What holds freestanding lace while it stitches?
The stabilizer supports the stitches until it is washed away. Many FSL designs have no fabric foundation, so use a file intended for freestanding lace and follow its thread and stabilizer instructions. Sulky's guide names Ultra Solvy as one wash-away option and shows hooping the stabilizer alone.
Some FSL designs include fabric appliqué. Check the design sheet to see whether yours needs fabric as part of the setup.
Choose a water-soluble base for the design
Use the stabilizer named by the digitizer when the file specifies one. Sulky describes Ultra Solvy as a water-soluble support for computerized lace embroidery. Its FSL guide recommends hooping the stabilizer alone, keeping it taut, and dissolving it after stitching.
Read Sulky's freestanding lace instructions before adapting a setup to a different design or stabilizer.
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Water-soluble stabilizer
Sulky Ultra Solvy, 12 in × 8 yd
This listing is the 408-12 roll. Sulky identifies it as extra-heavy water-soluble stabilizer for computerized lace embroidery. Check the design sheet before using it as the base.
Use the package directions for storage and removal.
View the Sulky Ultra Solvy listingSee the manufacturer's 12 in × 8 yd product page for the exact roll specification.
Match the thread to the design
FSL is visible from both sides. Sulky recommends using the same thread in the needle and bobbin for its lace projects, but the design sheet takes priority when it specifies a different thread type or weight.
Hoop the stabilizer taut and check that the thread path is clear before starting. Sulky's instructions also recommend trimming jump threads as the design is stitched so they do not catch under later stitches.
Remove the stabilizer after stitching
Take the hoop off the machine, remove the stabilizer, and trim the lace away from the excess. Follow the stabilizer and design instructions for rinsing; Sulky's guide says to submerge the piece in warm water until the stabilizer dissolves, then dry it flat on a towel.
If the design sheet gives a different finish or shaping method, use that method. The rinse time and amount of remaining stabilizer depend on the design and the product directions.
Common questions about freestanding lace
Does freestanding lace need fabric underneath?
Many freestanding lace designs are made from thread without a fabric foundation, though some designs include fabric appliqué. Follow the design sheet.
Can I use any embroidery file for freestanding lace?
Use a design identified as freestanding lace and check its instruction sheet for stabilizer and thread guidance before hooping water-soluble material alone.
What thread goes in the bobbin?
Sulky recommends matching the bobbin thread to the top thread for its freestanding lace projects. Follow the design sheet if it names a different thread or weight.