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FSL Battenberg Necklace

These are instructions on how to embroider the FSL Battenberg Necklace .

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.

Washing out the Stabilizer: Rinsing away the stabilizer is an important step, because the lace can be stretched or distorted if this is done incorrectly. We recommend to use a foam board and stainless pins.

Cut away the excess stabilizer close to the stitches. Take your time and carefully pin every single loop on the lace's outer edge to the board.

Now place the board into a bowl with luke-warm water. Leave the board in the water for at least half an hour. Change the water a couple of times.

Take the board from the water and leave to air dry. DO not unpin the lace until it's completely dry.

The Necklace.

Besides the described materials for the embroidery you will also need a clasp for the necklace and small embellishments (optional) to your taste.
There are 2 embroidery files in the set. One design is with "fringe" and the second one without.
Embroider any of the designs using cotton thread in the needle and in the bobbin.
Wash away the stabilizer as described above. 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 black necklace with fringe is decorated with small beads which we hand-sewed along the lower edge of the necklace. We also put the beads on the ends of the fringe.