1:

Determine the layout of your table runner, and mark the location of the center of each intended star insert. In this example, completed lace doilies were used in the planning process. You could also use printed actual size production sheets to help you decide the placement. For this table runner, each of the side stars was placed 3 1/2” inches from the hemstitch, and the center star was placed 7 1/4” from the end, centered between the side hems.

 2:

Hoop a double layer of water soluble stabilizer, such as Hemingworth's Hot Water Washaway.

 3:

The freestanding lace stars (AE0218), (AE0219), and (AE0220) are created with three separate color stops, but are usually stitched with just one color of thread. We’ll be using the color stops as opportunities to stop the stitching and work on the project steps. To get started, stitch the first color stop of the design directly on the water soluble stabilizer.

 4:

Remove the hooped embroidery from the machine. Use a pin to match the center of the embroidered star to the mark on the table runner. Use pins to attach the fabric to the stabilizer. Make sure that the pins are outside of the embroidery area.

 5:

If your embroidery hoop attaches to a side bar on the machine, you will need to fold up the side of the table runner to keep it under the side of the hoop, and also out of the stitching area.

 6:

Continue stitching through the second color stop. This binds the embroidered star to the fabric of the table runner. When the second stop is finished stitching, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not remove the project from the hoop. Cut the fabric inside the star area away. Applique scissors and small embroidery scissors are good tools for cutting as closely to the stitching as possible without cutting the thread.

 7:

Put the hoop back on the machine and finish the design.

 8:

Put your applique scissors to work again, cutting away the excess water soluble stabilizer.

 9:

Repeat these steps for as many lace inserts as you would like on the table runner.

 10:

When the embroidery is finished, wash away the soluble material and let the runner dry on a flat surface, or hang dry.