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Free-Flying Embroidery
(In-the-Hoop)

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.


Let your embroidery fly free! These specially digitized designs are created to hold together all on their own, like freestanding lace -- but with the full color and detail of a regular embroidery design. See how to stitch these unique designs!

Project Needs & Notes:

- Heavy weight water-soluble stabilizer (we prefer Sulky Ultra Solvy or Vilene)
- Chip clip or binder clip
- 40 weight rayon or polyester embroidery thread
- 75/11 sharp sewing needle

Designs featured in this tutorial include:
- M17952, Free-Flying Monarch (In-the-Hoop)

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

To start, wind a bobbin for each color of the design. The back of the design can be seen, so match the bobbin thread to the top thread (the thread in the needle).

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Hoop one piece of heavy weight water-soluble stabilizer. For this project, we are using Vilene. Hoop the stabilizer nice and tight, and then tighten the hand screw.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Load the embroidery design and attach the hoop to the machine. Remember, match the bobbin thread with the top thread. Embroider the design - we recommend using a size 75/11 sharp sewing needle when stitching these designs.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

When the machine stops for each color, remove the hoop but do not unhoop the stabilizer. Change the bobbin to match the next color.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Attach the hoop back onto the machine and continue with the design. At each color stop, match the bobbin thread to the top thread and continue with the design.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

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

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Turn the design over and trim any loose, long threads on the back.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

Soak the butterfly in water to remove the excess stabilizer. Then blot the design with paper towels.

Free project instructions for creating free flying embroidery, in-the-hoop.

While the butterfly is still wet you can shape and mold the wings how you like! Also, fold the wings up and use a chip clip or binder clip to hold the wings in place. Allow the butterfly to air dry.

Use these butterflies for pins, add them to potted plants, or anywhere you want to add some color and beauty!
Free Flying Embroidery, In-the-Hoop

This project is featured on the Embroidery Library Pinterest page.

Pin it yourself using the "Pin It" button on this page.


Questions or comments? Let us know! Send an email to us; the address is support@emblibrary.com.

Products used in this Project: