Creative Machine Embroidery – July 2019

(Joyce) #1
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

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