Machine embroidery has opened up a whole new world to me, as I keep discovering more unique ways to create gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and home projects. You can use FSL (Free Standing Lace embroidery) for small projects or projects as large as a table cloth, or bedspread, depending on how much labor you want to put into it.

Free Standing Lace Embroidery, or FSL, is one of those techniques that are not only unique and versatile but truly stunning. You can create lace trims for apparel, even bowls, and cute little boxes, or a doily that is crocheted (it looks crocheted, but it is done in Free Standing Lace). The projects that

you select must be compatible with your hoop size. A larger hoop would be more appropriate for larger projects, and a small hoop should be used for your small projects.

What is Free Standing Lace Embroidery?

Free Standing Lace Embroidery is different in the way it is digitized. A Free Standing Lace The embroidery design is built on foundation stitches, or a grid, that will hold the design together without a fabric. In other words, it “stands alone” as a piece of lace.

When selecting your designs, be sure to check with the digitizer that it is an FSL, or Free Standing Lace,
design. Otherwise, it will unravel, and fall apart. Free Standing Lace is embroidered directly on a piece of water-soluble stabilizer, Vilene, and mesh stabilizer is the best stabilizer for FSL embroidery.

Different Types of Free Standing Lace Embroidery

Lace is a fine, open fabric created by various looping, twisting, and stitching of threads. Battenburg Lace, known as Renaissance Lace, and is frequently used to create tablecloths, doilies, and bridal gowns. Crochet Lace is a lace made to mimic crocheted stitches.

Appliqué Lace are decorative embroidered motifs that are applied to sheer fabrics such as tulle, netting, etc, that create an intricate, lace effect.

Working with larger Free Standing Lace projects, or 3D Free Standing Lace requires sewing together multiple pieces or motifs to create the project. I, personally, have not attempted a large project yet, but have created earrings, 3D hair flowers, and Christmas ornaments using Free Standing Lace designs. I am looking forward to exploring this technique even more.

I know that it sounds a little scary, but once you try it, you will realize that it’s actually quite easy. If you are interested in giving it a try, I have put together this video tutorial to help you get started.

Products Used in This Tutorial

● Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine
● Vilene Mesh Water Soluble Stabilizer

Happy Creating!
Warmly, Bonnie