Freestanding Lace Bracelets

Create your own beautiful freestanding lace bracelet with this helpful tutorial. These designs are a quick and easy way to dress up your wardrobe, or create the perfect gift.

Most embroidery designs are stitched onto fabric, but freestanding lace designs are specially digitized for water-soluble stabilizer. When the stabilizer is removed, beautiful lace remains. 

There are different kinds of water-soluble stabilizer: One is clear and plastic, a brand called Sulky Solvy. The other brand is soft and fibrous, called Vilene. (These are affiliate links, learn more about affiliate links here)

Both types of stabilizer will work well, however Vilene is used in this demonstration. Use a size 11 or 75/11 sharp sewing needle. A sharp sewing needle has a smaller, finer point than an embroidery needle. That means it will make smaller holes in the stabilizer. 

Freestanding lace is seen from both sides, so wind a bobbin with the same thread you're using in the needle. 

Hoop the stabilizer firmly. Make sure it is nice and tight with no wrinkles. 

Put the hoop onto the machine, and being to sew the design.

Follow the color change sheet, changing out both the top thread and the bobbin thread colors as you go.

When the design is finished, unhoop the design and trim away the excess stabilizer.

To remove the remaining stabilizer, follow your stabilizer's packaging. For Vilene, soak the lace piece until the stabilizer is fully dissolved.

Once the stabilizer is fully dissolved remove the bracelet from the water and allow it to air dry. Then press with an iron and pressing cloth.

These freestanding bracelets have loops on the sides that are meant to be used to extend the bracelet. We find that hand embroidery floss works best for adding both length and embellishments to your bracelets.

Remember to add hand embroidery floss to both sides. We braided ours, but friendship bracelet knots can work as well.

Finally, accessorize any look with your new bracelets!