How to Cut Lace Machine Embroidery Designs
Cut-work embroidery is an antique technique that originated in Italy and quickly spread all over the world. In cut-work, certain parts of the embroidered design is cut out to create a lace effect. It was originally worked by hand, but now there are patterns specially created for machine embroidery. A regular zigzag embroidery pattern will not create the proper foundation for the cut-work, so be sure to use a cut-work embroidery design. Heavy duty water-soluble backing is necessary to stabilize the fabric.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy duty water-soluble backing
- Medium weight cotton or other natural fabric
- Machine embroidery thread to match the fabric
- Cut-work embroidery design
- Sharp applique scissors with bent handles
- Small, sharp scissors with curved blades
- Embroidery hoop
Instructions
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1
Transfer the embroidery design to the fabric according to the package instructions.
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2
Place the fabric on top of the water-soluble backing and place both layers together smoothly in the hoop.
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3
Place the hooped fabric on the machine and stitch the outlines of the holes.
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4
Remove the hoop from the machine, but do not remove the fabric from the hoop. Use the applique scissors to cut out the outlined fabric. Cut the fabric only. The stabilizer must remain intact.
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5
Place the fabric on the machine and stitch the entire design.
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6
Remove the fabric from the hoop and dissolve the backing in warm water
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Tips & Warnings
Use the small, curved scissors to cut the fabric without cutting the backing.
The stabilizer must remain intact to keep the entire embroidered area stable until it is finished.
Hoop the fabric tightly, but be careful not to stretch it out of shape.
