How to Make Lace on Your Embroidery Machine

Simply Sophisticated

Freestanding lace may look sophisticated, but it's actually very simple to make! Here are Kimberbell's 8 tips for making any lace project on your home embroidery machine:

8 Tips for Making Lace

1. Choose a hoop closest in size to your design. 
2. Hoop two layers of Kimberbell's Wash-Away Stabilizer. (Make sure layers are taut in the hoop!)
3. Use a size 75/11 machine embroidery needle.
4. Match the bobbin and top threads. (With lace, you see the front AND the back!)
5. Cut the bobbin thread between each color stop.
6. Do NOT combine color stops. Lace is created in layers, with one color building on another.
7. Slow your machine speed down while stitching.
8. Do NOT resize your lace designs. They need to stitch out at their originally digitized size!

Now that we've reviewed our finest lace tips, I'll show you step-by-step how it's done. These particular lace designs come from Kimberbell's Cup of Cheer Advent Quilt. (They hang on the tree on days 7, 8, and 9.) 🎄

You can find more stunning lace designs in Kimberbell Lace Studio, our North Pole Tier Tray machine embroidery event, and more!

Step One: Hoop Stabilizer

Hoop two pieces of Kimberbell Wash-Away Stabilizer and pull it nice and taut. (Kimberbell Wash-Aways are labeled in shades of blue and can be found at your favorite quilt shop.)

Step Two: Change Bobbin Thread

Remember that you'll see both the front AND the back of your lace,  so be sure to change your bobbin thread to match the top.

Step Three: Stitch Design

Following all the steps and color stops in your Kimberbell instructions, stitch your lace design directly on the Wash-Away.

Step Four: Trim Stabilizer

When embroidery is complete, trim your stabilizer about 1/8" away from the stitching. (Trimming is a breeze with Kimberbell Deluxe Scissors & Tools!)

Step Five: Rinse Design

Rinse your design with cool water for about 20 seconds. You can either hold it under a stream of running water OR give it a little soak.

Step Six: Lay Flat to Dry

Place your lace designs flat on a paper towel to soak up the excess water.

And that's all there is to it! Your stabilizer will completely disappear, leaving only the beautiful, intricate lace behind. Find Kimberbell's Cup of Cheer Advent Quilt, Wash-Away, and Deluxe Scissors & Tools at your favorite quilt shop!

Click below to see Kim's video tutorial and happy lacemaking! 😊