Dainty and delightful, these beautiful lace bell ornaments will add classic appeal to any Christmas tree. And, if you attach them to gift baskets and bags, they'll certainly delight!
Finished measurement:
Large: 3-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches
Small: 3 x 4-1/2 inches
Supplies & Materials:
Project Materials or Supplies
** Fabric glue
** Ribbon (1/8-inch wide)
** Water-soluble stabilizer
** Paper towels
** Jingle bells (optional)
Special Project Notes:
You can use either 40 weight rayon thread or 30 - 35 weight cotton thread.
I use Coats and Clark 30 and 35 weight cotton thread. It's labeled as Mercerized ELS Cotton for Machine Quilting & Crafts; Machine Quilting; or All Purpose. I've also used Madeira Cotona, which is a 30 weight cotton thread.
I use the 30 - 35 weight cotton thread both in the bobbin (I wind my own bobbins) and in the top (needle).
A note about water-soluble stabilizers and needles:
There are many, many different brands of water-soluble stabilizer available. Some are thin and light, some are fibrous, and some are thick and heavy. It can be confusing to pick the right one for your lace project.
We've digitized and stitched thousands of freestanding lace designs, and have consistently excellent results with Sulky Ultra Solvy (the heavy weight water-soluble stabilizer by Sulky) and Vilene, a fibrous water-soluble stabilizer.
Use a sharp needle (as opposed to an embroidery needle) when embroidering onto water-soluble stabilizer - especially if using the "plastic-looking" kind (such as Sulky Ultra Solvy). An embroidery needle has a larger point, which makes larger holes in the water-soluble stabilizer, leading to tearing and misalignment.
Start Embroidering:
Hoop one piece of heavy weight water-soluble stabilizer (WSS).
Because both sides of freestanding lace can be seen, the bobbin thread should match the top thread. Wind a bobbin with the same thread that you'll be using in the needle.
The designs are digitized for 40 weight thread, either rayon or polyester. Or, try 30-35 weight cotton for a hearty look.
Embroider the design. Six designs make one bell.
Use a size 11 sharp needle when embroidering free-standing lace; using a ballpoint or universal needle can cause ripping and tearing of the stabilizer.
After each design has finished, unhoop the WSS and cut away the excess. Trim as close to the embroidery as possible without cutting any of the stitches.
Set the scraps of WSS aside; they are useful. You can piece the larger pieces together by wetting your fingers and running them along the edges; or, put small scraps in a spray bottle and add water to make spray starch.
Soak the six pieces according to WSS instructions. For Sulky Ultra Solvy, soak in hot tap water for 15 minutes.
Blot any excess water from the lace with a paper towel, and then allow the designs to dry completely.
Press the lace with an iron.
To assemble the bell, apply fabric glue to one side of the first piece of lace.
Add a second section of lace by aligning the sides and holding the two pieces in place until the glue holds.
The pieces will meet at a slight angle.
Apply glue to the other side of the second piece of lace and add a third lace section.
Continue this process until all six lace pieces are added, and the circle of pieces is closed.
Now give the bell shape.
In a spray bottle, dissolve a few scraps of WSS in water. Spray the top half of the bell.
Set the bell on a spray can or an overturned glass. Allow the bottom to flair.
This will give the lace a nice rounded bell shape.
Allow the bell to dry.
When the bell is dry, use ribbon to tie a loop to the top.
If you'd like, add a jingle bell or bead inside the ornament.
Now you are all set to add a little extra jingle to your holidays with bell ornaments of lace.
