The first time I put scissors to my fabric while stitching out one of my own cutwork designs left me with a little trepidation. However, I got over that really quick and became a seasoned pro at the whole cutwork thing. Of course, cutwork technique is used in more that just traditional cutwork designs and is integral to Hardanger Machine Embroidery, Reverse Applique and Outdoor Quilts. For those not content to simply put fabric to thread, exploring the world of cutwork designs is a must. Be bold!
Machine embroidery cutwork has been around for a long time. There are various forms of cutwork accomplished within the embroidery hoop.
These are but a few of mine:
• Eyelets – shown here in pink
• Traditional Cutwork (cutwork + lace)
• Prisms (cutwork + applique)
• Hardanger – a concept I’ll cover in a page all it’s own
Eyelets are simple and beautiful cutwork that creates a design with holes. It’s a very old fashion form of cutwork. I made this from a very old antique piece that I own.
Cutwork + Lace is what I call ‘traditional’ cutwork.
The process goes something like this:
• Hoop fabric with water soluble stabilizer on the bottom
• Sew an outline where the fabric is to be removed
• Remove the hoop from the machine but do not remove the fabric from the hoop
• Cut away the fabric inside the stitch lines but don’t cut the water soluble stabilizer
• Return the hoop to the machine
• Sew the lace inside the opening and the finishing stitches that cover the raw edges of the opening.
• Wash out the water soluble stabilizer.
Prisms (cutwork + applique)
This method goes something like this:
• Hoop fabric with water soluble stabilizer on the bottom
• Sew an outline where the fabric is to be removed
• Remove the hoop from the machine but do not remove the fabric from the hoop
• Cut away the fabric inside the stitch lines but don’t cut the water soluble stabilizer
• Return the hoop to the machine
• Place a layer of see through applique fabric over the area i.e. organza or organdy
• Sew the tack down stitches that attach the applique fabric to the main fabric
• Remove the hoop from the machine but do not remove the fabric from the hoop.
• Cut away the excess applique fabric from outside the stitches
• Return the hoop to the machine
• Sew any details on top of the applique fabric followed by the the finishing stitches that cover the raw edges of the applique and the opening at the same time.
• Wash out the water soluble stabilizer.
Hardanger – includes a cutwork concept I’ll cover in a page all it’s own.
Cutwork
 | Beginnings Cutwork - Heirloom Insertion Lace |
| Cutwork |
| Diamonds Cutwork - Heirloom Insertion Lace |
| Heart Cutwork - Heirloom Insertion Lace |
| Nancy's Jacobean Cutwork |
| Prisms Amour |
Hardanger Machine Embroidery
| Hardangish |
| Hardanger Alphabet |
| Hardanger Angels - Bella |
| Hardanger Angels - Heather |
| Hardanger Angels - Mary Jane |
| Hardanger Dimensions |
| Hardanger Eggs |
| Hardanger Floral Angels |
| Hardanger Floral Hearts |
| Hardanger On-Point |
| Hardanger Ornaments |
| Hardanger Rainbows |
| Hardanger Squared |
| Hardanger Stockings |
| Hardanger Wreaths |
