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The FSL Battenberg Lace Christmas Gift Bag is one lace design for the large (5" x 7") hoop.
To make the bag, you need embroidery threads and water-soluble mesh. Fabric for the lining and ribbons or trims are optional.
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 repackaged under different brand names. Two of these brand names are Wash-Away and Aqua Magic. Film-like water soluble stabilizers, such as Solvy, are not suitable for Free-Standing Lace embroidery.
Threads: The thinner the thread, the finer the final product will be. That is why we recommend to use cotton thread both in the bobbin and in the needle. Cotton gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made.
Embroidery polyester thread will make very fine weblike lace and is not very good for the project.
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 watersoluble mesh. We do not recommend it for this project.
You can use 40-, 50- or even 60-weight cotton, you can use it both in the bobbin and in the needle. If you use 40-weight cotton thread for the needle, you can use 50- or 60-weight cotton in the bobbin.
We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread both in the needle and in the bobbin, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well.
Needles: We used 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 after every project.
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.
You need to embroider the file twice.
Rinse the stabilizer and leave to air dry. If you want the lace softer, keep it in a bowl with lukewarm water for an hour. Change the water several times.
Press with steam.
Place the both panels wrong side to wrong side and stitch the sides and the bottom. You can join the parts manually by the loops, or you can machine stitch. Use the same thread with which you made the embroidery.
Attach a piece of string in the upper corners and you have a small bag to be filled with candies or other small gift.
You might wish to make a lining. For this, cut a piece of fabric measuring 4 1/2" x 13 1/2".
Fold back the short sides of the fabric 1/4" and press. Fold 1/4" again and press. Then topstitch in place.
Fold the piece widthwise in half, face inwards. Press. Machine stitch the sides, seam allowance 1/4".
Turn the lining right side out.
Insert the lining into the lace bag.
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