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The FSL Battenberg Lace Summer Hat is a set of two designs for the large (5" x 7") hoop.
The finished size of the hat is for a lady with hat size 22"- 22 3/4" (56-58 cm).
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 each of the files 6 times. You will get 6 parts that form the hat's top and 6 parts for the brim.
Rinse the stabilizer and leave to air dry.
Press all parts with steam. On your working table, lay out the designs.
Manually, join the parts of the hat's top in the places marked in red. Use the same thread with which you made the embroidery. On the pictures, we show only 3 parts. You need to join all 6 parts.
Now in the same way - manually, using the same thread with which you made the embroidery, connect the brim parts to each other to make the brim.
At last join the brim and the top. Again, do this manually using the same thread with which you made the embroidery.
The hat is ready. Decorate it with a ribbon or flowers. It will make any ordinary outfit suitable for a special ocassion. If you attach a veil, it can be an excellent finishing touch for a wedding dress.
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