Freestanding Winter Icicles (Lace)

Freestanding lace icicles are some of the most popular Christmas designs at Embroidery Library, thanks to their eye-catching elegance and beauty. Terrific for hanging on a Christmas tree, in a window during the winter months, or as gift tags and decorations in your home.

Supplies & Materials:

Project Materials or Supplies
- Water-soluble stabilizer (like Vilene or Sulky Ultra Solvy)

- 1/4" wide ribbon

More materials & supplies

- Tapestry needle
- Beads (optional)
- Heat-set crystals and tool (optional)

The designs used in this tutorial include:

- X5887, A Light and Lacy Icicles (Lace) Design Pack - Lg

Gather Materials:

Freestanding lace designs are specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. When that stabilizer is removed, beautiful lace remains behind.

Four white freestanding lace icicle ornaments displayed vertically against a blue background. Each has distinct intricate patterns including spirals, diamonds, and geometric shapes, with a small loop at the top for hanging.

There are a couple of different kinds of water-soluble stabilizer that work best with freestanding lace.

One is clear and plastic-like, and that brand is Sulky Ultra Solvy. The other is soft and fibrous, called Vilene.

Hand holding a piece of clear plastic film over a sheet of white stabilizer on a wooden surface, with a small metal ring on the person's finger.

Freestanding lace is seen from both sides, so wind a bobbin with the same thread that you're using in the needle.

Thread choices can include 40 weight rayon or polyester, 30-35 weight cotton, or metallic thread, too.

Close-up of a clear plastic sewing machine bobbin partially inserted into the bobbin case, with a printed instructional diagram showing threading directions in black on a white machine surface.

Hoop the stabilizer firmly. Make sure it is nice and tight with no wrinkles.

Because the icicles are long and narrow, you will likely be using a rectangular hoop. Take special care to ensure the long sides are tight so that the stabilizer doesn't slip while embroidering.

Hands are securing fabric in a rectangular embroidery hoop on a wooden surface, preparing for stitching or machine embroidery. Fabric is light-colored.

Start Embroidering:

Embroider the design.

Use a size 11 or 75/11 sharp sewing needle. A sharp sewing needle has a smaller, finer point than an embroidery needle. That means it will make smaller holes in the stabilizer.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle and presser foot stitching white lace onto white fabric on an embroidery machine, with thread and fabric details visible.

Unhoop the stabilizer and trim the excess away.

Hand holding scissors cutting delicate white lace fabric with an intricate geometric embroidery pattern on a wooden surface.

Soak the remaining stabilizer away according to package instructions.

For Sulky Ultra Solvy, soak in hot tap water for 15 minutes.

Hand dipping a transparent lace icicle ornament with geometric patterns into a red bowl of water on a wooden surface.

Blot to remove the excess water, then air dry.

Press with a pressing cloth after the lace is completely dry.

Close-up of a hand gripping a Black+Decker iron with a clear water reservoir, pressing it against a light-colored fabric surface.

Using metallic thread gives these icicles a wintery, shimmery look. It gives it more a rigid texture, similar to an icicle, and adds a sparkling look to your tree.

Delicate silver lace ornament shaped like an elongated icicle with geometric snowflake patterns, hanging on a green Christmas tree with silver bead garland and small lights.

Variegated thread is also a fun way to customize lace designs. Each one turns out completely unique and full of color.

Light blue freestanding lace ornament with geometric snowflake pattern, hanging on a Christmas tree with green pine needles and white lights.

This design is stitched using 35 weight cotton thread. It adds a soft and cozy look to the lace.

White freestanding lace ornament shaped like an elongated icicle with star and snowflake patterns, hanging on a green Christmas tree near a red cardinal and gold bell.

Add embellishments, such as beads and crystals, to make the icicle sparkle and shine.

White lace ornament with circular swirl patterns and small beads, hanging on a green pine tree branch with blurred lights in the background.

Or, use beads for a glamorous style. Use a tapestry needle to thread ribbon through the bottom point. Tie a knot on the back.

Add beads, then tie a knot at the base.

Close-up of a hanging ornament made of alternating clear faceted and turquoise beads, set against blurred green pine needles and warm white string lights.

Get Inspired:

Pair the freestanding lace icicles with gorgeous lace snowflakes for a winter wonderland.

White lace ornaments in various intricate patterns hang on a green Christmas tree with small white lights and silver berry decorations against a plain background.