LOVE Free Standing Lace

Hatch Blog | Inspiration | How to
April 8th, 2024 3 minute read

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Free Standing Lace or FSL is a type of machine embroidery design. However, it is not embroidered on fabric like in conventional machine embroidery, but on water-soluble stabilizer. The design is digitized a special way, so the thread holds it together, and after the stabilizer is gone, it is see-through like lace. If free standing lace is done correctly, both sides, front and back, look identical.

These gorgeous lace hearts are the perfect addition to a Valentine's Day gift or used as decoration.

How to Digitize for Free Standing Lace

There is no fabric to support free standing lace embroidery designs, only the stabilizer that will get dissolved after embroidering. So it is important to first digitize a base, that will hold the design together and will also create a lace like effect. The frame and decorative elements get digitized over this base.

Digitizing the Base

For my design I digitized two identical heart shapes as the base with Hatch Embroidery Digitizer. I used Tatami fill stitch and adjusted the stitch angle, so the stitches run diagonally. I changed the stitch angle for the second heart by 90 degrees, so they run across the stitches of the first object, creating a grid.

Digitizing the Frame

I created a third copy of the heart shape and used the Satin run stitch for the frame.

For an extra creative element, I created a copy of the outline shape and this time I used Single Motif run stitch Curve01.

Bobbin

Free standing lace that was designed and stitched out correctly should look practically identical on both sides, front and back. To achieve that, the bobbin thread needs to be the same as the top thread. You might need to trim away a few short loose threads on the back, but other than that it will look the same as the front side.

Stabilizer

The best to use for free standing lace is a non-woven fibre mesh washaway stabilizer. This type of stabilizer is usually made of some sort of starch and the residue that is left behind stiffens the lace.

Finishing Your Free Standing Lace Design

After you stitched out your design, cut away the excess stabilizer and immerse it in water for 5-10 seconds. The stabilizer will dissolve. Place the design between a few sheets of paper towel to remove excess water.

After it dries, press your design with a warm (medium setting) iron to make it nice and flat.

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The definite choice when selecting embroidery software

Hatch Embroidery software is a comprehensive embroidery design solution that offers a range of tools and features for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers.

Here’s why it's a great choice:

User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to start creating beautiful embroidery designs, regardless of their experience level.
Powerful Editing Tools: It provides powerful editing tools that allow users to resize, edit, and adjust embroidery designs with precision. This is essential for businesses that need to customize designs according to specific customer requirements.
Wide Range of Formats Supported: Hatch Embroidery supports a wide range of machine file formats, making it versatile for use with different embroidery machines. This flexibility is crucial for businesses operating with multiple machine types.
Professional Quality: The software generates professional-quality stitches, ensuring that the end products are of high quality, which is vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and business reputation.
Extensive Design Features: With features like auto-digitizing, lettering, monogramming, and even special effects, businesses can offer a wide range of embroidery services, increasing their market appeal and potential revenue streams.
Regular Updates and Support: Hatch provides regular software updates and robust customer support, ensuring that businesses can always access the latest features and get help when needed.

Overall, Hatch Embroidery software equips you with the tools necessary to create stunning, high-quality embroidery designs efficiently and effectively, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.