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For this project we used the FSL Battenberg Lace Necklace pattern.
You'll need a T-shirt and embroidery polyester threads, and any small embellishments of your choise (optional).
To embroider this type of 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 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.
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.
Step One: Hoop 2 layers of watersoluble mesh. Embroider all three files of the FSL Battenberg Lace Necklace Set.
Wash away the stabilizer and leave the lace to air dry. Press with steam.
We used a royal blue t-shirt. We chose to make the lace bright yellow and the second color royal blue to match the color of the t-shirt.
Step Two: After the lace is ready, place the t-shirt on your working table and position the lace around the neckline. Pin it in place.
Step Three: Thread your sewing machine with the same thread with which you embroidered the second color of your lace (in our case it's royal blue polyester). Topstitch the lace to the t-shirt along the blue line of the lace.
Your t-shirt already looks great.
Add some hot-fix crystals for sparkle.
We also decorated a long-sleeved black t-shirt with black lace. The effect created is more subtle, and unfortunately it wasn't really captured well by the camera. However, it is definitely a more stylish, tasteful look.
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