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Cutwork Anemone Square

These are instructions on how to embroider the Cutwork Anemone Square. The design is available in 2 sizes: for the mega hoop (6" x 10"), and for the large hoop (5" x 7").

Mega Hoop:
Size: 149 x 149 mm
Stitches: 45631
Colors: 1

Large Hoop:
Size: 129 x 130 mm
Stitches: 36401
Colors: 1

You will need fabric, water soluble mesh and embroidery threads.

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.

Some of these brand names are Fabri-Solvy by Sulky, Avalon Plus by Madeira, Wash-Away, and Aqua Magic.

40-weight embroidery polyester threads are preferred for the project.
Cotton thread is not suitable because the embroidery will be too bulky.
Rayon thread is softer and more sensitive to the chemicals in the water-soluble mesh. We do not like to use rayon thread for cutwork lace projects.

Please note: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out on scrap before you make a stitch-out on the real item.

Cutwork Insert

Step One: Hoop the fabric with a layer of water soluble mesh. Start embroidering. The first color will embroider the outline of the design and stop.

Start the machine again. The second color will embroider the details of the design inside the outline.

Step Two: Take the hoop from the machine. With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric in the places shown on the picture below.

Step Three: Return the hoop to the machine and finish embroidering.

Step Four: Wash away the stabilizer and leave to air dry. Press with steam if needed.

Embroidering a Freestanding Motif:

Step One:For this project you'll need a medium-weight water-soluble mesh. Hoop 1-2 layers of water-soluble mesh. Start embroidering. The first color will embroider the outline of the design.

Step Two: Cover the outline with a piece of fabric and start the machine. It will embroider the same outline and the motif inside the outline over the fabric.

Step Three: Take the hoop from the machine. With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric inside the outline in the places shown on the picture below (fabric which you leave we colored pink on the picture below) and around the outline.

Step Four: Return the hoop to the machine and finish embroidering.

Washing Out the Stabilizer:

Rinsing away the stabilizer is also an important step, because the lace can be stretched or distorted if this is done incorrectly. We recommend to use a foam board and stainless pins.

Cut away the excess stabilizer close to the stitches. Take your time and carefully pin all the edges to the board.

Now place the board into a bowl with luke-warm water. Leave the board in the water for at least half an hour. Change the water a couple of times.

Take the board out of the water and leave to air dry. Do not unpin the lace until it's completely dry.

Press, if needed.