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On this page you'll find the instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Swan Lace Ring Bearers. The lace sculpture should be sewed onto a small pillow for a ring bearer.
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 project, 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.
Besides watersoluble mesh and embroidery threads you will need hot-fix crystals or seed beeds for eyes, a piece of ribbon and any small embellisments, beads, sequins, crystals, etc. to your taste.
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 the first file twice and the second file once.
Cut away the excess stabilizer. Rinse the remainder.
Neatly spread on a towel and leave to air dry.
Step Two: Attach hot-fix crystals or seed beeds to make the eyes. If you wish, decorate the swans and the lace base to your taste.
Step Three: Position the base of the first swan over the opening in the plate part. Stitch the swan in place. Repeat with the second swan.
Step Four: Fold both halves of the swan back and stitch along the line marked in red on the diagram below.
Step Five: Now hand sew the 3D composition on a small white pillow.
Step Five: Insert a piece of narrow ribbon in the beaks of the swans.
Step Six: Place the rings on the ribbon and tie it.
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