How to make a Suncatcher Hanging Decoration

30 Jan

In this tutorial, I’m sharing how to make a delicate suncatcher or hanging decoration using water-soluble film and thread. This is a fun, experimental project where the film disappears and the stitching remains, leaving you with a lightweight, thread-only decoration.

This technique is a lovely way to explore line, movement, and texture, and it’s perfect if you enjoy process-led making rather than aiming for perfection. Each piece turns out slightly different, which is all part of the magic.

What You’ll Need

Water-soluble film
Thread and thread scraps
An embroidery hoop
Sewing machine with free-motion foot installed and setup
Scissors
A bowl of warm water

How It Works

The design is stitched directly onto the water-soluble film while it’s held taut in an embroidery hoop. I use fun, floral-inspired shapes, but you can experiment with any motifs you like.

Once the stitching is complete, the film is dissolved in water. The film washes away completely, leaving behind only the stitched threads, which form a delicate hanging decoration. After drying, the piece can be displayed in a window, hung on the wall, or used as part of a temporary installation.

Tips for Best Results

Use enough stitching to ensure the design holds together once the film dissolves
Overlapping lines and repeated shapes add strength
Handle gently when wet, as the threads are fragile until dry
Let the piece air dry fully before hanging

Why Try This Technique?

Working with water-soluble film is a great way to:
Experiment with free-motion stitching
Create thread-only textile art
Make lightweight, temporary or seasonal decorations
Build confidence with embroidery and machine stitching
It’s beginner-friendly, low-pressure, and a brilliant way to play with materials in a different way.

You can watch the full step-by-step process in the video below, where I show the stitching, dissolving, and finishing stages in real time.

If you’d like more details, materials, and behind-the-scenes notes, keep an eye on this post as I update it with extra tips.

If you enjoyed this project, please feel free to share your finished decorations. I’d love to see what you create.