Download PDF

FSL Battenberg Lace Vest

The FSL Battenberg Lace Vest is a set of four designs for commecial-size (10" x 12") hoops. The vest's delicate layout makes it a great piece for completing any outfit. White is probably the most classical and formal color. Use other colors to give the vest a more casual, relaxed feel.

The finished size of the vest is for a lady with chest size 35"- 36" (88-92 cm).

Stabilizers: We recommend to use water-soluble mesh, such as Vilene. Vilene D0102 is a non woven dissolvable stabilizer which is imported into the US, is sold in large rolls and is sometimes repackaged under different brand names. Two of these brand names are Wash-Away and Aqua Magic. Film-like water soluble stabilizers, such as Solvy, are not suitable for Free-Standing Lace embroidery.

Threads: The thinner the thread, the finer the final product will be. That is why we recommend that at least one of the threads, either in the bobbin or in the needle, should be cotton, which gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made. Embroidery polyester thread will make very fine weblike lace.

Embroidery rayon thread is too soft, it does not keep its shape and very often its color fades under the influence of chemicals from the watersoluble mesh. We do not recommend it for this type of project.

If you are using 50- or 60-weight cotton, you can use it both in the bobbin and in the needle. If you use 40-weight cotton thread for the needle, you can use regular polyester bobbin thread.

We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread both in the needle and in the bobbin, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well.

Needles: We used size 80/12 embroidery needles and 80/12 metallic needles. Our experience shows that cotton thread used with metallic needles gives less lint. The needles should be sharp, so it's advisable to change them after every project.

Most Importantly: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out of the design and wash away the stabilizer. This helps you to select the threads, needles, stabilizers and settings of your machine correctly. DO NOT embroider several designs in one hoop.

Making the Vest

You need to embroider each of the files twice. First embroider the file as it is, then embroider the mirror image of the file.

Embroider the file "Back1". Embroider the mirror image of the file "Back1".

Embroider the file "Back2". Embroider the mirror image of the file "Back2".

Rinse the stabilizer and leave to air dry.

Press all parts with steam. On your working table, lay out the designs.

Manually, join the parts in the places marked in red. Use the same thread with which you made the embroidery.