1:

We suggest that you use organza fabric for stitching these designs. Nylon sparkle organza or nylon iridescent organza looks particularly nice. We also advise using a colored bobbin thread that most closely matches the organza fabric being used on the bottom of each leaf. Other supplies you will need include a hot cutting tool or soldering iron, water soluble stabilizer, and a hair dryer.

 2:

Lay down a piece of organza fabric. On top of this place a piece of fibrous water soluble stabilizer. On top of the stabilizer place another piece of organza fabric. You can use the same color organza for both pieces or for a more creative effect, place a darker color organza for top layer and a lighter color on the bottom, or vice versa.

 3:

You can create interesting speckled effects on your leaves by cutting up small bits of different colored organza and sprinkling them on the water soluble stabilizer before adding the second piece of organza. Hoop all the layers together.

 4:

Embroider your leaves and remove the hoop from the machine.

 5:

Remove from hoop and cut our your fall leaf as closely as possible to embroidered border without cutting into the stitching.

 6:

Once leaves have been cut out take your hot soldering iron and gently trace the outside edge of the border without cutting into the stitching. This removes any remaining metallic burrs from the edge of the organza fabric

 7:

Hold your leaf under warm gently running tap water until the washaway stabilizer in the center is dissolved.

 8:

Lay your leaves on a flat surface to dry naturally or if you prefer you can use a blow dryer to hasten the process.

 9:

Once the leaves have dried you may find that they are laying too flat. Simply take a small spray bottle filled with water and lightly mist your leaf. You will then be able to shape the leaf as you wish.

 10:

Voila... your fall leaves are complete and ready to use! You can put them in a centerpiece arrangement, and let them grace the entire table setting.