Attaching Free Standing Lace
I love the idea of using free standing lace designs, but need advice on how to attach them to projects. Do you stitch them down? use a fusible? or something else? Thanks - Tara Diana
Hi Tara,
Free standing lace is fun, but I enjoy it best when it’s part of another project too. I have used both permanent spray adhesive, fabric glue and both hand and machine stitching to apply FSL to my projects. Check out my
Pansy Lace Collection. The tissue box, frame and greeting card are decorated with freestanding lace that was applied with glue. I used permanent spray adhesive, Super 77 by 3M (you can find this glue online at
Art Supplies Online. The pin cushion and lingerie bag’s lace was applied by hand stitching. The lace on the tea towel with the pale purple pansies was also applied by hand, but since making that towel I’ve made others and used a loose, narrow machine zigzag stitch to apply the lace. Lots faster!
When sewing by hand, I try to catch the lace only around the edges and match my thread color to the lace color, even if it means I have to change thread colors. When sewing by machine I also sew only at the edges, keeping all the stitching on the lace and matching thread colors to the lace. I suppose one could also use invisible thread, I just don’t like the shine of it, myself. The lace on the little votive candle holder is attached with Beacon’s Quick Grip glue. This is a great glue to use when sticking things to a slick surface. I applied the glue to the back of the lace using the pointy end of a bamboo skewer so that I could put the glue only on the lace to keep it neat. Some of these projects will be featured in the July/August Volume 51 issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery if you want a closer look.
I hope you have some fun with free standing lace!
Evy
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