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 machine quilting 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.

In this project we recommend to use in the bobbin a slightly heavier thread than in the needle. For example, if you use 50- or 60-weight cotton in the needle, use 40-weight cotton thread in the bobbin.

The drawback of the cotton thread is its lint. Please don't forget to clean the machine with a soft bruch or compressed air after each stitch-out.

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 out of the water and leave to air dry. Do not unpin the lace until it's completely dry.

This stitch-out is not a part of the booties set. It's used for demonstation purposes only.

Making the Booties:

If you choose the 0-3 size, all designs are packed into one hoop. You need to embroider the full hoop twice.
If you choose the other 2 sizes, you need to embroider each design twice.
After you washed the stabilizer and dried the stitch-outs, start the assembly. It's done by hand. Use the same thread with which you made the embroidery.

Position the parts as shown on the diagram below. First stitch together the centers of each part (marked in red).

Fold the front over the sole and connect the side loops. Then fold the back over the sole and connect the side loops.

Insert silk cord or ribbons to make ties.

Happy embroidering!

Back to FSL Battenberg Lace Christening Booties Set.