How to create perfect patchwork blocks with the PFAFF creative icon 2

Yesterday, I showed you the built-in Quilting Techniques, complete with patchwork block designs you can create entirely in the hoop on the PFAFF creative icon 2. The quilt block

Full of inspiration and joy, let’s continue! Today, the only handwork we’ll do is preparing the fabric—cutting the pieces and placing them in order on the stabilizer. From there, the PFAFF creative icon 2 will work its magic, stitching a perfectly pieced patchwork block right in the hoop.

The logic of the block design is quite similar to a traditional foundation paper piecing (FPP) block. But first things first—let’s talk about the pattern. According to the PFAFF Help Center, there are two ways to get it: you can either download and print it or trace it directly from the PFAFF Creative Icon 2 Embroidery Collection manual that comes with the machine. I prefer tracing the pattern onto transfer paper—especially if I plan to fussy cut my fabric.

You’ll find the actual-size templates for Block 2 on page 198 of the Embroidery Collection manual. These patterns are thoughtfully designed—not only are they printed at actual size, but they also include seam allowances and trimmed corners to avoid bulky layers and awkward angles. And here’s the best part: each section is clearly marked in the correct piecing order to match how the machine will stitch!

So—trace and cut the templates. Make sure to trace on the right side of the fabric, then cut, and don’t forget to mark the side and the piece number according to the manual.

Since I’m planning to make four blocks, I like to cut all the pieces at once. To keep everything organized and clearly visible, I use a wool pressing mat as a design board. It helps me keep the fabric pieces in order and ready for stitching—no mix-ups, no searching, just a smooth and clear workflow from one block to the next.

All is ready to start, the design is on the screen, the stabilizer is hooped, and the pieces are in order! Tap the “GO” icon on the screen, then press the start button on the machine, and get ready to enjoy one of the most brilliant parts of this block creation process. Thanks to the thoughtful PFAFF design, it’s not just about the templates and the work order, the machine will stitch a diagram of the block, showing the exact placement and order for each piece!

Once that outline is complete, there’s no need to unhoop or change anything. You’re ready to begin placing your fabric. Start with Piece 1, placing it right side up, aligned to the stitched silhouette of the diagram. Tap “OK” on the pop-up message on the screen, then press the start button on the machine.

The creative icon 2 will make two stops during this step. The first stop comes with a pop-up message to cut the thread tail—simply trim it and press the start button again. The second stop brings up a message saying “Change Thread”, this is a signal to place the next piece of fabric.

Following the stitched diagram order, place piece 2 onto the stitched piece 1 with the right sides together. Tap “OK” on the pop-up message on the screen, then press the start button on the machine. Turn piece 2 right side up and finger press it into place. Press the start button again so the seam will be stitched in the ditch.

Continue adding pieces. Don’t worry if, when you turn a piece into place, it doesn’t line up exactly with the stitched diagram—the generous seam allowances give you enough room to achieve a great result.

After placing the last piece, press the start button one more time, and the creative icon 2 will stitch around the block shape to secure all the pieces. A pop-up message and sound signal will let you know that your block is ready. It’s so easy—and so brilliantly done!

Reload the hoop with stabilizer and let the PFAFF creative icon 2 create three more perfect blocks. I’m excited to wrap up this project with you. Join me tomorrow, I’ll share even more incredible features I’ve become a true fan of!

This is part 2 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 1: How to set up the creative icon 2 for perfect patchwork in the hoop