Tutorial: Decorative Stitch "Art Lace" using water soluble stabilizer

I love to use the decorative machine stitches on my sewing machine and I use them in all sorts of different ways to achieve creative fabric embellishing effects.
One of my favorite sewing techniques is combining water soluble stabilizer and the decorative stitches on my sewing machine to make “art lace” which is lace which has an irregular shape and a contemporary appearance. This type of “art lace” can be used in various ways …
It can be used as focus fabric
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches
To make “see-through” inserts and decorative embellishments
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches
And one of my favorites – tassels
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches
I also use it to make decorative edging and trim
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches

The basic technique for making “art lace”

 

What You Need

Machine Setup

  • Standard foot
  • Slightly loosen top tension

Directions

Cut a piece of water soluble stabilizer approx 6″ x 6″.
Sew a cross-grid pattern of straight stitch approx 1/2″ apart.
Select a decorative stitch and stitch between the grid lines from left to right beginning in the middle and working your way out.
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches
Keep going until the whole piece is filled. This can take a while – there’s lots of stitching.
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches
Rinse away the stabilizer, handling the piece gently, and watch the magic happen!
How to make lace using decorative machine stitches