Create your own DIY Embroidered Freestanding Chess Set with Fabric—a project that combines the timeless strategy of a classic game with the creativity of machine embroidery. Each piece in the set is made using freestanding appliqué (FSA), a technique that allows you to stitch sturdy, dimensional designs that stand on their own. It’s as fun to stitch as it is to play!

In this post, we’ll walk you through the general FSA method using fabric to stitch the chess pieces in this collection. For demonstration purposes, we’ll be showing design 13004-04. While thread and fabric choices may vary slightly between pieces, the construction process is consistent across the board… pun intended!

All pieces are stitched with matching thread in the top and bobbin, giving them a polished finish from every angle. Some thread colors in our images have been digitally enhanced for visibility, but don’t worry—the steps remain the same.

Ready to bring your chess set to life? Let’s get started!

Supplies

Note: Fabric amounts are estimates and may result in overages. Please have fun choosing your own fabrics!

Step 1

To get started with your DIY Embroidered Freestanding Chess Set with Fabric, you’ll first need to prepare the appliqué pieces for each design. Here’s how:

  1. Print the Mirrored Patterns
    Locate the mirrored version of the Front Fabric appliqué patterns at the end of the instructions. Print these at 100% scale (1:1 ratio) directly onto the paper side of your Applique Fuse and Fix sheet.
  2. Rough Cut the Shapes
    Once printed, cut out each pattern piece approximately ¼” to ½” outside the printed lines. This gives you a bit of flexibility and stability when positioning them onto your fabric.

This step ensures your appliqué pieces are ready for clean, precise stitching and assembly. Up next: fusing and cutting!

Step 2

Once your appliqué patterns are printed and rough cut, it’s time to prep the structure behind your pieces—Fiber Form. This material gives the Freestanding Chess Set its signature sturdiness and shape.

  1. Cut the Fiber Form
    Cut your Fiber Form about ¼” to ½” larger than each printed appliqué pattern. This extra space ensures full coverage and makes trimming easier after fusing.
  2. Fuse the Pattern to the Fiber Form
    Place the trimmed pattern paper-side up on the back side of the Fiber Form. Using a hot iron, press firmly and hold for 10–15 seconds to create a strong bond.

Once fused, you’re ready to move on to trimming and stitching your piece!

Step 3

Now that your pattern is securely fused to the Fiber Form, it’s time to trim it to size. Carefully cut along the outer edge of the black outline printed on the pattern. This will give you the exact shape needed for your design. Once trimmed, set the piece aside—you’re ready to move on to stitching!

Step 4

Before you start stitching, you’ll need to prep your appliqué fabric—this helps ensure clean edges and sturdy, professional-looking pieces.

  1. Cut the Fabric
    Using the appliqué patterns provided at the end of the instructions, cut your quilter’s cotton about ¼” to ½” larger than each shape. This gives you some wiggle room when positioning everything later.
  2. Stabilize the Fabric
    To add structure and support, adhere one layer of StabilStick CutAway to the wrong side of each fabric piece. This extra stability will help your chess pieces hold their shape and stand tall once they’re stitched.

With your fabric and Fiber Form prepped, you’re all set for the next step—layering and stitching!

Step 5

Now it’s time to prepare your stabilizer—the foundation for clean, secure stitching for your DIY Embroidered Freestanding Chess Set with Fabric

Using the OESD Grippy Grid, hoop one layer of Aquamesh and one layer of BadgeMaster together for all designs in the Freestanding Chess Set.

This stabilizer combo provides both strength and washaway convenience, making it ideal for freestanding applique. The Grippy Grid helps keep everything in place while you hoop for precise alignment and minimal shifting.

Once hooped, you’re ready to start stitching your design!

Step 6

With your hoop prepped and stabilizers in place, it’s time to start stitching!

  1. Load the Design
    Begin by loading your selected design onto the machine. In our example, we’re using design 13004-04.
  2. Thread the Machine
    Thread your machine with your chosen thread color. For our sample, we used Isacord Variegated 9871 – Zen Rock Garden.
  3. Stitch Step 1
    Stitch Machine Step 1, which is the Front and Back Vinyl Placement Stitch. This step outlines where your vinyl layers will go next.

Let the fun begin—your freestanding chess piece is officially in motion!

Step 7

Now that your placement stitch is done, it’s time to add the structure that gives your freestanding piece its shape.

  1. Remove the Hoop (But Not the Project!)
    Take the hoop off the machine, but do not remove the stabilizer or design from the hoop. Keep everything secure and flat.
  2. Score the Paper Backing
    Flip the hoop over and place it on a clean, flat surface.
    On the back side of the Fiber Form, use the OESD Perfect Scoring Tool to gently score and peel away the paper backing, revealing the adhesive.
  3. Place the Fiber Form
    Carefully position the Fiber Form within the stitched placement lines.
    Use your fingers to press it in place gently.

Tip: Appliqué Fuse and Fix is repositionable, so feel free to lift and adjust if needed until it’s just right! After all, this is your DIY Embroidered Freestanding Chess Set with Fabric!

Once your Fiber Form is secured, you’re ready to move on to the next step in building your freestanding masterpiece!

Step 8

Next, it’s time to cover your Fiber Form with the prepared fabric.

  1. Place the Fabric
    Take your piece of quilter’s cotton (with StabilStick CutAway on the back) and completely cover the placement stitching. Make sure it extends past all edges of the placement line for full coverage.
  2. Secure with Tape
    Use OESD Expert Embroidery Tape TearAway to tape the fabric in place, keeping it flat and secure while stitching.

With everything in position, you’re ready to return the hoop to your machine and move on to the next stitch step!

Step 9

To give your freestanding piece a finished look on both sides, you’ll now add fabric to the back.

  1. Flip the Hoop
    Gently turn the hoop over so you’re looking at the back side.
  2. Place the Back Fabric
    Take your second piece of prepared quilter’s cotton (right side up) and completely cover the placement stitch on the back.
  3. Tape to Secure
    Use small pieces of OESD Expert Embroidery Tape TearAway to carefully secure the fabric in place.

Tip: Be gentle when applying tape—avoid pressing too hard, as too much pressure can cause the stabilizer to shift or pop out of the hoop.

Once everything is secure, you’re ready to stitch the fabric in place!

Step 10

With your front and back fabrics secured in place, it’s time to lock everything down.

  1. Return the Hoop to the Machine
    Carefully place the hoop back onto your embroidery machine, making sure it’s properly aligned.
  2. Stitch Machine Step 2
    Run Machine Step 2, which stitches the cut line and tackdown. This step secures all the fabric layers to the stabilizer and outlines the final shape of your piece.

Once this step is complete, you’ll be ready to trim the excess fabric and move on to decorative stitching!

Step 11

Now that the tackdown is complete, it’s time to clean up the edges for a crisp, professional finish.

  1. Remove the Hoop (Not the Project!)
    Take the hoop off the machine, but leave the project securely hooped.
  2. Trim the Fabric
    Using sharp appliqué scissors, trim the excess fabric as close to the cut line as possible. Don’t worry if you happen to snip a few of the outer stitches—the inner tackdown stitches will keep everything in place.

Tip: If you accidentally cut into the stabilizer or create a small hole, don’t panic! Just patch the area using OESD Expert Embroidery Tape WashAway before continuing.

With your fabric neatly trimmed, you’re ready for the decorative stitching that brings your piece to life!

Step 12

Turn the hoop over. Trim the excess fabric as close to the cut line as possible.

Step 13

Return the hoop to the machine and stitch the remaining machine steps per the thread chart with matching bobbin thread.

Step 14

Once your design has fully stitched out, you’re ready for the final finishing steps.

  1. Remove the Project from the Hoop
    Carefully take the hoop off the machine and gently remove the project from the hoop.
  2. Trim the Stabilizer
    Using sharp scissors, trim the excess stabilizer about ¼” to ½” outside the edges of the design. This helps maintain structure while still allowing for a clean, freestanding finish.

With this step done, you’re almost ready to wash away the stabilizer and assemble your freestanding piece!

Step 15

With all your pieces stitched and trimmed, you’re ready to bring the game to life! Follow the assembly instructions included with your collection to construct each chess piece and create your embroidered game board.

Interested in seeing a tutorial on our Luxe Sparkle Vinyl? Check out a full video here.

Congratulations on completing your Freestanding Chess Set! You’ve combined creativity, precision, and machine embroidery magic to make something truly special. Whether you display it proudly or use it for a friendly game night, your handmade chess set is sure to impress. For more fun embroidery DIY projects, check out our other posts!