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Cutwork Primrose Motif

These are instructions on how to embroider the Cutwork Primrose Motif. The design is available in 2 sizes: for the mega hoop (6" x 10"), and for the Commercial hoop (8" x 12").

Screenshot of the Cutwork Valentine Heart design

Mega Hoop:
Size: 149 x 149mm
Stitches: 34999
Colors: 1

Commercial Hoop:
Size: 197 x 193 mm
Stitches: 45000
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.

Cutwork Insert

Step One: Hoop the fabric with a layer of water soluble mesh. Start embroidering. The first color will embroider the outlines of the shapes to be cut out and stop.

The shapes machine embroiders before the first stop.

Step Two: Take the hoop from the machine. With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric in the places shown on the picture below.

Picture shows where the fabric should be cut out.

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

The finished embroidery with the stabilizer still in.

Step Four: Wash away the stabilizer and leave to air dry. Press with steam if needed.

Finished stitch-out with the stabilizer washed away.

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.