Layered lace designs have two or three pieces.

Each piece is digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. When the 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. 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.

After embroidering each piece, 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.

Blot the excess water away with a paper towel.

While the embroidered pieces are still damp, mold to form the shape. In this example, we're forming the butterfly's wings.

After the embroider is completely dry, layer the pieces together.

Stitch together with a few hand stitches.

Gain a lifelike look with your embroidery by stitching layered lace designs!

The layers of lace in this design make these butterfly wings look like they're fluttering away.

In this example, a button was used for the flower center. This adds even more of a three-dimensional feel to the freestanding lace.