Christmas Borders with a Bow and Holly Machine Embroidery Design Set – 4 Sizes

This set contains two coordinated horizontal Christmas motifs: a red bow with fir sprigs, holly, berries, and light olive sprigs, plus a separate sprig with pine, holly, and berries. Stitch them as a decorative band on a towel, linen napkin, fabric bread basket, or the outer panel of a tea cosy. These are digital files for embroidery machines, not finished products.

Bow Border
Size: 148.2x58.8 mm (5.83x2.31 "), Stitches: 13300
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 158.2x62.7 mm (6.23x2.47 "), Stitches: 14300
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 168.3x66.6 mm (6.63x2.62 "), Stitches: 15300
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 178.2x70.8 mm (7.02x2.79 "), Stitches: 16300
Hoop: 130x180 mm (5x7")

Holly Border
Size: 148.1x50.8 mm (5.83x2.00 "), Stitches: 9900
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 158.1x54.2 mm (6.22x2.13 "), Stitches: 10600
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 168.1x57.6 mm (6.62x2.27 "), Stitches: 11300
Hoop: 100x170 mm (4x7")
Size: 178.3x61.0 mm (7.02x2.40 "), Stitches: 12000
Hoop: 130x180 mm (5x7")

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How do I stitch a straight decorative band on a towel or napkin?

First mark the placement line with a water-soluble marker or basting, then align it with the horizontal hoop axis. Before stitching, use the machine tracing function to confirm that the long motif stays clear of the fabric edge, hem, and planned seam.

Use tear-away or cut-away stabilizer underneath the towel, chosen for the towel density, and add water-soluble topping on the surface. The topping holds down the pile so the berries, pine, and bow outlines remain clear. Remove it only after the towel has been fully released from the hoop.

For the best result, stitch the outer panel before assembling the item: the fabric stays flat and seams or batting do not enter the hoop. If the item is already sewn, do not hoop bulky side seams. Secure the area on self-adhesive stabilizer, add a basting stitch, and check the hoop travel by hand before starting.

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer firmly without stretching the fabric on the bias. For lightweight linen and thin cotton, use stabilizer that supports the area beyond the outline, not only under the embroidery itself. First make a test stitch-out on a scrap of the same fabric to check tension and the placement of the long horizontal motif.