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The FSL Battenberg Square Lace Set is a set of two designs. One of the designs is a freestanding lace pattern. The second design is embroidered on fabric. Different combinations of these two patterns allow you to create beautiful table linen of different shapes and sizes.
To embroider this type of freestanding lace, please read our recommendations 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 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 that at least one of the threads, either in the bobbin or in the needle, should be cotton, which gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made. Embroidery polyester thread will make very fine weblike 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 watersoluble mesh.
If you are using 50- or 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 regular polyester bobbin thread.
We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well.
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 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.
Our sample is the small table topper. Its finished size is 15" x 15". For the project you will need water soluble mesh, embroidery cotton threads, 4 pieces of cotton fabric large enough to be hooped in 5" x 7" hoops, embroidery rayon or polyester threads.
Step One: Make a test stitch-out of the lace file using cotton threads and water soluble mesh. Rinse the stabilizer and check the stitch-out. If you are satisfied with the results, embroider the file five times.
Cut away the excess stabilizer close to the pattern, but DO NOT rinse the stabilizer at this stage.
Step Two: Hoop a piece of cotton fabric with water soluble mesh and embroider the second design using embroidery rayon or polyester threads. Embroider 4 fabric pieces.
Step Three: On your working table, position the lace and fabric pieces in 3 rows:
the first row: lace square - fabric square - lace square;
the second row: fabric square - lace square - fabric square;
the third row: lace square - fabric square - lace square.
Step Four: Working with the patterns row by row, attach the lace to the fabric in the following way: using a straight stitch 1 mm long, machine stitch along the square outline of the lace twice - 1 mm and 2 mm from the edge. Work from the right side of the working piece. Use thread of the same color as the lace.
With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the excess fabric close to the stitch.
Step Five: In the same way connect the rows. If your straight stitch is very small (1 mm long) and you make two rows of it, the fabric will not fray.
Finish the raw edges of the outer fabric squares in the same way - with a double straight stitch.
Step Six: After the assembly is finished, rinse the stabilizer and spread the working piece to air dry.
Press with steam if needed.
The possibilities of the set depend only on your time and patience. You can make doilies, tablerunners, tabletoppers and tableclothes of any sizes. You can combine both designs or use them separately.
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