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FSL Battenberg Lace Christmas Tree Ornament

These are instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Lace Christmas Tree Ornament.

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 packaged 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 for this project we recommend cotton thread, 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.

To get two-sided embroidery use threads of the same color in the needle and in the bobbin.

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 often.

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 Tree.

Besides water-soluble mesh and cotton thread, you will also need hot-fix crystals or small beads.

Step One: Embroider the file on 2 layers of watersoluble mesh using cotton threads. Rinse the mesh in lukewarm water. Slightly press the embroidery with the paper towel to remove extra water. Leave to air dry. Press.

Step Two: Decorate the stitch-outs with hot-fix crystals or small beads.

Step Three: Place the stitch-outs one over another. Align all edges. On your sewing machine, straight-stitch through both stitch-outs from top to bottom, along the central axis.