Tips and Tricks for FSL Designs

Tips for stitching out FSL (Free Standing Lace) embroidery designs:

Use 2 layers of the mesh type water soluble STABILIZER—the one that looks like fabric (the super thin, clear water soluble "topping" may not work correctly or produce the desired look)
Wind a bobbin with the same color embroidery thread you are using for the design. Our FSL designs are created to use with embroidery thread in the bobbin.
Hoop both layers tightly in the smallest hoop you can use for the design you are stitching out. This way the stabilizer stays nice and tight. It is vital that the underlay stitching stays exactly where it needs to be to hold the design together. Stitching in larger hoops or stitching multiples where the stabilizer may loosen in the hoop as they stitch out may produce undesirable results.
Use t-pins in the edges of the stabilizer to help hold it taut while stitching. See photos below.
Use new needles - I use size 75/11 with a 40 weight polyester embroidery thread.
Stitch at a slower speed - I stitch them out at 600 stitches per minute
Stitch the design out directly onto the stabilizer.
When finished soak the item in warm water for a few minutes until the stabilizer dissolves. Then rinse under warm water until all stabilizer is removed.
Dry with the top facing down on a flat surface. FSL tends to curl towards the front sometimes so drying upside down will help.
Color sorting and stitching out multiples in a hoop may cause undesirable results.