Take an average printed fabric or one with simple appliqués or embroideries and fill in the background with thread using a technique called free-motion stitching. Use this method to create fabrics and garments with exquisite designs and background textures; any sewing machine can work wonders. The more background fabric you cover with free-motion stitching, the more texture you create. These wonderfully elegant, densely stitched fabrics are stable and may be left raw-edged. This technique works beautifully to make fabric for collars and cuffs. Free-motion-stitch the cut garment sections before sewing them together. Start stitching to create gorgeous fabrics steeped in rich detail. Set Up the Machine You can free-motion-stitch on any standard sewing machine. Just drop or cover the feed dogs, put on a free-motion or darning presser foot, use the appropriate thread, and start sewing. All sewing machines offer a darning or free-motion presser foot. Thread The real glamour comes from using showy embroidery threads such as good-quality metallic threads, and rayon or polyester embroidery threads. Rayon has a soft satin sheen, while polyester is slightly stiffer, but is stronger and colorfast. Choose the appropriate needle for the thread and fabric weight. Metallic threads require special treatment. Use a…