| The FSL
Battenberg Whirlpool Lace Motif is a hexagon design for large (5" x
7") hoops. The versatile shape of the pattern allows you to create beautiful
table linens of all shapes and sizes. |
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| To embroider this type of lace, please read our recommendations first. |
| 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.
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, but similar threads
from other companies should work just as well. |
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| Needles: We use 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. |
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Making Table Linen with the Whirlpool Lace Motif
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| Hexagon motifs can be assembled into lace linen or used as edge lace
with fabric inserts.
The smallest doily can be assembled out of 6 motifs. For the center,
you can use a seventh hexagon, or a piece of fabric. |
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| A larger doily of an unusual triangle shape can be sewn out of 12 motifs. |
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| Our doily is made out of 14 motifs. Its finished size is 20" wide by
28" long. |
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| Step One: Make a test stitch-out of the file. If you are satisfied
with the results, embroider the file fourteen times.
Rinse the stabilizer and leave to air dry.
Press all parts with steam. On your working table, lay out the designs
in a shape.
Manually, join the parts by the loops. Use the same thread with which
you made the embroidery. |
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| Step Two: Place the lace frame on a piece of fabric and pin
in place.
For the doily, we cut out a piece of white linen about 19" x 26" and
made the embroidery of the Poinsettia
in the center of the piece before we attached the lace. |
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| Step Three: With a straight stitch 1mm long, attach the lace
to the fabric along the inner outline of the lace.
Step1mm from the first stitch line and stitch again. |
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| Step Four: With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the excess
fabric close to the stitch. |
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| Your doily is ready. Enjoy!
Here are some more pictures: |
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Happy Embroidering!
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Battenberg Whirlpool Lace Motif
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