Caribbean Vacation Cutwork with Applique Motif

These are instructions on how to embroider designs from the Caribbean Vacation Cutwork Lace.

The design is available in 2 sizes.

For Commercial grade hoops (embroidery area 12" x 12" and more) the design is whole.

For smaller hoops (7" x 12" or more), the file is split in half.

Click to enlarge

Besides embroidery threads (either polyester or rayon), you will need fabric for the applique and water-soluble mesh stabilizer, such as Fabri-Solvy by Sulky, Avalon Plus by Madeira, or similar products by other companies.

Embroidering:

With a removable marker, mark the central vertical axis of the future embroidery (i. e. center of the T-shirt). Stabilize the base fabric with water-soluble mesh.

Commercial Hoop: hoop the base fabric and with the hoop template/grid check that the marked line on the fabric coincides with the central vertical axis on the grid.

Mega Hoop, split design (FrontCutLace2.*): hoop the base fabric and with the hoop template/grid check that the marked line on the fabric is parallel and 1/16" (2mm) from the right margin of the grid.

Start the machine and embroider the first color. It will embroider the outline of the design to mark the position of the applique fabric.
The photo below is for a split design.

Mega Hoop: Note that the running stitch in the lower part of the design should coincide with the marked line.

Commercial Hoop: cover the outline with the applique fabric. Secure the fabric either with fabric scotch or with pins outside the embroidery area.

Mega Hoop: fold the applique fabric in half and slightly press the fold line to mark its center. Cover the outline of the design, align the crease line with the right side of the hoop. Secure the fabric either with fabric tape or with pins outside the embroidery area.

Start the machine and embroider the second color.

Commercial Hoop: With a pair of sharp scissors, cut away the applique fabric.

Mega Hoop: With a pair of sharp scissors, cut away the applique fabric. However, don't cut away the right part of the applique fabric!

Then cut away the base fabric inside the curls of the applique as shown.
Beware not to cut away or through the stabilizer!

Commercial Hoop: Return the hoop to the machine and finish embroidery.
Mega Hoop: Return the hoop to the machine and finish embroidery of the right part.

Mega Hoop (file FrontCutLace1.*): Neatly fold the attached but still unused half of the applique fabric. Re-hoop the base fabric and with the hoop template/grid check that the marked line on the fabric is parallel and 1/16" (2mm) from the left margin of the grid.

Embroider the left half of the design as described above, cutting away the excess fabric.

Cut away the excess stabilizer and wash away the remainder.

Enjoy!

Happy Stitching!

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