Great question, I'd like to know this too.
thanks for asking it!
*4u
Bremda Lea

Hi Waterlily,

I have been doing some research on the internet and found these definitions for Free Standing Lace and Cutwork. I hope they help you understand a bit better. Google is a marvellous source.

Love and blessings Chris
"From Advertising Speciality Institute – Stitches Embroidery Glossary.

Free-Standing Lace: Digitized so that the threads are interwoven. The embroidery of lace requires a soluble backing or topping of the embroiderer’s choice for the substrate. The lace design is embroidered on the soluble product, which is then washed away, leaving just the thread in place. Many of the lace designs require additional work, shaping them into projects such as baskets, ornaments or doilies."

"From Wikipedia

Cutwork or cut work is a needlework technique in which portions of a textile are cut away and the resulting "hole" is reinforced and filled with embroidery or needle lace.

Cutwork is a related to drawn thread work. In drawn thread work, typically only the warp or weft threads are withdrawn (cut and removed), and the remaining threads in the resulting hole are bound in various ways. In other types of cutwork, both warp and weft threads may be drawn.

Needlework styles that incorporate cutwork include Broderie Anglaise, Carrickmacross lace, whitework, and early reticella."

First picture is of Cutwork second picture is of Free Standing Lace (copied from bmuser's post in design by cuties)

Chris gave you all the info you should need...A VERY Sharp, Pointed scissors would be required for the cutwork!!

I C U have your answer so ill just give U A * :)

LQQKs like you have your answer - here is a *4U<br


FSL - stands alone and needs no material - using WSS

Cutwork - is on stitched on material - with a hole actually cut into it.

LQQKs like you have your answer - here is a *4U

Just thinkin about this, the cutwork would be digitized to sew out on material of some sort, so the whole design wouldn't be like a free standing lace, I don't think it would hold together. But, since the design around where you're to cut the holes should be much denser, that part would probably hold. I wonder how a design like this would look done on organza, then the holes could be "melted" out with a soldering iron, instead of cut. Could be an interesting look. Or, could be a total flop, I haven't tried this. I don't cut well enough with those sharp little Stork scissors, lol. Between them and my Ginghers, I've mucked up a few nice projects, cutting right thru threads, hee heehee. Best of luck, hugs, Marji

Thank you all for your responses and flowers! I kind of figured it was exactly what it said. But I can;t imagine having the patience to do all that cutting, nevermind, cutting the fabric without cutting the stitches. I actually have a pair of the stork scissors,but I still can't imagine not ruining the design. LOL! I think I'll stick to FSL!!