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Cutwork Lace Circle Border

These are instructions on how to embroider the Cutwork Lace Circle Border. The design is available in 2 sizes: for the mega hoop (6" x 10"), and for the large hoop (5" x 7").

Print-screen of the cutwork lace border design.

Large Hoop:
Size: 112 x 179 mm
Stitches: 22653
Colors: 1

Mega Hoop:
Size: 149 x 237 mm
Stitches: 29663
Colors: 1

You will need fabric, water soluble mesh and embroidery threads.

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.

Some of these brand names are Fabri-Solvy by Sulky, Avalon Plus by Madeira, Wash-Away, and Aqua Magic.

40-weight embroidery polyester threads are preferred for the project.
Cotton thread is not suitable because the embroidery will be too bulky.
Rayon thread is softer and more sensitive to the chemicals in the water-soluble mesh. We do not like to use rayon thread for cutwork lace projects.

Please note: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out on scrap before you make a stitch-out on the real item.

Embroidering the Border as Freestanding Motif:

Step One: For this project you'll need a medium-weight water-soluble mesh. Hoop 1-2 layers of water-soluble mesh. Start embroidering. The first color will embroider the outline of the design.

The first color embroiders the placement of the fabric.

Step Two: Cover the outline with a piece of fabric and start the machine. It will embroider the same outline and the motif inside the outline over the fabric.

The second color embroiders the same outline over the fabric and the motif inside the outline.

Step Three: Take the hoop from the machine. With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric around the outline of the star and around the flower outline inside the star.

Cut away the fabric around the outline of the star and inside the star around the flower outline.

Step Four: Return the hoop to the machine and finish embroidering.

Washing Out the Stabilizer:

Rinsing away the stabilizer is also 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 all the edges 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.

Take the board out of the water and leave to air dry. Do not unpin the lace until it's completely dry.

Press, if needed.