Something Different Carlson Craft

Choosing the Correct Embroidery Stabilizer

Choosing the right embroidery stabilizer can take time and some experimentation. Before you start trying out the various stabilizers it is a good idea to understand what is available and what purpose the different stabilizers serve, and which fabrics they are best used on. Armed with this knowledge you should be able to make an informed decision and save quite a bit of time and money.

Embroidery stabilizer can be divided into four major categories: Tearaway, Water Soluble, Heat Removable and Cutaway. Cutaway stabilizer attaches itself to the fabric that you are working with, while Water Soluble, Heat Removable and Tearaway come off when you are finished sewing. Fusible stabilizers are joined to cloth by warming them with an iron, and sticky stabilizers use an adhesive to join to the fabric.

These four types of embroidery stabilizer come in a variety of sizes that are designed to fit various hoops. All of these types of embroidery stabilizers have their purposes, and within these groups there are subtypes, like fusible and sticky, for different fabrics and uses.

As the name would indicate, Tearaway Stabilizer is torn off of your embroidery when you are done sewing. Some tearaway stabilizers tear off easily, while others require more work and possibly the use of tools. Often it is better to stack tearaway embroidery stabilizers rather than using one thick one. Tearaway stabilizer is used on thicker, solid fabrics, such as denim or towels.

Water Soluble Stabilizers will dissolve when washed. If you need continual support for your embroidery project it is important to be aware that they will not stand up to being wet, so you will need to choose another type of embroidery stabilizer. Water Soluble Stabilizers are often used as a topping (on top of your embroidery) or in the hoop. When used on textured, high pile, or knit fabrics, water soluble can be utilized as a topping and will help you to not lose your stitches. Water soluble stabilizers are useful on sheer, delicate fabrics like silk or lace.

Heat Removable Stabilizers will flake away when they are ironed. Some fabrics cannot get wet, like wool, satin, and velvet, so Heat Removable Stabilizers are a good choice for these fabrics. They may also be used as a topping.

Cutaway Embroidery Stabilizers come in a range of thicknesses; the thicker your fabric is the thicker the cutaway stabilizer should be. Cutaway stabilizers are useful on projects where you are afraid of losing your stitches, and can be used when you are creating emblems or patches. They can be used on fabrics as thick as upholstery, or on more common thicknesses.

When you have found the right stabilizer for your projects you will want to keep samples and notes, so that months or years later, when the same job or a similar project comes up you will be ready with the right products. The correct combination of thread, stabilizer, and fabric will take time to figure out; you won't want to repeat the process. You may want to bag a sample of the fabric with a piece of the best embroidery stabilizer that you have found to work with that fabric.

About the Author

Anne Carlson writes about
embroidery supplies
for Red Rock Threads, an online retailer of thread and
embroidery stabilizer
.

Women In Leadership: Journalism

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