FSL Battenberg Lace Tulip

On this page you'll find the instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Lace Tulip. Using threads of different colors you can make a whole bunch of these lovely spring flowers.

The finished length of the flower is about 8 1/2".

Stabilizers: We recommend to use water-soluble mesh, such as Vilene. Vilene D0102 is a non woven dissolvable stabilizer which is imported into the US, is sold in large rolls and is sometimes repackaged under different brand names. Two of these brand names are Wash-Away and Aqua Magic.

Film-like water soluble stabilizers, such as Solvy, Badge Master or Avalon are not suitable for Free-Standing Lace embroidery.

Threads: The thinner the thread, the finer the final product will be. That is why we recommend that at least one of the threads, either in the bobbin or in the needle, should be cotton, which gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made. Embroidery polyester thread will make very fine web-like lace.

Embroidery rayon thread is too soft, it does not keep its shape and very often its color fades under the influence of chemicals from the water-soluble mesh.

If you are using 50- or 60-weight cotton, you can use it both in the bobbin and in the needle. If you use 40-weight cotton thread for the needle, you can use regular polyester bobbin thread.

We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well.

For the tulip, cotton thread is the best choice.

Needles: We use size 80/12 embroidery needles and 80/12 metallic needles. Our experience shows that cotton thread used with metallic needles gives less lint. The needles should be sharp, so it's advisable to change them after every project.

Most Importantly: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out of the design and wash away the stabilizer. This helps you to select the threads, needles, stabilizers and settings of your machine correctly. DO NOT embroider several designs in one hoop.

Making the Tulip

Besides watersoluble mesh and embroidery threads you will need a plastic drinking straw. Choose a medium straw that's green or yellow in color.

To make the embroidery two-sided, use the same thread in the needle and in the bobbin.

Step One: Hoop 2 layers of watersoluble mesh. Embroider each file of the set.
Cut away the excess stabilizer. Rinse the remainder.

Neatly spread on a towel and leave to air dry. Start assembling when the parts are still slightly damp.

Step Two: Position the straw over the stem part. Hand-stitch the opposite loops of the lace together to make a tube around the straw.

Step Three: In the same way, hand-stitch the lower part of the leaf around the stem.

Step Four: Now hand sew the stamens to the upper end of the stem.

Step Five: Sew the first 4-6 loops of the petals together to make a cup.

Step Six: Insert the stem with stamens into the flower cup and hand sew the cup to the stem.

Fold the petals as you like.

If you need to make the flower petals stiffer, make a solution using scraps of watersoluble mesh and treat the flowers with it.

Enjoy!

Happy Embroidering!

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