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These are instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Lace Santa's Sleigh. This attractive freestanding piece makes a great table-top or mantelpiece decoration.
The finished size of the ornament is about 2" x 3 1/2" x 6".
To embroider this type of lace, please read our recommendations first.
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, are not suitable for the project.
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.
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.
Step One: There are three embroidery files in the set - one file is used for the bottom of the sleigh, the two other files are mirrors of each other and are used for the side panels. Embroider each file once.
Rinse the stabilizer, spread all parts neatly on a towel and leave to air dry.
Step Two: Thread a needle with the same thread with which you made the embroidery. Position the panels around the bottom. Hand sew the loops of the bottom panel to the side panel as shown in red on the diagram below.
Attach the first side panel. Fold it over the bottom. Press with your fingers so it keeps its shape.
Repeat with the second side panel.
Insert a toothpick between the side panels in the spots marked with red dots on the diagram above.
Place small gifts or light sweets in the sleigh.
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