Welcome back! If you enjoyed the rhythmic layering of yesterday’s Double Ribbon Stitch, you’re going to love what’s next. Today, we’re stepping up both the complexity, and the texture with the PFAFF creative icon 2 Exclusive Triple Ribbon Stitches. This category introduces a third ribbon, adding more room for creativity in color, layering, and dimension.
Three samples Triple Ribbon Stitch 8.3 #4, #8 and #10 sewn on denim using the PFAFF creative icon 2, shown with sewing tools on a white wood background.
But here’s what really sets it apart: unlike previous categories, Triple Ribbon Stitches are matched to specific ribbon widths. Depending on the stitch you select, you can use ribbons ranging from ⅛” [3mm] all the way to ⅜” [10mm]. It’s a perfect chance to dive into that drawer of ribbons you’ve been saving and finally put them to use!
Before we begin, a quick setup reminder: it’s just slightly different from yesterday, but still easy to follow.
From the Home Screen, tap Sewing Mode, then select the Load Stitch icon. Navigate to Category 8: Techniques, and scroll to section 8.3, Triple Ribbon Stitches. For today’s demo, I chose Stitch 8.3.8.
What You’ll Need
- Foot: 2A Fancy Stitch Foot
- Fabric Strip: 10″ x 2½” of stabilized cotton or denim, with a guideline marked using chalk or a water-soluble marker to keep your stitching straight.
- Ribbons: Three ribbons, each 5/16″ [8mm] wide and about 17″ long.
Before stitching, attach the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot, engage Needle Down, and disengage the IDT system. These settings give you full visibility and control as you place and fold each ribbon.
As in our previous posts, if you need a refresher or details for your selected stitch, tap the question mark (?) icon in the top-right corner. You’ll get instant, on-screen recommendations tailored to the stitch, including ribbon size, stitch path, and setup notes.
Close-up of the PFAFF creative icon 2 screen showing selected Stitch 8 from Category 8.3 – Triple Ribbon Stitches, with recommendations for Foot 2A and active features like Needle Down and Tie-Off Beginning.
Close-up of the 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen on the PFAFF Creative Icon 2 sewing and embroidery machine with Triple Ribbon Stitch instructions pop-up help window
We’re ready to stitch, and once again, we get to enjoy one of the best parts of these exclusive stitches: no foot pedal needed. Simply press the Start/Stop button and let the machine guide the process with perfectly timed pauses.
The machine will sew the first short section and then stop. This pause is your cue to place the first (brown) ribbon in front of the needle, aligning it with the angle of the stitched path you see on the fabric. Press Start to continue.
After the next pause, you’ll add the second (teal) ribbon, placing it in front of the needle and crossing it over the first. This sets the base for the layering effect. Press Start again.
Here’s a small but important TIP to keep in mind: with the Needle Down feature activated, the presser foot automatically lifts slightly at each pause. This gives you just enough space to guide the ribbons into place cleanly and precisely. But if you’re working with textured ribbons like velvet or thicker trims like gimp braids, you might need a bit more room. That’s where one of my favorite PFAFF creative icon 2 features comes in, tap the Foot Up button, and the foot will raise halfway, while the needle stays down. This extra lift helps you position your ribbon with better control and visibility.
Just be careful not to press the Start/Stop button twice in a row, doing so will lift both the foot and the needle, and that might shift your ribbon out of place.
PFAFF creative icon 2 paused with a stitch line showing the angle to guide second ribbon placement.
Pressing the presser foot button to activate the half-lift presser foot on the PFAFF creative icon 2 control panel for better ribbon placement.
Placing the second ribbon across the first under the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot, ready to continue the Triple Ribbon Stitch on denim.
When the machine pauses a third time, it’s time to bring in the final element: your third (pink) ribbon. Position it crossing over the second ribbon, keeping it neat and angled just right in front of the needle. This completes the initial placement. Press Start to continue.
Now the folding sequence begins. The machine will pause after stitching. Start by folding the first (brown) ribbon (the one furthest back) across to the opposite side. Press Start.
Placing the third ribbon (pink) across the second (teal) and parallel the first (brown) ribbon under the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot, ready to continue the Triple Ribbon Stitch on denim.
Folding the first (brown) ribbon over the third (pink) and positioning it in front of the needle and parallel the third (teal) ribbon under the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot on denim.
Next, fold the second (teal) ribbon over in the same manner. Press Start again.
Fold the third (pink) ribbon across and continue. This completes one cycle of the fold sequence.
Folding the third (teal) ribbon over the first (brown) and positioning it in front of the needle and parallel the second (pink) ribbon to complete one cycle of the fold sequence under the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot on denim.
Close-up of PFAFF Creative Icon 2 sewing 2A Fancy Stitch Foot after the first segment of triple ribbon stitch is sewn, with the machine paused for the next step.
As you continue, the folding sequence follows a simple rule that keeps everything tidy and controlled: always fold the back ribbon on the side with two ribbons. You should never have all three ribbons lying on the same side at once. This rhythm of place, cross, and fold keeps the stitch balanced and ensures the ribbons form a clean, dimensional braid pattern as the machine progresses.
The 2A Fancy Stitch Foot offers a clear view of every step. You can always peek behind the foot to see how beautifully each set of ribbons is shaped as the stitch repeats, creating a neat, dimensional ribbon braid.
Folding the third (teal) ribbon over the first (brown) and positioning it in front of the needle, parallel to the second (pink) ribbon, under the 2A Fancy Stitch Foot on the PFAFF creative icon 2, sets up the next step in the Triple Ribbon Stitch on denim.
Side view of 2A Fancy Stitch Foot in up position showing folding the ribbon to form the repeated Triple Ribbon Stitch # 8.3.8 braid pattern on denim.
That wraps up our exploration of Exclusive Triple Ribbon Stitches. You’ve now seen how three ribbons work together to create bold, dimensional texture, all guided step by step by the PFAFF creative icon 2. Take a moment to try different ribbon widths and combinations; even small changes can significantly alter the stitch’s appearance.
Tomorrow, we’ll take ribbon stitching in a new direction and move into the hoop. We’ll look at how these decorative stitches behave in embroidery mode and how to use ribbon stitching as a design element inside a hoop. It’s precise, controlled, and full of creative potential. All this on the PFAFF creative icon 2.
See you in the next post, and of course, stay curious and creative!
Always yours,
Olesya
This is part 4 of 5 in this series
Go back to to part 3: Exclusive Double Ribbon Stitch Techniques on the PFAFF creative icon 2
Go to part 5: Ribbon Stitching in the Hoop on the PFAFF creative icon 2