PFAFF creative ambition 640 works wonders for Holiday Decorations

It’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly! Well maybe not. Let’s begin with decorating our Christmas tree on this magical decorative pillow using the PFAFF creative ambition 640. In yesterday’s post, I demonstrated how to free-motion quilt the cushion cover as well as create a trapunto effect beneath the tree. We’re finally ready to use some of the 150 decorative stitches on the PFAFF creative ambition 640 to add ornaments to the tree.

I loved how easy it was to choose among the 150 decorative stitches as there is a quick reference guide inside the lid of the sewing machine. I enjoyed decorating the tree using the Sulky gold color rayon thread. To start the decorative stitches, I simply ensured that the sewing machine had the Open Toe Applique foot for IDT System which was included in the Exclusive Accessory Kit.

3 decorative stitches perfect for creating Christmas ornaments

1. Decorative Stitch #119

This decorative stitch was my favorite to create, adding a single stitch line on the upper edge of the green fabric except for the top piece where I stitched the line on the bottom section. I thought it would add a splash of glitter and it did not fail. The important step to remember when creating this stitch is to ensure the edge of the green fabric is centered in the middle of the open-toe foot.

2. Quilt Stitch #53

This stitch was perfect to recreate garlands for the Christmas tree. I reproduced the garland mostly in the white portion of the tree and at the bottom of each portion of the green fabric (except the top portion).

3. Utility Stitch #33

 The stitch is considered a Utility Stitch but I tend to believe it was the perfect decorative stitch for my project. I used it on some of the smaller bulbs and realized I could’ve used this stitch on its own, using different thread colors, to create more ornaments instead of adding appliques.

The Christmas Star

I found the perfect technique to add another 3D effect to the Christmas tree. I had the perfect fabric that already contained a star design so I didn’t need to use my applique pattern. However, you can refer to my Christmas tree design pattern in Tuesday’s post to create the star. On the pattern, there are two sets of stars, in two different sizes. The smaller stars are in case you’d like to add more stars as ornaments in the Christmas tree using this technique. For the top star, you’ll need to use the two larger stars. The thinner star is positioned on top, using the lightest gold color fabric.

Here are the instructions to create the star according to the pattern.

Fusing fabrics together

1. Cut a 2” square from your double-sided light fusible web.
2. Following the care instructions for the fusible web, fuse to one of the light gold fabrics.
3. Remove the paper from the other side of the fusible web.
4. Following the care instructions for the fusible web, fuse the other light gold fabric to the other side of the fusible web.
5. Repeat the instructions for your dark gold fabric.

Creating the star

1. Transfer the design of the thinner star to the freezer paper.
2. Cut out the star design on the freezer paper.
3. Apply the design to your light gold fabric.
4. Cut out the star design on the light gold fabric.
5. Repeat the instruction with the second star using the dark gold fabric.

Adding the star to the Christmas tree

1. Position the light gold star above the dark gold star.
2. Tilt the dark gold star at a 45° angle.
3. Position the star at the top of the Christmas tree.
4. Stitch into place using a Decorative Stitch (I used the quilt stitch #43).
5. Grasp the edges of the stars between your forefinger and thumb and gently rub them upward for the desired 3D effect.

It’s a joy to decorate the Christmas tree on the PFAFF creative ambition 640. Come back tomorrow I’ll show you my favorite decorative stitch of all. It will add a beautiful touch while transforming this magical project into a cushion!

This is part 4 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 3: Trapunto and free-motion quilting together: Add pizzazz to your project

Go to part 5: How to use the Alphabet Stitch on the PFAFF creative ambition 640