Stabilization is tricky and complicated part of machine embroidery;
however, it is also the underlying foundation of good embroidery.
Without proper stabilization, designs may pucker or sag and outlines
may be off, stitches may sink into the fabric or fabric might poke
through the stitching. Stabilization is one specific areas that new
comers to embroidery may not be knowledgeable and consequently is a
common cause of heartache when stitching out designs.
Many
experienced embroiderers have developed their own technique as to
proper stabilization, including adhering the underlying stabilizer with
and adhesive spray and stitching a template around the hoop to attach
the stabilizer to the fabric prior to stitching out a design. Once
learning what stabilization is recommended for your design and fabric,
try some of these techniques to see if they help you in your stitch out
performance.
I have included below a basic chart of stabilizers and how they can be used:
|
Type of Stabilizer
|
Ideal for:
|
Comments
|
|
Tear-Away
|
Light to medium weight woven fabrics
|
- Typically used on cottons, canvas, satin and corduroy.
- Usually considered a light weight, soft stabilizer, though does come in may thicknesses.
- If
using a large filled design (ie lots of stitching) it is recommended to
use two layers of tear-away to improve stabilization. I personally use
two layers most of the time.
- On completion of design slowly and firmly tear away fabric as opposed to pulling too quickly.
- Redwork and some appliqués should only require one layer of stabilizer.
|
|
Cutaway
|
Stretchy, unstable fabrics
|
- Typically used for knits, fleece, stretch denim, velvet, toweling, corduroy.
- Consider a medium weight stabilizer.
- If using a larger filled design, it might be necessary to use two layers of cutaway.
- Need to cut away excess stabilizer upon completion of stitching.
|
|
Iron-On
|
Most fabrics – especially lightweight fabrics
|
- A paper based stabilizer which has a waxlike film that you iron onto the back of the fabric.
Can be used in combination with a layer of tear-away if you require further stabilization. - Helps ensure proper hooping.
- Excess can be torn away or peeled off upon completion of stitching.
- Try to avoid iron-ons with too much glue which will gunk up a needle and cause stitching problems.
|
|
Water-Soluable
|
Free Standing Lace Designs and topping on toweling, corduroy, velvet and knits
|
- Can be used on top of or underneath fabrics.
- Great to use on top of toweling to ensure fabric nap does not poke through embroidery designs.
- Good for intricate designs where it is impractical to tear away or cut away a stabilizer.
- Excess washes away in water.
|
|
Sticky-Back
|
Fabric or quilts that can not been hooped
|
- Stick on one side (and covered by protective sheeting).
- Typically used where fabric can not be hooped including quilts, shirt collars, cuffs, socks.
- Place stabilizer in hoop with sticky side up and place fabric on top of hoop/hooped stabilizer.
|
|
Heat Removable
|
Unwashable fabrics/projects and delicate fabrics
|
- Removed with the application of heat.
- Use only on fabrics that will not burn.
|
|
Spray Adhesives
|
Appliqués
|
- Not a true stabilizer and can be used with tear-away.
- Attaches fabrics and can be used on back of stabilizers.
|
