FSL Battenberg Bracelet II

These are instructions on how to embroider the FSL Battenberg Bracelet II.

You will get 2 embroidery files to make bracelets 176 mm (6 3/4") and 196 mm (7 3/4") long. You can also regulate the length of the bracelet with the clasp.

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 and 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.

For this project we recommend to use 40-, 50-weight cotton thread for machine quilting.

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.

Besides the described materials for the embroidery you will also need a clasp for the bracelet and small embellishments (optional) to your taste.
Embroider the bracelet using cotton thread in the needle and in the bobbin.
Dissolve the stabilizer in lukewarm water, neatly spread the stitch-out on a towel and leave to air dry. Press with steam, if needed.

Sew the clasp to the short ends of the stitch-out. Decorate it to your liking with small embellishments such as hot-fix crystals, rhinestones, beads, etc.
Our red bracelet is without additional embellishments.
Our black bracelet we decorated with black beads and hand-sewed them on the lace.