Snippets with Patterns By Jen Challenge 3

Have you joined in on any of the Snippets challenges yet? If not, here’s your chance. This week, we’re dusting off our sewing machines and trying out a stitch—who’s in?

Many of us have machines packed with decorative stitches, but let’s be honest... they can feel a little overwhelming. Maybe you’re not sure how or when to use them, or maybe they’ve just been sitting there, waiting to be explored. Well, today we’re changing that with a quick and simple finish.

Your Challenge:

Choose a stitch and use it to finish an orphan block. No orphan block? No problem. If you just want to practice some finishing stitches, here’s what you’ll need:

• A 12 ½” x 12 ½” fabric square (this will act as your top)
• A 16” square for the backing
• Batting cut to 16” square (optional)

Now, let’s layer everything:

Backing – Place it wrong side up and tape it down.

Batting – Add this next (if you’re using it) and tape it down.

Top fabric or orphan block – Place it right side up and pin, keeping no more than a hand’s width between pins.

Choosing Your Thread

Are you looking for a stitch that blends in, or do you want your stitches to pop?

Tip: If your quilt has multiple colors and you want your stitching to disappear, try a neutral thread like gray or beige. Light pink and light blue also work well.

Let’s Stitch!

• Gloves help. Quilting gloves (or even gardening gloves with rubber tips) make guiding the fabric easier.
• No fancy equipment needed. I usually use a walking foot for quilting, but in my YouTube video, I used my "J" foot to show it can be done without one. Since we’re using programmed stitches, no free-motion foot is needed!
• What if your machine doesn’t have fancy stitches? No worries! Play around with your zig-zag stitch—make the zigs and zags shorter or wider and experiment with different looks. Even basic stitches can add a fun finishing touch.

Once you get comfortable using decorative stitches, you’ll be excited to try them on larger projects.

Don’t forget to share your work

• Post in the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook Group.
• Share on Instagram using #Snippets to inspire others.
• Not on social media? No problem—email me a picture of your coaster. I’d love to see it.

Take out your orphan block, pick some pretty thread and. . .

Go make something you LOVE!

 

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