Share your heartfelt feelings of love and affection with this sweet bunting! It's made up of stunning freestanding lace letters, and is a beautiful addition to home decor.
Supplies
Project Needs & Notes:
- Heavyweight water-soluble stabilizer
(like Vilene or Sulky Ultra Solvy)
- 1/4" - 3/8" wide ribbon (for hanger)
Designs used in this tutorial are from the A Bunting (Lace) Alphabet Design Pack.
Designs Used
Most embroidery designs are stitched onto fabric. But freestanding lace designs are specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. When that water-soluble 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 when embroidering freestanding lace - not an embroidery 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.
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. Use a pressing cloth to avoid scorching.
To create the hanger, thread the ribbon through the eyelet openings at the top edges of the lace pieces.
This sweet lace bunting is a beautiful addition to showers, weddings, anniversary parties, home decor, and more!
