How To Make

FSL 3D Dragonfly

3D Freestanding Lace (FSL) Dragonfly Tutorial

A finished 3D freestanding lace dragonfly with detached wings, embroidered onto a garment.

Included Files

The design folder includes two separate files for this project:

  1. Dragonfly: This file contains the dragonfly wings. This part should be stitched first on a water-soluble stabilizer.

    The embroidery design file for the FSL dragonfly wings.

  2. Dragonfly Body: This file is used to stitch the dragonfly's body and attach the finished wings to your chosen item.

    The embroidery design file for the dragonfly body.

Stitching Instructions

Step 1: Create the Dragonfly Wings

First, stitch the "Dragonfly" file (the wings) on water-soluble stabilizer. You have the option to rinse and dry the wings now, or you can do it at the very end of the project. For a faster and easier stitching experience, I recommend rinsing everything at the end.

The FSL dragonfly wings stitched onto water-soluble stabilizer.

Step 2: Prepare Your Item

Decide on the positions for your dragonflies on your main item and pin the finished FSL wings in place.

The FSL wings pinned onto a garment to plan their final placement.

Hoop the item where the dragonfly will be sewn and stitch the first color stop, which is the placement line for the wings.

The placement line for the dragonfly wings stitched onto the main fabric.

Alternatively, you can hoop only the water-soluble stabilizer and stitch the placement outline directly onto it. Afterward, position your main item underneath the hoop, aligning it with the stitched dieline.

An alternative hooping method using only water-soluble stabilizer.

Step 3: Attach the Wings and Stitch the Body

Lay the FSL dragonfly wings detail right inside the stitched shape, aligning it with the placement line.

The FSL wings correctly positioned within the placement outline on the fabric.

It is helpful to use tape to ensure the wings stay flat and in position while stitching.

The dragonfly wings taped securely in place.

A close-up of the taped wings, ready for the body to be stitched.

Return the hoop to the machine and continue with the design. The final steps will stitch the dragonfly's body, which will permanently attach the wings to your item.

The completed 3D dragonfly with the body stitched over the wings, attaching them to the fabric.

Step 4: Finishing

Rinse your project thoroughly in water to dissolve all of the stabilizer.

Rinsing the finished project in water to remove the stabilizer.

The finished 3D dragonfly embroidery after rinsing and drying.

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