Begin by hooping one piece of  water soluble stabilizer (wss).

We use Ultra Solvy - a heavy weight wss produced by Sulky. Hoop the stabilizer tightly, and make sure that the stabilizer is not stretched.

Because freestanding lace is two-sided, you'll want your bobbin thread to match your top thread.

Wind a bobbin with the same thread that you use on top. The freestanding lace designs from the Embroidery Library are digitized for 40 weight rayon thread.

Embroider the design. We use a size 11 sharp needle when stitching freestanding lace; other types or larger gauges of needles can cause the WSS to tear.

After you've finished embroidering the design, trim the excess stabilizer away.

Soak in water, hot from the tap, for about 15 minutes, or until the stabilizer is soaked away.

Blot dry with a towel, and then allow to dry. Press with an iron.

Beautiful freestanding lace is the result!