Lace is incredible to make on an embroidery machine. It is so gorgeous and so easy to sew. It uses a technique called free-standing, which basically means that the design does not need it to be embroidered onto fabric. It is embroidered on a stabilizer that is water-soluble. It washes away and only the threads remain. The digitizing for free-standing lace is a different technique than for regular designs. Each thread must connect to another thread and they must build upon each in order for the threads to not separate when washed. This technique is difficult to master and it is where you can tell a novice from a master.
"Just Lace" machine embroidery design by Sue Box Creations
Sue Box Creations is a website from Australia that specializes in beautiful laces and exquisite designs. She offers a variety of free-standing laces that can be made into doilies and hankies, as well as traditional galloons.
"Just Lace" machine embroidery design by Sue Box Creations
While galloon laces are traditionally sewn free-standing and then sewn along the edge of a garment, they can be sewn directly onto the garment. This is especially useful when it is a child’s garment that will used for every day use or as in this case a blue jean garment that is used around the house for every day chores and gardening. It withstands a lot of abuse and has held up over the years because the lace was sewn directly onto the front of the jumper. This way it cannot snag or get caught on anything while I am working.
"Just Lace" machine embroidery design by Sue Box Creations
In my mind, there is nothing like her 3-D swan. It is so awesome and so impressive to give as a gift. People will not believe that it is all thread. We have made several of these swans that take many hours and lots of thread to complete, but they are worth every bit. The picture below is from their website as we did not keep any for ourselves and did not take a picture before we gave them away. Of course, I will have to fix that soon. As you can tell, they are just as much fun to give-away as they are to keep.
"3D Lace Swan" machine embroidery design and image by Sue Box Creations
As with great machine embroidery digitizers, she has free downloads. There are currently thirteen free designs that show off her talents and one template. I personally just love the detail of the dragonfly.
If you love 3-D lace or are just curious on how it works, she has a free lace motif that when sewn together creates a lovely 3-D bowl. It takes 6 of the triangles to make one bowl. You sew them together by hand or with the sewing machine. She has instructions with the download.
Free "Lace Gift" machine embroidery design by Sue Box Creations
Make sure that you sign up for their newsletter as they offer complete CD’s with free shipping for half off, free designs, $1 and $2 designs, and many other wonderful offers. Hope you enjoy these designs as much as I do.