TECHNICAL SAMPLES USING ONE TYPE OF STITCH METHOD
All samples were stitched in a hoop with the exception of the water soluble paper. I first stitched a 3cms grid using a Madeira Rayon 40 thread in the top and bobbin and then a random zig-zag over the grid.
Easily my favourite was the Madeira Soluble Film which scored 5 stars for ease of stitching, ease of melting/dissolving and softness of handle. Others scored as follows:-
1 & 2 Avalon Soluble Film was like stitching into a thin Pac-a-mac. Two layers were more robust than one, but one layer works well for hand-stitching text onto fabric.
1 Layer: EASE: xxx (tears easily) MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (slightly)
2 Layers: EASE: xxxx (tears easily) MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxx SHRINK (none)
3 Aquabond Self Adhesive Soluble Fabric with trapped threads and Avalon: Stitched without a hoop. Makes a stable surface but hard to see design when stitching because of all the trapped threads.
EASE: xxx MELT xxx (slimy) HANDLE xxxx SHRINK (none)
4 Water Soluble Paper: The thread broke frequently with the feed dogs up and it was hard to manouvre.
EASE x MELT xx HANDLE xxx SHRINK (none)
Hot Water Soluble Fabric: Although the sample has a lovely soft handle, the use of boiling water was hazardous.
EASE xxx MELT xx (hazardous) HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (none)
6 Madeira Water Soluble my favourite. It looks and feels like a thin vilene.
EASE xxxxx MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (none)
7. Aquafilm Romeo is a thick squeaky clear plastic
EASE: xxxxx MELT xxxx HANDLE xxx (stiff) SHRINK (none)
8. Thermogauze (Vanishing Muslin) sewed beautifully but attempts to dissolve with a hot iron failed.
EASE xxxxx MELT 0 HANDLE 0
My thanks to Gillian Swift of GILLSEW for supplying me with a WASHAWAY PACK of soluble fabrics in small sizes to try out. 01494 881 886 gillsew@btinternet.com. Each piece of film came with her written instructions and I mounted each of my samples to a copy of Gill's instructions and added my my technical notes to the back.
SAMPLES OF SOLUBLE LACE USING DIFFERENT STITCH METHODS
Using Madeira water soluble film
SOLUBLE LACE METHODS TO TRANSLATE AREAS OF DRAWING
Threads: Maderia Rayon 40, Sulky Rayon 40, Silk
