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to the topThis information was originally collected and distributed by Marji Piech from April to October in 1996. It has been re-organized and formatted by Ashley Engelund. The content remains the same. All information is from Marji Piech, except where she has explictly noted other contributors.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Back to the main page of Marji Piech's 1630 Notes and Fantasy Stitches
Jeans Topstitching (Pat 75563.2647@compuserve.com)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Directional Feed Mystery Stitch
NOTE: Label the direction on you compass with 16 at North, 4 at East, 8 at South, and 12 at West. While as long as you use consistent numbers for the directions the motif will turn out you will not be able to predict where the motif will fall.
1. Select stitch A1/1
2. Select the forward direction (or any other for this step)
3. Set the stitch length to 1
4. Open a memory
5. Enter the following into the memory: (D means direction, clicking
once with you cursor on the line segment that represents that direction.) Read down the
first column, down the second, and then the third.
first |
second |
third |
| D4 * 1 | D8 * 2 | D9 * 2 |
| D16 * 2 | D4 * 2 | D12 * 1 |
| D12 * 2 | D2 * 1 | D 4 * 1 |
| D8 * 2 | D10 * 1 | D1 * 2 |
| D4 * 2 | D12 * 4 | D6 * 2 |
| D16 * 2 | D10 * 1 | D2 * 1 |
| D12 * 2 | D2 * 1 | D10 * 1 |
| D8 * 2 | D4 * 2 | D14 * 2 |
D 4 * 1 |
D8 * 2 | D16 * 4 |
Notes: The starting point for this stitch is about 2/3 of the way to the top and about halfway from side to side. The total size is about 3 1/4"L * 1 3/4" wide, provided you set the stitch length in the manner described. There is good reason for this. Selecting stitch A 1/1 without specifying a direction is, as far as your machine sees it, a DIFFERENT stitch than selecting stitch A 1/1 and then specifying ANY direction on the compass, including forward. When you have opted for directional straight stitching by clicking on the compass, the machine "skips" every other stitch and thus the stitch length as you see it will be approximately twice what is selected on the screen, i.e. if the screen shows a stitch length of 2, each stitch the machine makes will be approximately 4mm long. This, of course, affects the length of a single pattern and the size of your motif. So if you were to start quilting your quilt by selecting stitch A1/1, setting the length, and stitching the first line of stitching without using the compass, and THEN selecting another direction when you came to a corner, there is a good reason why your stitch length would vary.
Note: When you put a directional patttern in memory and desire a different stitch length for the memory as a whole, you will have to re-establish that stitch length each time you open the memory; the memory does not remember stitch lengths.
Another topic related to this motif: It has been designed to stitch each line twice. If you stitch slowly and watch that the machine does stitch back into its previous holes all will be well; use the built in speed control. However, go all guns at it and it might not turn out quite right. Once you've stitched the design you will notice that there are probably infinite variations on the theme.
It would probably be faster to put this into the stitch designer than to do the directional stitching. However, I had to show you the design to make that point. Using the stitch designer would allow you to change the overall size of the design just by changing the stitch width in the lower right hand corner.
I designed this stitch and planned out the sewing order on a sheet of graph paper, letting 1 square equal one pattern repeat. You could also use graph paper as an aide in designing stitches for the stitch designer-let each intersection of lines be one of the points on the screen. Remember to design from left to right as much as possible.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Don't Know What It Is But I Like It
Notes: Also try setting the stitch length to 2.5
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Fantasy Scribbles:
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Stitch R 1/3
Notes: There are almost infinite variations on the theme. I think these would be great on a plain fabric with rayon thread where you wanted to add a little sheen, a little interest, without competition. Use a good stabilizer though as there is a _lot_ of back and forth.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Surface Fringe
Notes: You can adjust the density of this "fringe" both by altering the balance and by altering the stitch length. Spacing the fringe out more produces a bit of a bundled look, while bringing it closer together will create a neat braided edge on the right hand side. You will need to adjust the balance to suit your personal taste and also to suit the weight of the upper thread. (Use a greater positive balance with thicker threads.)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Power Poles
Notes: Setting the balance to +20 will create a different type of power pole, reminiscent of the letter "M". Any balance between 16 and 20 will work. Try this with a wing needle.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Power Poles 2
Notes: Well, I like it! Try with a wing needle.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Faux Braid
Notes: Also try with the balance at +10 to +12 for a more open stitch.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Border Stitch
Notes: The stitch width could just as well be set higher (max about 6)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Border Stitch 2
Notes: The stitch width could just as well be set higher (max about 6.) This essentially creates a more open stitch than the previous border stitch.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
M Stitch
Notes: Of course my name starts with "m" so I'm partial... Can open out with more positive balance to suit personal taste or upper thread.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
The Grass is Greener
Notes: Increase the stitch length to raise the density of the stitch. This will create a braided effect on the left side.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Encroaching Diamonds
Notes: Try increasing the balance to +11. Smaller stitch widths look very delicate.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Diamond Flowers
Notes: Also try a balance of +18 and other widths. A balance of +14 produces a pretty, abstract stitch.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Rockin' X's
Notes: Also try a balance of +3 vertical OR Continuous Reverse with positive balance of +9 to +12.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Faux Braid 2
Notes: Also interesting with a balance of +9 or +12 (often depends on upper thread.)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Abstract: From Penguins to Kites
Notes: Increase the stitch length to 3 or 4 for different looks (to go from penguins to kites.)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Eyelets
Notes: The stitch width and stitch length, and thus the shape and size, of eyelets can be successfully altered without affecting the overall fill in quality.
Some of my favorite settings: (SW = Stitch Width, SL = Stitch Length.)
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Baby Birds
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Factory Blind Hem Stitch (Pam Kartak 104212.3700@Compuserve.com)
1. Press under raw edge. Press in hem depth. Fold fabric again on fold so edge is slightly to the right and place folded fabric hem under foot.
(Note: this is the standard method for preparing to blind hem by machine. See your Bernina� manual for a picture.)
2. Use the Mirror Image function to start the needle swing to the right and take one stitch.
3. Adjust the left needle swing to catch fold of fabric.
4. Continue to stitch hem, making sure to keep the fold of the fabric flush with the edge to the guide.
This is an old stitch from when most home machines were straight stitch and zig-zag. An elderly Singer salesman showed Wayne this at a sewing fair some years ago and it does work."
Notes: This is the first blind hem I've done that actually turned out. (I usually end up hemming by hand as it's faster than fussing with the machine.) I did loosen my upper tension to buttonhole setting to keep the stitching looser so that a tuck would not be formed when I unfolded the hem. Also, the smaller the lip you make when you fold your hem back the final time and the less fabric you catch on the fold (the left needle swing) the better the hem will turn out. I also notice that the zig-zag length on my machine maxes out at 4.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Top Stitching Denim (Pam Kartak 104212.3700@Compuserve.com)
Be sure to use a "hump jumper" or a wad of fabric to keep the foot at the same height in front and back when crossing a seam. Use right quilting bar to keep seam straight for both lines of stitching. Use single pattern end when approaching corners.
This one does look great and is easy to do.
Notes: This stitch is formed on the side of the fabric next to the feed dogs-the right side of your fabric should be facing down. Tightening the upper tension helps the upper thread to pull the heavy bobbin thread into the middle of the fabric, creating a perfect stitch. This is a really great method for using those heavy topstitching threads, provided that you can stitch "upside down".
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Saddle Top Stitch (Pam Kartak 104212.3700@Compuserve.com)
Tips: Approaching corner use single pattern as needed. Watching the front of your stitch plate is helpful as a guide. Use the right quilting bar to help keep stitching line straight. When turning a corner rather than using the single pattern function, turn off the Long Stitch function depending on where you change direction. (You need to be watching were your stitch pattern is at this point and it does help to turn on the Single Pattern function approaching the corner. It also works to shorten the stitch length as needed.)
Notes: The actual length of each stitch will be equal to twice the number you set the stitch length at. (e.g. a stitch length of 4mm will give 8mm stitches.) Engaging the long stitch function (using it to open out the pattern) gives this stitch a very different look. This would be a great stitch to thread embroidery floss or silk ribbon through. You could even sew multiple rows and make a surface design by using them for weaving through.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Heirloom Casing for 1/4" elastic (Pam Kartak 104212.3700@Compuserve.com)
Use the same weight thread on top and in the bobbin. Use stabilizer under the elastic and fabric. Anchor the elastic with one or two straight stitches. Sew slowly over elastic, keeping the elastic centered in the stitch. This stitch looks much nicer than just a zig-zag over elastic.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Directional Feed Mystery Stitch (Jery in Wisconsin):
Notes: If you label the North direction on the compass as 16, East as 4, South as 8, and West as 12 this stitch will stitch out horizontally from left to right. However, no matter where you start your numbering on the compass the stitch will turn out as long as you are consistent. You will have to work a bit on guiding and not guiding the fabric to make the motif turn out perfectly, just as on the sideways motion patterns.
Open an empty memory. Enter the following.
This stitch sews from Left to Right. Position your fabric accordingly.
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.
Back to the main page of Marji Piech's 1630 Notes and Fantasy Stitches\
The original contributors (including, but no limited to Marji Piech) retain the copyright � 1996-2003 to their contributions and Marji Piech retains the copyright � 1996-2003 to the compilation of this information ("The Marji Piech Fantasy Stitches" pages under http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/). Permission has been granted to publish the compilation on the 1630 web site (http://www.AshleyCaroline.com/sewing/1630/) in a reformatted version but with original contact intact.
If you would like to reproduce these pages (either in print or electronically), please contact Marji Piech for permission.