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FSL Fashion Bracelet with Trim

These are instructions on how to embroider and assemble the FSL Fashion Bracelet with Trim.

There are 3 files in the set. Parts 1 and 2 are lace parts, and should be embroidered as freestanding lace, described below.

Part 3 embroiders a satin-stitch strip that threads through the other parts. Instead of part 3, you can use any ready-made trim 1" - 1 1/4" wide.

You will also need jewelry clasps and/or snaps.

Using threads, trims and embellishments of different colors and styles you can get an endless variety of fashionable bracelets.

Lace Part I: gives a bracelet about 2" x 7" long	Lace Part II: gives a bracelet about 2" x 7 3/4" long

Stitches: 17165 Size: 48 x 180 mm Colors: 2	Stitches 18532 Size: 124 x 180 mm Colors: 2

Part 3 is optional. This file is embroidered as applique strip with satin-stitch finish. The strip is measuring 1 1/4" x 8".

Stitches: 3516
Size: 116 x 180 mm
Colors: 3

To embroider the files 1 and 2 read the following recommendation 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 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.

This is a stitch-out of another design. It's used for demonstation purposes only.

Applique Strip

To embroider part 3, hoop either water-soluble mesh or tear-away stabilizer.
The first color of the file will embroider the outline of the strip.
Place a piece of fabric over the outline and start the machine. It will embroider the same ourline over the aplique fabric.
Take the hoop from the machine and cut away the fabric around the outline close to the stitches.
Return the hoop to the machine. The last color will finish the raw edges with satin-stitch.

The Bracelet.

Embroider the lace part as described above.
Either embroider or cut a fabric/leather/trim strip measuring 1 1/4" x 8".