3D Lace Dancers

Beautiful lace dancers twirl and whirl in these 3D freestanding lace designs. The lace ballet dancer and lace fairy are beautiful hung from windows, outdoors, or even on a Christmas tree.

Freestanding lace designs have been specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. After the stabilizer is removed, beautiful lace remains behind.

When you download the 3D lace designs, you will find two files.

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.

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

Use 40 weight rayon or polyester thread. You can also use 30 weight cotton or metallic thread for most freestanding lace designs.

Embroider the design.

If you are embroidering the 3D Lace Fairy design, change the bobbin to match the second color (this piece has two colors total).

After embroidering, cut the excess stabilizer away.

Embroider the skirt. 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, then press using a pressing cloth.

To assemble the ballerina or fairy, lay the skirt portion flat with the right side facing up.

Insert the body portion feet first through the slot in the center of the skirt. The points on each side of the skirt should be placed through the slot.

Add a couple of drops of fabric glue on each side of the slot to secure the two pieces together.

To create the hanger, thread ribbon through the hole at the top and tie the ribbon into a knot.

Display the graceful ballerina in windows, hang from light fixtures, or use in a dance-themed mobile. It also makes a wonderful Christmas tree decoration!