Free Mini Banana Machine Embroidery Design – 4 Sizes

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This free mini banana machine embroidery design features transparent yellow watercolor fills and expressive dark sketch-style contours. Four horizontal size files are included for kitchen towels, napkins, aprons, tote bags, lunch bags and other small 4x4 hoop projects.

The light fabric visible between the yellow layers is an intentional part of the watercolor technique. White, ivory and pale cream cotton or linen provide the clearest contrast and allow the open highlights to remain visible.

This is a digital product for computerized embroidery machines. No finished embroidery, towel, patch, fabric, thread or physical product will be shipped. All listed sizes and machine formats are supplied together in one ZIP archive; no size or format must be selected during checkout.

Free-bonus terms: this design may be added to an order containing at least $3 in paid designs. It cannot be downloaded separately as a zero-value store order.

Design sizes and stitch counts

Size: 73.5x53.1 mm (7.35x5.31 cm; 2.89x2.09"), Stitches: 3036
Size: 80.9x58.4 mm (8.09x5.84 cm; 3.19x2.30"), Stitches: 3421
Size: 88.9x64.2 mm (8.89x6.42 cm; 3.50x2.53"), Stitches: 3881
Size: 98.0x70.8 mm (9.80x7.08 cm; 3.86x2.79"), Stitches: 4422

Formats: .dst, .pec, .exp, .hus, .vip, .pes, .dat, .vp3, .sew, .tap, .xxx

Number of sizes: 4
Design orientation: horizontal
Recommended upper thread: 40-weight machine embroidery thread

4x4 hoop compatibility

All four banana files fit a 100x100 mm embroidery field, commonly called a 4x4 inch hoop. The largest file measures 98.0x70.8 mm (3.86x2.79"), leaving only 2 mm of clearance along its widest dimension.

Always compare both exact design dimensions with the usable embroidery field supported by your machine. The outside dimensions of a physical hoop may be larger than the area the machine can embroider.

PES and PEC are commonly used by Brother and Baby Lock machines; VP3, VIP and HUS by compatible Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff models; EXP by Bernina and some commercial systems; and DST by many commercial machines. JEF is not included in the published format list. Owners of Janome or Elna machines should confirm that their model supports the included SEW format.

Madeira Classic Rayon color sequence

The original color chart was created with the Madeira Classic Rayon No. 40 thread library. Three yellow layers form the watercolor banana, followed by a very dark thread for the stem, contours and sketch details.

Original thread library: Madeira Classic Rayon No. 40.
Sequence: 1135, 1064, 1024, 1199.
Color blocks: 4.
Thread changes: 3.

Equivalent shades from polyester, rayon and other embroidery-thread brands can be found with the free Madeira thread converter. Keep the light-to-dark sequence even when changing the thread manufacturer.

Rayon produces the soft shine shown in the stitched sample. A comparable 40-weight polyester thread can be used for kitchen towels, aprons and other items that will be washed frequently.

Fabric, stabilizer and needle

As a starting point, divide the fabric weight in g/m² by three to estimate the stabilizer weight. For example, 150 g/m² cotton suggests a stabilizer close to 50 g/m². Adjust this estimate for fabric stretch, texture and the selected design size.

• Stable cotton, linen or poplin: use Madeira Cotton Soft 50 g/m² or Gunold STIFFY 1650 50 g/m². Both are medium-weight tear-away stabilizers suitable for stable woven fabrics.
• Lightweight woven fabric: Gunold STIFFY 1640 37 g/m² is a lighter tear-away option. Test the largest size because its long dark outline must remain accurately registered with the yellow fills.
• Napkins with a visible reverse side: test a suitable wash-away backing on the same fabric before embroidering the finished set.
• Cuffs, pockets or slightly stretchy fabric that cannot be hooped: use Madeira Cotton Fix or Gunold FILMOPLAST 50 g/m². These are self-adhesive tear-away stabilizers protected by release paper.
• Elastic jersey or knitwear: use Madeira Weblon Plus 55 g/m² cut-away stabilizer for permanent support. A self-adhesive tear-away may help with positioning but should not be the only support for highly elastic fabric.
• Terry or raised-texture towels: place tear-away backing underneath and Madeira Avalon 20 micron water-soluble topping above the fabric. The topping prevents the fine yellow and dark stitches from sinking into the pile.

Use a sharp embroidery needle No. 75/11 for woven cotton and linen. For jersey, use a ballpoint embroidery needle appropriate for the fabric. Hoop the fabric and stabilizer smoothly without stretching them and make a complete test stitch before embroidering the finished item.

Project ideas

• linen napkins and placemat corners;
• smooth cotton tea towels and kitchen towels;
• apron pockets and fabric recipe-book covers;
• reusable produce bags and market totes;
• lunch bags, snack pouches and children’s accessories;
• small shirt panels, pockets and cuffs.

The smallest file creates a light accent on a napkin or pouch. The 98.0x70.8 mm version is better suited to towels, tote bags and apron pockets.

Matching watercolor designs

The same four-size banana motif is included in the complete Banana, Lemon, Pepper and Pear set. Choose the set when you need the three additional coordinating motifs rather than purchasing separate designs.

Banana, Lemon, Pepper & Pear Watercolor Pineapple Broccoli, Avocado, Artichoke & Cabbage

More coordinated food and botanical files are available in the Fruit, Vegetable and Berry Machine Embroidery Designs collection.

Frequently asked questions

Will every banana size fit a 4x4 embroidery hoop?

Yes. All four files fit a 100x100 mm embroidery field. The largest file measures 98.0x70.8 mm, so verify that your machine provides the full 100 mm usable width.

Is this design available without a paid order?

No. This store product is a free bonus that can be added to a cart containing at least $3 in paid designs. It cannot be downloaded separately as a zero-value order.

Are the two yellow border lines in the sample included?

No. The download contains the banana motif in four sizes. The two parallel yellow lines shown on the sample napkin are decorative styling and are not listed as a separate embroidery file.

Why does the fabric show through the banana?

The open areas are intentional parts of the watercolor technique. The base fabric forms the lightest highlights and keeps the three yellow layers visually separate.

Is this banana suitable for beginners?

Yes. The files have relatively low stitch counts and only four color blocks. A test stitch is still recommended because the final dark outline must remain aligned with the yellow watercolor fills.

Is JEF included for Janome machines?

No. JEF is not included in the published format list. SEW is supplied, but compatibility depends on the specific Janome or Elna model. Check the machine manual before transferring the file.

License

Finished physical items embroidered with this design may be sold by small artisan businesses. Industrial or factory production is not permitted under the standard license. The digital files may not be copied, shared, published, exchanged, redistributed or resold.

Read the complete Royal Present Embroidery license and terms of use.

Design author: Ludmila Konovalova, Royal Present Embroidery.