How to set up the creative icon 2 for perfect patchwork in the hoop

Welcome back, dear souls of needle and thread. This week, I’m excited to take you on a marvellous tour—we’re diving into a way to create perfectly pieced patchwork blocks on the PFAFF creative icon 2! Intrigued? I thought you might be.

I’ve always loved triangle-based blocks, but I’ll admit—more often than not, my points were just a little off, and my angles not quite identical. I used to rely on hand stitching to bring them closer to perfection. But once I started exploring the PFAFF creative icon 2, I discovered something truly game-changing: the built-in Quilting Techniques, complete with patchwork block designs you can create entirely in the hoop. These features take the guesswork out of piecing and help achieve crisp results with ease.

While there’s a lot to admire about this machine, this week we’re focusing on one standout function, the built-in patchwork feature. We’ll use it to create a pillowcase from four triangle-based patchwork blocks with sashing, all stitched entirely in the hoop. And yes, you really can make a precise, clean block in just 10 minutes!

Before I even touch the power button, I like to gather everything I need and lay it out beside me. For this in-the-hoop patchwork adventure, I’ve chosen a few favorite cotton prints, nothing too thick or stiff, just something that presses well and plays nicely in layers. I’ve also prepared a good-quality stabilizer to support my fabric during embroidery, a bobbin wound with matching thread, and a new needle (because yes, fresh needles really do make a difference).

materials

The following list of materials makes four PFAFF Design 9_027 patchwork blocks, 8” x 8” each.

fabric

• 1 – 4½” x 4” piece for triangle 1
• 1 – 4” x 27” piece for triangles 2, 3, 4
• 1 – 5” x 40” piece for triangles 5, 6, 8, 9
• 1 – 6½” x 15½” piece for triangle 7

 

Note: If you prefer to fussy cut your fabric print, be sure to add a little extra to your fabric measurements.

thread

• 1 spool of Mettler 40wt polyester thread to match your main fabric
• a bobbin wound with main fabric matching thread

notions

• PFAFF creative icon 2 Embroidery Collection manual
• 4 – 12” x 16” pieces PFAFF Tear-a-Way medium weight stabilizer
• PFAFF Universal Needles Size 80 or 90
• PFAFF Quilting Needles Size 90/14
• PFAFF Titanium Embroidery needle size 90
• patchwork clips and fine glass head pins
• sharp scissors, ruler and rotary cutter
• cutting mat and pencil
• 1 sheet of transfer paper (optional)
• Odif temporary adhesive spray

feet/machine accessories suggestions

• PFAFF 2A Fancy Stitch Foot for IDT System
• 0A Standard Foot for IDT™ System
• 6D The Dynamic Spring Foot
• PFAFF ¼” Quilting Foot for IDT System
• Elite Hoop 260 x 200 mm

Let’s begin by attaching the embroidery unit and switching on the PFAFF creative icon 2. On the welcome screen click the Embroidery mode. Reminder: It’s recommended to use the straight stitch plate for embroidery. But if it slips your mind, no worries. The machine will quietly guide you with helpful prompts before the stitching begins. Next, attach the 6D The Dynamic Spring Foot.

Once the machine recognizes the embroidery unit, a message will appear asking you to clear the embroidery arm and remove the hoop if it’s already attached. Click ‘OK’, and the machine will calibrate itself, gently moving the arm into position.

On the screen, click the Help Center icon. Then click to open Techniques and Tutorials. Scroll to the Quilting Techniques category. Click on Piecing to view the options, then select and click Piecing in the Hoop.

In the pop-up window, you’ll see two tabs. The first tab, Instructions, provides detailed steps for creating Block Design 1, along with information on where to find the templates and very useful tips. We’ll scroll to the Content tab to open the built-in block designs. Double-click on Block 2 to load the design onto the main editor screen. The design will appear at actual size—an 8” x 8” finished block.

For our project, I’m using the Elite Hoop 260 x 200 mm. Take a piece of stabilizer measuring 12” x 16” and hoop it securely.

Click to select the needed hoop size – 260 x 200 mm. Then click “Start Hoop Scan.” You’ll see a pop-up message asking you to attach the hoop. To do that, slide the hoop connector into the hoop attachment from front to back until it clicks into place. Click “OK” on the screen. The hoop scan won’t take long, and you’ll be ready to move on to stitching.

Join me tomorrow as I dive into the magic of creating a flawless patchwork block! Step by step, the PFAFF creative icon 2 will bring our design to life, crafting a masterpiece right in the hoop.

This is part 1 of 4 in this series

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