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For the project on this page we used the FSL
Crochet Pineapple Applique machine embroidery designs. This crochet
blouse for a young lady is not an easy project, please make sure
that you understand all the instructions before you start it.
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| We wanted the blouse to be out of fine polyester satin. We used 2 layers
of it. Cotton batiks will also look good. You'll need about 1/2 yard of
fabric if you make a 1 layer applique, and about 1 yard if you make two
layers in the applique. You will also need about 4 yards of a narrow trim,
water-soluble Vilene stabilizer and 50- or 60-weight cotton embroidery
threads. For this project we used Signature machine quilting thread.
We show the blouse for a size which will fit a 35"-36" bust. If you
need a blouse of another size you'll have to re-calculate the number of
parts you'll need. |
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Making a Paper Layout
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| Making a paper layout for this blouse is very easy.
Measure around the bust.
Measure the desired length from the shoulder.
On a large sheet of paper, draw a straight line through the center of
the paper. Mark the center of the line, and draw a perpendicular line through
that point.
On this perpendicular line, measure one fourth of your bust measurement
starting from the center point, in each direction, and mark two points.
Draw two lines parallel to the very first line, through these points.
On the very first line, measure the length of the blouse in both directions
from the center, and mark two points. Draw lines through the points perpendicular
to the very first line
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From the central point, measure 4 inches in all four directions and
draw lines through these points to form a square. This will be the opening
for the head.
The layout is ready. Put it aside for the time being. |
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Test Stitch-Out of the Design
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| Now we are going to make a test stitch-out of the parts. Before we
start, please read our General Guidelines
and Step-by-Step Guide to Embroidering our Crochet-Style FSL designs,
this might be helpful. |
Step One: To embroider one part, cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring
about 3"x3". Hoop the stabilizer. Place the fabric pieces wrong side to
wrong side and then pin them to the stabilizer in the center of the hoop.
Note: If you work with batik, or any other dense cotton, one piece
is enough. |
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Step Two: Start embroidering. The machine will stitch a circle
and stop.
Note: when embroidering the second part, the machine will stitch a
semi-circle and stop. |
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| WITHOUT taking the working piece out of the hoop, cut away the excess
fabric as close to the stitch as possible. Be careful not to cut the stabilizer. |
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| Return the hoop to the machine and finish the embroidery. It should
look like this: |
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Step Three: Cut away the excess stabilizer, rinse the stabilizer
from the embroidered pieces. For this, place them in a bowl with warm water
for about an hour. Change the water several times. Spread evenly to air
dry. Pin the points of the hexagon so that they are not distorted when
they dry.
Note: Do not rinse the stabilizer with hot water! The hotter
the water, the faster the stabilizer dissolves, BUT hot water may result
in unwanted side effects such as shrinkage of the fabric and cotton threads,
or running of the dyes, etc. |
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| Step Four: Spread evenly on a cloth to air dry. Pin the points
of the hexagon so that they are not distorted when they dry. |
| Step Five: Check over the test stitch-out - if you are satisfied
with it, you can proceed with your work, if you are not satisfied, you
might need to change any of the following: the choice of threads, needles,
fabric or the settings of the machine. Do not proceed with your work until
you are satisfied with the stitch-out.
Note: the test stitch-out should be washed away; until the stabilizer
is washed away you cannot see whether it is sewn correctly. |
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Making the Blouse.
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| For the 34" - 36" bust you'll need 52 hexagons and 8 half-hexagons.
When you finish all needed parts, cut away the excess stabilizer as close
to the embroidery as possible. Do not rinse the stabilizer away yet.
When all the parts are ready, lay them out on your paper layout in the
following way. Pin the parts to the paper.
Start from the opening for the head and lay four half hexagons
in a semi-circle as shown on the picture, in blue.
Both shoulder rows (S) have one half hexagon and two hexagons
each.
The first front row (1F) has two half hexagons in the center,
four hexagons (two on each side of the center) and two half hexagons to
finish the row.
The second front row (2F) has seven hexagons.
The third and fourth front rows (3F and 4F) have six hexagons
each. Note their placement.
The first back row (1B) has six hexagons and two half hexagons
which finish the row on each side.
The second back row (2B) has seven hexagons.
The third and the forth rows (3B and 4B) have six hexagons each.
Please note their placement. |
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| Thread your machine with the threads you made the embroidery (both
the needle and the bobbin), choose a narrow and not very dense zig-zag.
First stitch the parts in the rows, then stitch the rows together. All
the time return to your layout to check that you're sewing correctly.
Those who like, can do all the work manually. |
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| Now you can wash away the stabilizer. Change the water several times.
Then spread the workpiece evenly on a flat surface. Pin the points of the
edge hexagons so that they do not deform, and leave to air dry. |
| When the lace is dry, fold the workpiece along the shoulder row. Stitch
the side hexagons in the third and fourth rows on each side. |
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| Finish the raw edges with a narrow trim. |
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The blouse is ready. Enjoy!
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Back to FSL
Crochet Pineapple Applique Set
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If you liked this project you may also like this blouse.
You can read about it here.
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Back to Projects Page
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