Shirlene a few questions for you or anyone who might have an answer. I was wondering if the size of the needle is important in fsl and do you use a certain type. Also how often do you -more...

Good question and thanks ladies for the answers

****************** for all

Yes, you can use the same size needle that you would for normal embroidery.A size 14 is fine.Did you know you can do fsl with other type of threads? Depending on what you want it to look like you can use thicker threads like cottons or even overlocker thread.Using thicker type of thread will give it more like the old fashion type lace- a little thicker. You can experiment with different thicknesses.You will then have to use the appropriate sized needle.

1 comment

by mpo14011 13 Jun 2008

PS. I do what Shirlene does with all of my embroideries- bring the thread to the top and snip close to the embroidery.I like using the tear-away wss or "Solvy" which can be torn away, rather then cutting it.

quiltgrama, thank you for asking this question, I am sure there are many that might have the answer and it could be much better than mine - so I hope that they add their info, too. I use a size 14 needle on my FSL most of the time - but have found the need occasionally to use a smaller one, too. I use a titanium needle as it last longer and is so much stronger - when I don't I find that I might need to change my other needles about every eight hours of stitching time. I like to pull the ends to the top and clip them - when I first start stitching my FSL - so there are not bumps or loops in the design on the backside - I also like to clip them very close at the end of stitching - when I clip the WSS close to the stitching line without clipping the thread - when removing it from the hoop. Then I do rinse my design is water until I can no longer feel any of the WSS in the LACE - I blot my FSL between two pieces of terry - it could just be a washcloth and then instead of waiting for it to dry - I place it flat - use a blow drying one it on one side then place it flat and use a blow dryer on the other side - then I pick it up and blow the reminder of the water away as much as I can - you can feel with it is close to being dry - I take it to my scanner and make a copy of my project and then I enjoy it or give it to another to enjoy - I hope this helps - if I didn't cover your question - feel free to email me - look in my profile - I love FSL and always am available to help another enjoy it, too! *4U

4 comments

by manami 17 Oct 2008

Marymoore sent me this link, as I wanted to try out FSL embroidery. This is an easy undertanding explanation. Thank you, Shirlene.

by sarahrose 17 Oct 2008

manami, I am happy that it helped.

by sarahrose 17 Oct 2008

I know when I was working with fsl, I saw this and it helped ever so much. I haven't gotten brave enough to show them in the projects, yet.

by manami 17 Oct 2008

I made my first one today. I am not brave to show it either. I have to practice more :)

I asked Shirlene and she told me to use a 12 or 14 I believe... so I bought a 14 and it works fine. ;-)

1 comment

by shirlener88 13 Jun 2008

Yes, she did several FSL designs, since then - they are in the projects, too!

change the needle. Is it more often for fsl. Do you do anything special with the ends or just let the water soluable stabalizer to glue it in( if that makes sence). Thanks Lisa