Some simple lines of fanciful decorative stitching alternating with thin satin ribbon is an easy way to embellish a purchased sheet set. We added an extra elegant detail by scalloping all the edges.

Using a dark green thread for the decorative stitching against our light green sheets is an appealing tone-on-tone treatment that sets off the pale pink ribbon accent. Go from plain to premium in just a few easy steps.

Sewing Tools You Need

• Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome ThreadBanger TB30)
• Satin stitch foot
• Optional: Janome Border Guide Foot
• Tear Away Stabilizer
• Size 11 embroidery needle
• Water soluble fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins

Fabric and Other Supplies

• Pillowcase and matching flat sheet in color to coordinate with the bedroom
• Polyester Embroidery thread colors to coordinate with the pillowcase and sheet [tip/article on thread]
• Water soluble mesh stabilizer [tip/article on stabilizers]
• Ribbon
  • 3¾ yards 3/8" satin ribbon for each standard pillow case
  • 6 yards 3/8" satin ribbon for twin flat sheet
  • 7 yards 3/8" satin ribbon for full flat sheet
  • 7¾ yards 3/8" satin ribbon for queen flat sheet
  • 9¾ yards 3/8" satin ribbon for king flat sheet

Getting Started

1. Press the linens before you start sewing.
2. The directions are written using the pillowcases as examples.
3. Repeat the same directions to create matching flat sheets.

At Your Sewing Machine

1. Attach the satin stitch foot to the machine. Select the shell tuck stitch. Place the hem edge under the presser foot so that the needle falls off the edge of the fabric on the right swing. Tighten the needle thread tension to 7-8. Sew around the hemmed edge of the entire pillowcase.
2. Option: Use the blind hem stitch and place the hem towards the left side of the presser foot so that the needle falls off the edge of the hem with the left swing of the needle.
3. Set the stitch width to the widest setting and tighten the needle thread tension to 7-8. Sew around the hemmed edge of the entire pillowcase.
4. After sewing the shell tuck edge, turn the tension back to the normal setting 4.
5. Attach the all purpose foot and sew the 3/8” satin ribbon along the stitching line of the hem. Sew another ribbon ¼” from the hem line and then sew a third ribbon in the center of the previously sewn ribbons.
6. If your machine offers decorative stitches: Cut two 5” x 22” strips of tear away stabilizer. Place the stabilizer on the wrong side of the pillow hem. Attach the satin stitch foot and select a decorative stitch. Sew around the entire pillow case centering the stitching line between the rows of ribbon. When all the stitching is complete carefully remove the stabilizer and press the hems.

Other machines suitable for this project include the Bernina bernette 92c, the Pfaff hobby 1142 and the Babylock Grace A-Line Series.

Comments (1)

mariaa said:

	... Thanks for Providing GREAT information about bed linens..Sheets are one of those items that it is worth it to splurge on! After all, you're in them for about 8 hours a day.... Regards elite southern textiles
	report abuse vote down vote up

July 30, 2010
Votes: +1

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