Layered Lace Ornaments

Machine embroidered freestanding lace is truly magical -- just stitch onto water-soluble stabilizer, then rinse the stabilizer away to leave only the stitches. Bring a bit of this magic to your Christmas tree with specially digitized designs! Layered lace brings depth and color to these special ornaments. Follow our step-by-step instructions to craft your own!

For this project I am using a design that has a total of 3 files. Each segment of the design are labeled "a", "b" and "c". Begin by loading the part "a" of the design onto the embroidery machine. Be sure to match the bobbin to the top thread being used to sew the embroidery design. (Here's more on stitching freestanding lace.)

Hoop a piece of heavy water soluble stabilizer, firmly. Make sure that it is nice and tight, with no wrinkles. Vilene is being used for this demonstration.

Attach the hoop to the machine and begin sewing the embroidery design. Repeat the previous steps when sewing parts "b" and "c" of the design.

After embroidering, trim away the excess stabilizer.

Follow the instructions on your water soluble stabilizer's packaging to remove the excess stabilizer. For Vilene, soak the lace pieces in water for a few moments.

Allow the lace to air dry, then press with a pressing cloth on top.

To turn this beautiful lace into an ornament, cut a 9 to 11 inch piece of ribbon (1/8" wide).

Place the ribbon ends in the center of lace piece "a" and stitch them in place. Make sure you thread matches the embroidery design.

Place the center of lace piece "b" over the center of lace piece "a" and stitch the two pieces together. Make sure you thread matches the embroidery design.

Finally, lay the last piece of lace ("c") over the center of the lace piece "b" and stitch down. Make sure your top thread matches piece "c" and that the bobbin thread matches lace piece "a".

Congratulations! You've created an elegant and dazzling holiday ornament!