I love The Final Stitch SO much. I always learn something I didn’t realize, I didn’t know!

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

What a great inspiration for us to label our quilt because someone who finds it later will know who made it and how it makes an impact on others. What a great way of using the many stitches that sewing machines come with and it makes a beautiful backing

[@jennifernuessen7409]

I’m planning out a quilt-as-you-go lap quilt and this is perfect for what I see in my head! Thanks, Natalie!!

[@fionajenkins5047]

Hi Natalie, you are so calm and relaxed in your presentation. Good luck for the future.

[@lesliefoster-michaud8418]

I am so happy to have watched this episode of the Final Stitch. I have used the decorative function before, but I have a simple project to quilt and Natalie's special "blankie" has given me inspiration to use all of the stitches that are available on my machine.

[@mariecaruso6699]

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[@lindamattson6281]

I love using decorative stitches when putting on the binding. I seem to forget about them when doing the actual quilting. Another great tutorial Natalie. Stay safe.😊

[@amyreuss5724]

I am a huge fan of decorative stitches. I will use this as inspiration and as part of the start to my quilting journey.

[@alisonlee4723]

I absolutely love the decorative stitching on your quilt from Penny, the backing was amazing too. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@debraewing2859]

Thanks so much for the inspiration! I did a quilt this way (25 HST pattern blocks) when I first started quilting and then forgot about using this method!. Something I've learned since then is that pressing the "Bulls Eye" button on the front of your machine (usually near the Needle Up/Down button and Reverse button) in the middle of a stitch pattern will tell the machine to complete that particular stitch pattern and then stop.

[@knitoff1785]

Natalie you're a doll. Love your tutorials. Stay healthy and safe

[@rebeccapandice4445]

Thank you Natalie. For some reason I never thought of my decorative stitches for my quilting and binding. You have opened up a whole new adventure for me. Can’t wait to get started. I going to drag out a couple of my finished quilt tops today. Missouri Quilts is the best for me, for I’m not making quilts for shows, just for love as you all do! Again Thank You and your family.

[@cathyvazquez3276]

Natalie I find all your videos so calming. You explain every thing so well. You make everything look so doable. Please continue doing videos so many quilters love you. Thank you

[@sharonschier8620]

This was a helpful video, encouraging me to try using some of those decorative stitches for quilting and/or binding. I would have liked to have seen the finished quilt after you'd sewed all around the binding.

[@candacemommie9957]

Thank you so much. This is exactly the video I was looking for on decorative stitches without a walking foot. And a refresher on binding as well.

[@reneelaverne2960]

Thank you for showing us new ideas. Machine decorative stitching is something I wanted to try.I needed this video

[@paulineholland8302]

After watching this I had a quilt to bind for my daughter for Christmas and I got loads of tips from this tutorial, I ironed my binding after the first stitching and then I used a decorative stitch on the front and wow it looks amazing, thanks guys , love fridays for new tutorials

[@emiliegoethals3769]

this is what I needed to hear. I have a quilt, I don't won't a ton of stitching. but I need to stitch my applique. I was thinking if I could applique and quilt in one go. Thank you Nathalie

[@carolynscecil9997]

So enjoy your videos, Natalie. You explain everything so well. I look forward to your next videos!

[@debbiebraatz1919]

Love the tip about ironing the binding! I never would have thought of this!❤

[@windycityliz7711]

Have always pressed my bindings - because I was so worried about doing it right! LOL

[@princessjanmar9893]

I want more final stitch videos with Natalie. Feel like you really want us to be able to do this and enjoy our decorative stitches and use them. 26:48

[@darlajines8482]

I did a jelly roll race quilt and did a different stitch on each line. It was a cute farm theme fabric for my classroom and it gave the quilt a lot of character. Since I retired, it's been gifted to a new teacher!

[@budoneof15]

Still getting to know my Baby Lock. You encouraged me to poke around and I found stitches I've never seen before. Thanks Natalie and Liz

[@joyceellingsen7175]

I love the idea of the different stitches in the ditch. I could never get a straight line with or without a walking foot. This solves my problem! THANK YOU.

[@marlahanks7278]

I've used the blanket stitch around the binding many times but now may have to try the turkey stitch!! Thanks for all you do :)

[@maureensmith4005]

While practicing on a scrap I write the number of the stitch, the width and length next to each section . Keep a collection of these samples in a zip lock bag for future projects.

[@katywuste9054]

Great idea

[@jamessturdivant7455]

Awesome.

[@aprilhanson7860]

I really enjoy this series, with Natalie as well as informative. She is very knowledgeable and down to earth.

[@vickylongcrier2376]

Thanks for showing this to us! I now have so many ideas floating in my head to try! I like this even better than just doing free-motion quilting on a quilt! I can really up my game with these helpful videos! Please keep doing them, Natalie!

[@ragathnor326]

I am just quilting my third quilt with a decorative stitch. I struggled getting the threads to not show and played around with the tension but realized it was just how it was. Glad to learn this is ok. I can only to straight stitch and these decorative stitches are cute. It does have a crazy quilt feel about it but I like it for this quilt. I live these Final Stitch videos!

[@rushelleshanks5971]

I used the decorative stitches for the table runner and placemats I made for my mom. It turned out really beautiful.

[@suzzannenicholds9581]

Love this, couldn’t agree more, with your comment, about stitching in the ditch, you only have to come out of the ditch occasionally, and feel as if you have messed up, even though no one else would notice. I’m definitely going to try this, so Thank you.

[@lynne352]

Thanks Natalie. Learning new things every time I watch your videos!

[@lindamb8962]

I love all of your Final Stitch episodes. I always learn something new. For decorative stitches, maybe you should have mentioned to be careful about using the correct foot. I have broken a couple of needles because I didn't switch to my zigzag foot when doing the zigzag stitch.

[@cynthiamarble1232]

Stilettos are wonderful, I use one all the time. don't know how I quilted or sewed without it before. Love your new web page, have enjoyed every one . I never thought to use decorative stitching to do my binding, what a great idea.

[@clairegottschalk4667]

Instead of using a metal skewer, use a bamboo skewer, if you needle hits the bamboo it won't break the needle and the skewers are cheap and can be easily replaced.

[@kimmiller488]

Thank you, Natalie! I really enjoy watching and learning from you!

[@adelawiley2929]

I have done decorative stitching on the binding for children's quilts did them for our grand daughters and grandsons for their Christmas quilts just because I knew they were gonna get a lot of use and a lot of washing..holds them very sturdy.. I always press my binding as well.. , before like u did, and after I have stitched. I have been sewing my binding on the machine for some time, usually strait stitch, faster for me.. Good Job, Natalie..

[@debbiereynolds9276]

Thank you Natalie, I have a machine with a mass of decorative stitches and never took the time to practice with them. You have perked my curiosity and since I dislike hand sewing my binding I have a beautiful option now. Oh the possibilities. May start with the seasonal placemats to start and go from there. Again, thank you for the great tips!!!!

[@ellensweat5251]

Thanks Natalie. I've used decorative stitches for machine applique but not for quilting. Can't wait to try it out.

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

Thank you Natalie. I loved the video ❤️

[@joecanepa4914]

Hi, whenever I make a Christmas tree quilt or runner I use the herringbone stitch all along the straight edges, this makes the edges look a bit softer, It's actually my favourite stitch but I have used others, it's been good watching you Natalie go through all the info to us all, it's been a pleasure watching you. From Josephine in OZ.

[@mariejohns1387]

This video came out at the perfect time. I just finished piecing the stars and stitches quilt top that Jenny did with decorative stitches and I cant wait until after the holiday to start quilting it!!

[@tatianaterriesmith8471]

Thank you I use clips and I do the same thing your mom does by ironing the binding flat so easy but never thought of doing a decorative stitch❤❤❤ 😊😊😊😊

[@Quiltycrazy]

I did this. Made a quilt with lots of different stitches. It turned out so cute. My next quilt I’m doing this again. I certainly have enough quilt tops that need finishing 🙂

[@kathyeubanks5524]

Thanks, Natalie! It’s good to be reminded that our machines can do so much more than just piecing. Decorative stitching can add so much, not only for garments but for quilting, too! 🤗

[@dianajacobson8520]

Natalie I have so enjoyed watching you in The Final Stitch. Great ideas and tips.

[@charlottethreadgill8753]

I so love this idea! I would have never thought about doing this other than when doing appliqué. I also love how you did the cross stitch in the peg board in your background! I have been thinking of putting a peg board in my WFH office, and I really enjoy the interest and the texture that cross stitching adds. You all have the best ideas!

[@llindqu295]

The binding stitch you are using is beautiful on this quilt!

[@lynnlegault4042]

Natalie and Liz did an amazing job

[@jamessturdivant7455]

Wonderful tutorial. I always learn something from each episode of The Final Stitch. I look forward to watching every week. Thanks Natalie.

[@MistyisCrafty]

I really like Natalie's presentation style. Thank you for the reminder to try using the decorative stitches on our machines. My machine has a few hundred different stitches and I use just 2 (straight, zigzag) of them.

[@ccomtaruk3289]

Thank you, Natalie. Love your videos!

[@sleeplessinscandia6452]

I love your videos. So informative and I love your personality. So calming.

[@pamcardon9823]

I made a crazy quilt and used all the different stitches to finish the pieces within the blocks. I think it turned out almost as good as hand stitching. Plus it's finished now instead of being added to a ever growing pile of handwork projects I'm still working on:)

[@francesnesbitt8825]

Natalie, I so enjoy your tutorials. I have learned so many new ways to do some ordinary projects. Thank you.

[@ruthannhewlett6632]

I am SO enjoying all the different things being shown during this pandemic with Natalie, Misty, and the two of you with Jenny! Hoping it continues!

[@pyenygren2299]

You are such a joy to see and listen to. Thank you for your effort!

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Thank you Natalie 💗 Much appreciated. I do have a tip I can share: For Stitching in the Ditch; If you remember how your block was pressed, stitch on the opposite side of where the seam was pressed to. When you reach your next piece, slightly move (lean) the needle to the other side. It allows you to get in the ditch much easier and your results will be better. (Usually, you can feel where the seam is pressed to, it will still look straight). I love your series, thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge, 💗 Chris-Raleigh NC

[@cathyclark7846]

Thanks for the heads up

[@MrsSmith-vf2vw]

I'm so glad your going through this, Nancy Zieman did an episode with a variety of stitches she used on a quilt, that was soooo long ago, that it needed some updating! wonderful share, thank you

[@susankerr7149]

Hi Natalie, Thank you so much for this. I had just finished a crazy patchwork cushion so you gave me the confidence to try the decorative stitches this afternoon. Really pleased with the results.

[@malindahoffman3765]

I did a whole quilt with different stiches just to try them out! It was great fun and I can look back as a sample to see the stiches in action!

[@cc83jc85]

I have had stitches lessons through the internet, and were fabulous!(I'm in Australia), but seeing your quilt makes it such a fantastic idea..thank you for showing us your lovely quilt! Marietta Gartner, Brisbane

[@DonnaDiskin]

Thank you Natalie for this wonderful tutorial ... ❤

[@bonitagriesemer8313]

I really enjoy your tutorials. You do a great job🙏

[@Kitchensurprise]

Great tutorial...love the quilt you won!

[@joycekaminski1943]

Thanks Natalie for another great episode. I have a lot of ideas floating around in my head......

[@gailroutt360]

Loved this! I especially like doing dec stitches on baby quilts as I think it makes it more durable for what that quilt will go through!

[@teeceestitchandcruise6861]

Love your segments I’m learning so many things I never would of thought of. I never would of thought to use different stitches to quilt a whole blanket.

[@ellievon9257]

I have not tried decorative stitches to quilt, but I have put them on blocks just to jazz them up. Great idea on the quilting and binding. Thank you.

[@mindytaylor523]

I did a couple bindings with decorative stitches was fun and didn’t have to be perfectly in ditch.

[@alexandrawright7731]

Thanks very much for showing us how to do the binding I’ve never seen that before will definitely be having a go thanks again

[@kimgage4354]

I use decorative stitches to quilt hot pads. It's a great way to play around with the different sticthes and good practice.

[@karenpettinger6592]

The very first thing I did when I got my sewing machine was create a stitch bible. Each stitch has a long row with the default width and length, followed by some adjustments that give it a different look. I used 40wt Aurifil thread in a rainbow of colours, and it was just so incredibly fun to do. I did a set of turn and flip, reversible placemats recently and did the quilting with diagonal lines of decorative stitches. So much fun!

[@debihall1697]

Thank you for doing this. I just love you. You are doing such a good job explaining this!!!Keep up the good work.