I've seen some say they hoop the stabilizer twice, some don't - how do you know what to do? Thanks

Punky - I have a love of LACE - you have had some great suggestions. I too, use two layers of WSS (Water Soluable Stabilizer) use the same thread in the top as in the bobbin. Do you have something in mind to do first? A design that you have been wanting to start with? Have fun - remember - if you have trouble - it is only WSS & thread. Everything that you stitch out can be lovely and instant. I like to rinse my FSL and make it soft - so in the final rinse I have used fabric softener or hair conditioner. I love the feel of lace soft. After it is rinsed - I blot with a towel and use my hair dryer - I usually don't have the patients to wait for it to air dry. Enjoy and have fun, Shirlene

I bought from ponte to pointe also. Ordered it on Friday had it on Monday. It is beter quality than some of the others I have tried and free shipping.
Bev

Hi Punky, It's worth it to buy some Vilene brand at the point to point place. it's cheap and it works great every time. I use two layers of that, hooped tight as a drum. A new size 11 needle is nice too for crisp stitches in your lace. Use the same thread on the bottom as the top. If your thread starts to fray, slow down your machine, or loosen the top tension just the tiniest bit. Have fun - and remember FSL is soooo much fun and ADDICTIVE!

Hi, I am not an expert but I also use two layers of Washaway. Do yourself a favour and buy a piece of non slip matting, cut it to the shape of your frame and cut out the middle so that it is about an inch from the edge, this stops any slipping! It really works well, and do stay near the machine!!!! Good luck and enjoy!!

1 comment

by crafter2243 11 Jun 2011

Good advise. I always do that as well

I would say start small. Don't start out with a large complicated design that will leave you frustrated. They are right, It is addicting. Have fun with it
Bev

they consider up to 10,000's normal for every 10,000 you should always use a 2nd piece of stabilizer. Just make sure it is hooped tight so when stitching it doesn't loosen, have had this happen and the last outer stitch missed the design and it was no good. Make sure it says FSL not just lace. Lace designs need something like tulle to hold stitches.
FSL is real easy Have made some myself, took me a longtime before I tried it and now when kids come over and I am looking for a quick project for them to do, I will let them pickout 1 from my files. They just love watching them stitch and are amazed when they wash them out. I pat them with a paper towels and found if fold them in and old calander dish towel and press iron dry so they are very flat when done. these towel work real good you just unpeal it off the towel. When rinsing also consider how stiff you want it. the more you rinse the less stiff it is. Have fun.

I always use 2 layers of Vilene (cloth like looking WWS) since most FSL are stitch itensive. I have never had a problem and I almost do nothing but FSL. Here is a link to one of the places I buy the Vilene from. Watch out FSL can be addictive.

I always use the fibrous wss as it holds together better for me, no matter what the stitch count is. It is cheaper and you use only 1 layer....
I always make sure I slow down my machine, new needle, matching thread on top and in bobbin, and stay close to your machine as you never know what will happen and you will be there.....I love to watch the stitch outs especially from emblibrary....
then just sit back and watch the magic happen....
you can tell, I love FSL.....

1 comment

by punky1015 11 Jun 2011

thanks - is there a particular brand of WSS you prefer? I'm excited to get started but I need to buy the WSS first.

It depends on the stich count. If you have a lot of stitches put a piece of WSS then another opposite of that one and hoop. If the stitch count is normal or low you just need one layer. If it is lace I use the same thread on top and bottom so it looks good on both sides. Other than that have fun! Suzanne

1 comment

by punky1015 11 Jun 2011

thank you for this advice but what do you consider a normal stitch count?