FSL Battenberg Wreath of Camelias Doily

These are instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Battenberg Wreath of Camelias Doily. The set is avaiable in 3 sizes - for large, mega and commercials hoops.
The finished size of the doily for the large hoop is about 16" in diameter.
The finished size of the doily for the mega hoop is about 21" in diameter.
The finished size of the doily for the commercial hoop is about 23" in diameter.

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. Some of these brand names are Fabri-Solvy by Sulky, Avalon Plus by Madeira, Wash-Away, and Aqua Magic.

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

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.

If you prefer to use cotton in the bobbin, you can use embroidery polyester in the needle.

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 Doily.

There are 2 files in the set - the center, the file called" part2", and the panel, the file called "part1".

Step One: Embroider the files on 2 layers of watersoluble mesh using cotton threads.
Embroider the file "part1" 3 times. Embroider the file "part2" 6 times.
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: Lay out the three center parts in a circle according to the diagram below. Align the edges. Hand-stitch parts together by connecting the opposite loops on the sides. Use the same thread with whitch you made embroidery.

Step Three: Lay out the six panel parts in a circle according to the diagram below. Align the sides. Using the same thread with which you made the embroidery, hand-stitch the panels together by connecting the opposite loops on the panel sides. You'll get a wreath.

Step Four: Place the wreath around the center. Align the edges.
Using the same thread with which you made the embroidery, hand-stitch the loops on the center edges with the loops on the wreath inner circle edges.

See the diagram below.

The doily is ready. Enjoy!

Happy Embroidering!

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