Freestanding lace designs have been specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. After the 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.

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.

Load the design into your machine.

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.

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.

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, then press using a pressing cloth.

Repeat this process for a total of twelve lace pieces. 

To assemble the tree skirt, lay the first piece flat with the right side facing up.

Align the second piece on top, right side facing up, and overlap the side borders.

Sew in place with a straight stitch -- follow along the center of the side border of the top piece of lace.

Match my sewing thread to the color of the embroidery thread.

Align the third piece on top of the second piece, right sides up, overlap the side borders, and sew a straight stitch along the center of the side border of the top piece.

Repeat this until all of the pieces have been added.

So the skirt can be adjusted, leave the first and last pieces unsewn so the skirt can be overlapped.

Wrap the skirt around the base of your tree for a stunning holiday look. It's the perfect size for small or tabletop trees.

Or, skip the tree itself and use this skirt for any Christmas centerpiece! It's a beautiful way to add an embroidered touch to holiday decorating.