Because of the variations in cutwork components, the CutWork feature is organized around ‘border types’. The chosen border type broadly determines which components are included in the cutwork object and the order in which they are deployed.
Most cutwork follows this production process:
Stitch the design onto the fabric.
Press and stiffen it with starch spray.
Cut out the fabric between embroidered areas using sharp-pointed scissors.
Make sure not to cut the embroidery threads.
When finished, press the design once again.
Tightly woven fabrics such as linen, which do not fray easily, are generally preferred for cutwork. Depending on the stiffness of the fabric, stabilizers may or may not be used. Dissolving stabilizers can be used to temporarily stabilize the fabric while stitching, and then dissolved away after stitching. With the background cut away, fabric assumes a lacy appearance.
