Exclusive Ribbon Stitch Techniques on the PFAFF creative icon 2

This week, we’re diving into one of the most unique and delightful features of the PFAFF creative icon 2, the Exclusive Ribbon Stitches. These stitches aren’t just decorative, they’re dimensional, eye-catching, and oh-so-fun to sew. Whether you’re adding elegance to a garment, detail to a project, or just playing with texture, ribbon stitches bring something truly special to your creative toolbox.

So, what makes ribbon stitches so exciting? This exclusive technique allows you to guide narrow ribbon or lace through specially programmed stitch movements that fold, twist, and shape the ribbon right into the fabric. And the result? Raised, textured designs that add movement and flair to your sewing like nothing else.

This week, we’ll be exploring all three main techniques: Single, Double, and Triple Ribbon Stitches, plus a bonus on how to stitch ribbon in the hoop.

Before we dive into the creative side of Ribbon Stitches, we need to cover a few technical details. This technique differs significantly from standard decorative stitching. It’s essential to understand what’s required and how the machine will interact with the ribbon.

If you’re trying Ribbon Stitches for the first time, or even just need a quick refresher, the built-in Help Center on the PFAFF creative icon 2 is your go-to resource. Just tap the Help icon on the main screen and navigate to:

Sewing Techniques > Exclusive Stitch Techniques > Ribbon Stitches (they’re the first three options in the category).

You’ll find step-by-step visual tutorials that walk you through everything from material prep and stabilizing, to foot selection and stitch setup. The Techniques and Tutorials section also lets you preview how each stitch interacts with the ribbon before you even start stitching.

This isn’t standard sewing; some critical setup steps ensure your project turns out clean and professional.

• Foot: You’ll need the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot. It’s specifically designed for dimensional techniques like ribbon work.
• PFAFF IDT System: Disengage it. The Ribbon Stitch technique requires the fabric to move in directions incompatible with the IDT system.
• Fabric: Use stabilized cotton or denim. The fabric must be firm enough to handle ribbon manipulation without stretching or puckering.
• Ribbon or Lace: Choose lightweight ribbon or lace between 5 mm (¼”) and 10 mm (⅜”) wide. Satin ribbon is a great starting point.
• Needle Position: Set your machine to Needle Down for consistent placement and cleaner results during start/stop points.

Now that we’re set up, let’s find and load our stitches.

From the Welcome screen, tap Sewing Mode. Then click the Load Stitch icon and scroll to Category #8, Techniques. You’ll notice we have seven different options, and ribbon stitches are right at the top. You’ll find:

• Single Ribbon Stitches #8.1
• Double Ribbon Stitches #8.2
• Triple Ribbon Stitches #8.3

Each stitch is programmed to interact with the ribbon in its own unique way, some create gentle zigzags or elegant waves, while others form loops, braids, or even laced textures. The machine guides the stitch flow beautifully while your ribbon becomes the star of the show, adding graceful folds and dimensional shapes right into your fabric.

Ribbon stitches bring true depth to your projects: no extra steps, no handwork, and no extra embellishments required after stitching. They’re perfect for garment accents and decorative panels, bags and accessories, art quilting details and crazy quilt blocks, statement borders and trims

Time to get our ribbons ready! We’ll have a lot of fun this week exploring these beautiful stitches.

Join me in tomorrow’s post, we’ll dive into stitching our very first Single Ribbon Stitch and see how easy (and magical) it is to add rich texture and charm to your creations with the PFAFF creative icon 2.

Stay curious and creative!

This is part 1 of 4 in this series