DIY: Embroidery on sheer fabrics with Sulky

Sulky products really opened my eyes to the possibilities of machine and hand embroidery.  When I first got my embroidery machine I’d experiment on all kinds of fabrics and get less than ideal results.  I figured you could only embroider onto medium weight fabrics for a successful outcome.  Then I was introduced to Sulky products and learned you can successfully embroider on light weight fabrics like chiffon, organza, tulle, and knits.  They have stabilizers for all types of projects.  I was initially nervous when Kelly from Sulky challenged me to do a post on embroidery with sheer fabrics.  Of course she assured me they have the correct products for this and introduced me to my now “favorite” stabilizer, Fabri-solvy.  This stuff is impressive.  It’s a fabric-like stabilizer that can be used as both a topper and backing.  Once you’re done with the embroidery it simply dissolves away in water.

Check out this quick video of the process. 

Tutorial below:

I'll be using a sheer striped organza fabric for this project.  I also cut out the pattern prior to embroidery.

Use your template to mark where you'd like your pattern to be and what size.  I like to print my designs out on paper and see the size and where I'd like them to be.  I also like to make a sample of the embroidery prior to doing it directly on my project with the exact dimensions and similar fabric.   It may be more effort but it's better than ruining good fabric or your project all together.  I always end up using the samples for something too (hoop it for wall art, bib collars for other projects, patches, etc.).

 Then I used my KK 200 Temporary Spray Adhesive here to bind my FABRI-SOLVY and effectively hoop the organza which can be slippery. 

 For this project I used Sulky's 40 wt Rayon Embroidery Thread in a variety of colors. 

 For my embroidery I like to go with OESD (EmbroideryOnline.com).  They have an array of designs that will fit with what your looking for.  The hardest part for me is deciding on a final design because there are so many I want to do.  For this project I used their Trade Winds design set here, Pineapples here.

 The Fabri-Solvy can be hooped alone and computerized embroidery can be done directly onto it.

Once done save your scraps of Fabri-Solvy to make your own liquid solvy here. I store it in a zip lock bag and then mix it when I'm ready to use it. 

To mak the flutter top use the illustration and steps below. 

Pattern for the top: 2 bodice pieces (cropped, crew neckline).  The sleeves should be 2 strips that measure the full length front and back bodice pieces, width 8 inches.

Begin by sewing the shoulder seams right sides together connecting front and back.  Take your sleeve strip and pin along the bodice panels as such. 

 Sew into place. 

 Sew the side hems of the bodice. 

 It should look like this if done right. Clean up the edges by hemming with a rolled hem or serging. I love the look of a raw edge with organza so I kept mine unfinished by using the selvage edge for the sleeve hems. For the rest I sewed a slight zig zag stitch along the edge to keep it from continuing to unravel. 

Clean up the arm holes by serging or hemming. 

Finish the neckline. 

Lovely and it' just as pretty on the inside! 

In the next post I will show you how we made this floral, flutter sleeve blouse made using OESD's Flores de Mexico design here.