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Cutwork Humming Bird Insert

These are instructions on how to embroider the Cutwork Humming Bird Insert. The design is available in for the mega hoop (6" x 10").

You will need:

medium-weight linen, cotton, or cotton/linen blend fabric,
water soluble mesh,
embroidery threads,
a pair of small embroidery scissors with curved ends and fine tips.

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.

You can embroider this design not only as a doily, but as an insert as well. Please note: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out on scrap fabric before you make a stitch-out on the real item.

Insert

Step One: Stabilize fabric with water-soluble mesh. Start the machine. It will embroider the 3 closed shapes shown below.

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

Photo showing where the fabric should be cut out

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

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 the outer edges of the pattern 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.