The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Embroidery Machines => Topic started by: Pixie on April 01, 2017, 12:41:31 PM

Title: Free Standing Lace
Post by: Pixie on April 01, 2017, 12:41:31 PM
My new Brother Innovis 3 is a lovely machine and I have been very pleased with the embroidery so far.
However now I am sewing some free standing lace using 3 layers of water soluble stabiliser and the thread keeps breaking.
Tried the obvious things...new needle, cleaned the bobbin race, lowered the top tension and it still does it.
Any suggestions?
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Marniesews on April 01, 2017, 14:49:18 PM
I'm paying attention to this thread as it's FSL that's got me thinking about an embroidery machine - something I'd not contemplated previously.

I don't know how long you've been embroidering (I've just assumed this isn't your first machine) but I'd be interested to hear about your experiences from novice to now if you have the time or inclination.
 :)
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Ohsewsimple on April 01, 2017, 20:10:46 PM
When I do FSL i use a water soluble like Vilene or Floriani.  Some resemble a fine fabric and some look like a Vilene interfacing.  These work better than the plastic film type.  They aren't always good for this type of work and can tear.  If you're using multiple layers then it's the wrong stabiliser for the job.  It could be that the extra layers are putting tension on the thread.  What thread are you using?  Are you using embroidery needles?
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Pixie on April 01, 2017, 23:31:32 PM
When I do FSL i use a water soluble like Vilene or Floriani.  Some resemble a fine fabric and some look like a Vilene interfacing.  These work better than the plastic film type.  They aren't always good for this type of work and can tear.  If you're using multiple layers then it's the wrong stabiliser for the job.  It could be that the extra layers are putting tension on the thread.  What thread are you using?  Are you using embroidery needles?

Thank you for your reply ohsewsimple.
Well I finally managed to solve my problem by reducing the tension every time the thread broke until it got to a magic number where it didnt break anymore  :)
However I think that you are right....I was using the plastic film type of stabiliser and when I used 2 layers I got holes spoiling the design. It said use 3 layers in my machine manual so that is what I did...no holes but yes it could be the cause of the tension problems that I was getting. I dont think that I should have to reduce the tension so much. So I am going to purchase a different type of soluble as you suggest and try that.
Thanks again for your help.
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Marniesews on April 02, 2017, 01:20:20 AM
I've been learning a little about FSL as it's made me think I should consider getting an embroidery machine - I've discovered I have lots of potential applications for FSL. I found this video with lots of information on the basics including different stabilisers etc and she also recommends the type that Ohsewsimple mentions.

It's here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTBFPgBkayA) if you're interested although you may want to fast forward through some sections.
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Ohsewsimple on April 02, 2017, 12:31:56 PM
The V 3 is a lovely machine and you shouldn't really need to mess around with the tension unless you're doing something with metallic thread.  I would put the tension back to where it should be and then try the other stabiliser. Make sure you are using embroidery needles and embroidery thread.  FSL on these machines will work with embroidery thread top and bottom as long as it's 50 or 40 weight.  But I'm sure you know :).  I have used cotton before and that didn't work well as it's too thick and then I got breakage problems as the design was digitised for the finer thread. Of course, the design itself can sometimes be a problem if it's poorly digitised.
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Pixie on April 02, 2017, 20:54:36 PM
The V 3 is a lovely machine and you shouldn't really need to mess around with the tension unless you're doing something with metallic thread.  I would put the tension back to where it should be and then try the other stabiliser. Make sure you are using embroidery needles and embroidery thread.  FSL on these machines will work with embroidery thread top and bottom as long as it's 50 or 40 weight.  But I'm sure you know :).  I have used cotton before and that didn't work well as it's too thick and then I got breakage problems as the design was digitised for the finer thread. Of course, the design itself can sometimes be a problem if it's poorly digitised.

Hi Ohsewsimple...yes I am unhappy that I had to change the tension so much.. on the V3 the tension returns to default when you switch it off so that is good. I think my problems must be caused by the stabiliser as I am using a Schmetz embroidery needle 11 and Madeira 40 thread on the top and bobbin.
I have been using a product called Solvy which is like a plastic film. It does say that it is suitable for lace work but now that I have looked closely at the instructions (!) it refers to lace made with netting.

I have bought a product called "Vilene Solufleece" online and so I am hoping it will be suitable. When it is delivered I will try again and let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

 
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Pixie on April 02, 2017, 21:03:02 PM
I've been learning a little about FSL as it's made me think I should consider getting an embroidery machine - I've discovered I have lots of potential applications for FSL. I found this video with lots of information on the basics including different stabilisers etc and she also recommends the type that Ohsewsimple mentions.

It's here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTBFPgBkayA) if you're interested although you may want to fast forward through some sections.

Hi Marnie, thanks for the link...it contains lot of useful information....making lace is more complicated then I thought but I am sure that once mastered it will be worth it :)

I love my new machine (Brother Innovis V3) and I would recommend it. However I am sure that the other makes like Janome are good as well....I chose mine because I am familiar with Brother and the model has the biggest hoop size in my price range.

You are right to do lots of research as machine embroidery seems to be an expensive hobby!
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: sewmuchmore on April 09, 2017, 19:20:23 PM
I too have the V3 and did quite a lot of FSL stuff for Christmas pressy' I use a heavy duty water soluble film and the extra large cones of Marathon Thread as i find it very expensive using the small Madeira bobbins as FSL does tend to use a lot of thread. I also use the gold tipped embroidery needles.
Have you tried reducing the speed rather than altering the tension?
i get the film and thread from BSK
http://www.bsk.co.uk/a060-heavy-duty-wash-away-backing--stabiliser-3mtrs-x-76cms-278-p.asp
 
Title: Re: FREE STANDING LACE
Post by: Pixie on April 09, 2017, 19:59:50 PM
I too have the V3 and did quite a lot of FSL stuff for Christmas pressy' I use a heavy duty water soluble film and the extra large cones of Marathon Thread as i find it very expensive using the small Madeira bobbins as FSL does tend to use a lot of thread. I also use the gold tipped embroidery needles.
Have you tried reducing the speed rather than altering the tension?
i get the film and thread from BSK
http://www.bsk.co.uk/a060-heavy-duty-wash-away-backing--stabiliser-3mtrs-x-76cms-278-p.asp
 
Hi V3 owners  :sew:
The vilene solufleece arrived and so I started sewing some FSL with one layer....and after 5 mins I got holes. It might be because I forgot to turn the speed down and so I will try again when I get time. Just wondering if you both use more than one layer?
Thanks for the link to bsk....I have bought some accessories from them but I had not noticed the heavy duty soluble....off to buy some!
Pixie
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: sewmuchmore on April 11, 2017, 18:49:16 PM
Re: Number of layers, depends on the pattern. If it is quite dense then i would use 2 but with the heavy duty stuff i have found 1 is enough for most projects. Most of what i have done has been from Urban Threads.
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: SewRose on April 11, 2017, 21:01:03 PM
I make FSL on my Janome and have never needed more than one layer of stabiliser. I use 'Floriani Wet n Gone' from Lords.
I use a slow speed and don't have many thread breaks. Some designs do use cotton thread but they are digitised for it.
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: Pixie on April 13, 2017, 15:10:16 PM
I make FSL on my Janome and have never needed more than one layer of stabiliser. I use 'Floriani Wet n Gone' from Lords.
I use a slow speed and don't have many thread breaks. Some designs do use cotton thread but they are digitised for it.
Re: Number of layers, depends on the pattern. If it is quite dense then i would use 2 but with the heavy duty stuff i have found 1 is enough for most projects. Most of what i have done has been from Urban Threads.

Thanks for replies...I will buy some Floriani Wet n Gone from Lords as they advertise that you only need one layer  :)
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: Ohsewsimple on April 13, 2017, 19:36:40 PM
Love Floriani stabilisers.  They Re my favourite. I only ever use one layer of stabiliser  whatever I do.
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: Pixie on April 22, 2017, 00:19:18 AM
Success  :toast: Floriani stabiliser has solved all my problems....used one layer and had no problems...no thread breaks just sewed right through like it is supposed too. Thanks for all the advice...great forum  0_0
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: Ohsewsimple on April 22, 2017, 13:58:41 PM
Oh that's great!  So glad we could help.  Floriani isn't cheap but it really works well.  Saves so much frustration and wasted thread etc. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Free Standing Lace
Post by: SewRose on April 22, 2017, 19:10:49 PM
 :) So glad the Floriani I worked for you.