How to Add Embroidery to Glass Blocks

There are different kinds of water-soluble stabilizer. One is clear and plastic, a brand called Sulky Ultra Solvy. The other is soft and fibrous, called Vilene. Both work well. We recommend Vilene and use it in this demonstaration. (this is an affiliate link. For more information on affiliate links click here.)

Use a size 11 or a 75/11 sharp sewing needle. A sharp sewing needle has a smaller, finer point than an embroidery needle and makes smaller holes in the stabilizer.

To start, cut a piece of organza and water-soluble stabilizer so that they are both larger than the embroidery hoop. Spray the water-soluble stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the piece of organza on top of it.

Organza is used in this demonstration, though a lightweight white linen is an alternative that helps to prevent shifting when stitching larger designs. If using linen, still follow the instructions as you would for using organza.

Hoop the organza and water-soluble stabilizer together so that both are drum-tight with no wrinkles.

Follow the color change sheet to embroider the design. Our design is 6.9" x 6.9" for our 7.5" x 7.5" glass block. We used the smallest size border of 6.85" x 2.27" for our 7.5" x 3.5" glass block.

Once all the embroidery is finished, unhoop the design. The manufacturer's packaging should give instructions for removing the excess stabilizer. For Vilene, soak the embroidered design in water for a few hours. 

Allow the design to air dry. If needed, press the design with a pressing cloth on top to remove any wrinkles.

If you are using a design that is the exact size of the block, trim as close to the edges of the design as possible without trimming the stitching. If you are using a design that doesn't take up the entire glass block, trim the organza to the size of the front of the glass block to cover it completely. Some thread trimming on the back of the embroidery may be necessary to keep any threads from being seen from the front side of the organza.

Then adhere the design with your choice of spray adhesive (we used Gunold KK100), small Velcro dots in the corners of the design, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge for a more permanent adhesive. Other adhesive options are available, but these are options we and our customers have used successfully for this project.

Insert battery operated string lights or tea lights in the hole on the side of the glass block for added shine.