Embroidering Multi-Color Freestanding Lace

Most freestanding lace designs use one color thread. But some use two or more colors of thread, such as the Mehndi lace medallions. The added color adds magnificent depth and dimension. Follow these helpful tips and tricks to master embroidering multi-color freestanding lace.

Project Needs & Notes

- Water-soluble stabilizer
  (Vilene or Sulky Ultra Solvy)
- Freestanding lace design

For this tutorial, I used the large size of the Mehndi Sunburst (Lace) design. Find more Mehndi Freestanding Lace Medallions here.

This project was featured in the following:
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Most embroidery designs are stitched onto fabric. But freestanding lace designs are specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. When that stabilizer is removed, beautiful lace remains behind.  

There are a couple of different kinds of water-soluble stabilizer. One is clear and plastic, and that brand is Sulky Ultra Solvy. The other is soft and fibrous, called Vilene.

Both will work very well. Vilene is used in this demonstration.

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.

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

Wind a bobbin for both colors that you'll use when stitching the lace design.

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

Embroider the first color of the design.

You'll find that 40 weight rayon or polyester works well, as does 30 weight cotton. Metallic thread can also be used in freestanding lace designs.

When the first color has finished, change the bobbin to match the second color

Continue embroidering. The second color will sew next

After embroidering, cut the excess stabilizer away.

The stabilizer's packaging should give instructions for removing the excess. For Vilene, soak the lace pieces for a few moments.

Air dry and press to complete.

Multi-color freestanding lace designs make beautiful coasters, centerpieces, and sun catchers, too.

You can also stitch them onto fabric, and brighten up jeans, jackets, and pockets.