Creative Machine Embroidery – July 2019

Freestanding lace looks intimidating,

but there’s nothing mysterious about

the process. If FSL is new to you, read

on for tips for creating freestanding

lace successfully.

• Use 60-wt. thread on bobbin in a
  color that matches the embroidery
  thread in the needle.


• Use water-soluble mesh stabilizer.
  Water-soluble mesh will prevent
  perforation caused by dense stitch-
  ing and is easily washed out.


• Use the smallest hoop to fit the
  design. This will prevent stabilizer
  slippage during embroidery, which
  could cause the lace to gap or fall
  apart in areas.


• Use two layers of stabilizer when
  using large and extra large hoops.


• Use a new 75/11 embroidery needle.


• Bring the bobbin thread to the top
  and hold the threads at the begin-
  ning of the color to prevent thread
  nesting on the lace back.


• Embroider at a slower speed,
  around 400–500spm. This will allow
  the thread to flow smoothly for
  better stitchouts.


• Use hot water to remove the
  stabilizer. Soak and rinse the lace
  pieces several times to remove all
  the stabilizer, as lace used on a quilt
  top should be soft.

Once stitching and assembly is

complete on your FSL designs and

the quilt top, simply add the lace. My

favorite technique uses a zigzag stitch.

Use a thread color that matches the

lace and set the zigzag stitch length

and width to 2mm. Alternatively, you

can use a 3mm straight stitch.

DESIGNS

White lace: Janome MC15000 built in design Lace #1

FSL sewing machine: Freestanding Vintage Sewing Machine Collection 12698;

embroideryonline.com

18 CMEMAG.COM | Fall 2019

16-18_CME_F19_Quilt This.indd 1816-18_CME_F19_Quilt This.indd 18 6/28/19 10:14 AM6/28/19 10:14 AM

Freestanding lace looks intimidating,
but there’s nothing mysterious about
the process. If FSL is new to you, read
on for tips for creating freestanding
lace successfully.

• Use 60-wt. thread on bobbin in a
  color that matches the embroidery
  thread in the needle.


• Use water-soluble mesh stabilizer.
  Water-soluble mesh will prevent
  perforation caused by dense stitch-
  ing and is easily washed out.


• Use the smallest hoop to fit the
  design. This will prevent stabilizer
  slippage during embroidery, which
  could cause the lace to gap or fall
  apart in areas.


• Use two layers of stabilizer when
  using large and extra large hoops.


• Use a new 75/11 embroidery needle.


• Bring the bobbin thread to the top
  and hold the threads at the begin-
  ning of the color to prevent thread
  nesting on the lace back.


• Embroider at a slower speed,
  around 400–500spm. This will allow
  the thread to flow smoothly for
  better stitchouts.


• Use hot water to remove the
  stabilizer. Soak and rinse the lace
  pieces several times to remove all
  the stabilizer, as lace used on a quilt
  top should be soft.

Once stitching and assembly is
complete on your FSL designs and
the quilt top, simply add the lace. My
favorite technique uses a zigzag stitch.
Use a thread color that matches the
lace and set the zigzag stitch length
and width to 2mm. Alternatively, you
can use a 3mm straight stitch.

DESIGNS

White lace: Janome MC15000 built in design Lace #1

FSL sewing machine: Freestanding Vintage Sewing Machine Collection 12698;

embroideryonline.com

18 CMEMAG.COM | Fall 2019