How to stitch and cut tassels, fringing or tufts successfully as a second layer of the embroidery:

Butterfly design from ‘Something Pretty” embellished with tufts.

Embroidered tufts are just a smaller and shorter version of long satin fringed tassels. These short, fluffy, decorative tufts are stitched on top of the embroidered wings and might be tricky to stitch and to cut if it is not prepared as described below.

Adding extra stabilizer.

To start, hoop the project with the stabilizer and embroider. Stitch a sample first as this helps planning ahead, especially using a new technique for the first time such as tassels and tufts and to see when to add extra stabilizer for easier cutting of the fringe once embroidered. Whenever you have a second layer of embroidery as in this case the tufts which needs to be cut always float another piece of stitch and tear underneath the hoop. Stop the machine just before stitching this stage, slide another piece of stitch and tear underneath the hoop. This piece should be large enough to cover the entire area which will be stitched with the tufts.

Additional: place one thin layer of clear water soluble stabilizer on top of the embroidery as well.  This layer protects the embroidery on top when lifting the fringes on top as well.

Take in consideration when stitching layer upon layer and adding more stabilizer that the embroidery will be much thicker. Prevent needle and thread breakages by:

• lowering the machine speed slightly,
• loosen tension slightly,
• do not stitch this step with metallic embroidery threads,
• embroider with a thicker needle. 

Continue and complete the embroidery.

Cutting the tufts.

On the wrong side:  Do not remove the stabilizer until the all the fringes have been cut. It is now much easier to cut only the short satin fringe as this was stitched on the second layer stabilizer. Without this extra layer cutting the tufts may damage the embroidery stitches underneath. With small sharp scissors cut the embroidery thread of the fringe or the bobbin threads, depending on the look you want.  Neatly trim the bobbin threads if these were cut. Lift the satin stitches on the front, taking care not to damage any of the threads.  Trim evenly if necessary.

Carefully remove all the stabilizer now, layer by layer and trim all threads.
 
Have fun!
Kind regards
Louisa Meyer
Louisa Meyer Originals