Prim Machine Embroidery Stitch Along – Block 11

Block 11: Pear

The Pear block is a beautiful blend of fabric detail and thread artistry. While the pear itself is created through clean appliqué, much of the character in this block comes from intentional fussy cutting, embossed stitching, and thoughtful thread choices that bring the design to life.

This block shows how fabric and thread can work together, with thread often becoming the true star.

Fussy Cutting the Plaid Cake Stand

One of the most charming details in this block is the cake stand, traditionally stitched using a plaid or checked print.
Taking the time to fussy cut this section allows the plaid lines to stay straight and intentional within the appliqué shape.

For best results:

• Run the placement stitch first to see the outline of the cake stand.
  
• Hold your plaid fabric over the outline and position it so the horizontal and vertical lines align cleanly with the stand edges.
  
• Slide the fabric until the plaid lines look balanced within the shape.
  
• Ensure the fabric fully covers the placement area before stitching the tack-down.
  
• Trim slowly along the tack-down stitch to keep those plaid lines straight and centered.
  

This small step creates a polished and professional result, especially noticeable on geometric prints.

Threadwork as the Star

Although the pear is simple in shape, the design uses threadwork to add dimension, texture, and personality.

Notice how the thread becomes a design element in these areas:

• Pear Fill: Fill stitching creates soft shading that gives the fruit shape and depth.
  
• Leaves: Slight variations in thread color and fill direction help the leaves look layered rather than flat.
  
• Stem & Accents: Fine detail stitching enhances the shape without overwhelming the applique.
  

This block shows how subtle changes in fill texture can add visual interest without adding physical bulk.

Embossed Stitching

Several smaller areas in the block use embossed stitching, which creates a recessed texture or “pattern within the fill.”
This technique adds richness to the block while maintaining the charm of the Prim aesthetic.

Embossing is most noticeable on:

• The pear’s highlight areas
  
• Decorative flourishes on the cake stand
  
• Small accents around the leaves
  

These stitched textures elevate the block by giving it depth and detail beyond standard fill stitching.

Helpful Hint: Bobbin Thread on Dark Colors

Most of the time, standard embroidery bobbin thread works perfectly.
However, when stitching very dark colors, such as navy or brown, you may occasionally see small tension inconsistencies.

Helpful tip:

• Only switch to a darker bobbin thread if you are noticing tension issues on your machine.
  
• Changing the bobbin isn’t necessary for every dark color, just when the bobbin thread peeks through the top.
  

This small adjustment can make dense dark fill areas look smoother and more consistent.

Stabilizer and Hooping Setup

Use Heavy Weight Tear-Away Stabilizer for this block to support the dense fills, embossed stitching, and satin edges.

Hoop the fused fabric and stabilizer together with firm, even tension to maintain crisp outlines — especially on the curved edges of the pear and cake stand.

For stabilizer guidance, visit:
👉 https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/assets/images/machineembroidery/stabilizers/StabilizerChart.pdf

Finishing and Trimming

After stitching, remove the stabilizer and press from the back using a warm, dry iron.
Trim the block using Lori Holt’s Trim-It™ Rulers, centering the crosshairs on the pear for balanced spacing.

Watch and Stitch Along

Follow the full Block 11: Pear tutorial on the Riley Blake Designs YouTube channel.

The video demonstrates fussy cutting plaid, identifying embossed texture areas, and managing threadwork for the cleanest finish.

Share Your Progress

Post your Pear block in the RBD & M.E. Facebook Group to connect with others and share your fabric and thread choices.
You can also tag your progress with #RileyBlakeDesigns, #RBDandMe, and #PrimStitchAlong.

Credits:

• Prim Quilt designed by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet
  
• Machine Embroidery Files by Riley Blake Designs
  

Blog and education by Jennifer Long, Machine Embroidery Manager, Riley Blake Designs