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
To make “see-through” inserts and decorative embellishments
And one of my favorites – tassels
I also use it to make decorative edging and trim
The basic technique for making “art lace”
What You Need
- Sewing machine
- Thread of choice for top (Tip: For soft lace, use rayon thread which is soft and shiny)
- A fine bobbin thread of similar color for the bobbin
- Fabric-type water soluble stabilizer
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.
Keep going until the whole piece is filled. This can take a while – there’s lots of stitching.
Rinse away the stabilizer, handling the piece gently, and watch the magic happen!
