116 Preparing for Embroidery
Embroidery Stabilizers
Tear-away Stabilizers
• similar to interfacing; tears like paper
• one or more layers can be used
• available in different weights
• for more stability, apply to the wrong side
of the fabric with temporary spray adhesive
before hooping
• carefully tear away excess stabilizer from
the back of the embroidery after stitching
• stabilizer will remain under larger
embroidered areas
Application:
• for all woven fabrics and fabrics which are
not elastic
Iron-on Interfacing
• must be preshrunk by soaking in warm
water
•this is pressed (fused) to the wrong side of
the fabric
•iron-on interfacings are available in a
variety of weights and should be selected
to suit the fabric being used
•removable iron-on interfacing is also
available
Application:
• to provide body and shape for fabrics onto
which motifs will be placed
• use in conjunction with appropriate
stabilizer
Paper Backed Adhesive Stabilizer
• place stabilizer in hoop, paper side up
• use a pointed object (e.g. scissors) to score
the paper and remove it to reveal the self-
adhesive surface
• position the piece of fabric to be
embroidered on the stabilizer
Application:
• intended for delicate fabrics such as jersey
or silk
• for hard to hoop sections and fabrics such
as velvets
Cut-away Stabilizers
• one or more layers can be used
• available in light- and heavyweight
• for more stability, apply to the wrong side
of the fabric with temporary spray adhesive
before hooping
• carefully cut away from the back of the
embroidery after stitching
• stabilizer will remain under larger
embroidered areas
Application:
• for all elastic fabrics, especially suited for
knits
When using paper backed
adhesive stabilizer make sure
that the adhesive residue on
needle, stitch plate and hook
area is removed.
Adhesive Spray
• Please avoid using adhesive spray next to
your embroidery system
• for more stability, spray the stabilizer and
adhere to the wrong side of the fabric
carefully smoothing fabric so there are no
puckers
• Use adhesive carefully and spray from a
distance of 25cm - 30cm (9.8 inches to
11.8 inches)
Usage:
• Stretch and knitted material: to retain
shape
• Appliqué: position appliqués perfectly
•Two or more pieces of fabric: avoid
slipping of fabric layers
• Fabric pieces: position fabric pieces on
stabilizer, i.e. pocket flaps
• Napped fabrics (i.e. velvet) that should not
be clamped in the hoop because of the
possibility of getting hoop marks
Spray Starch for Additional Stiffening
• spray starch is ideal for stiffening fine, soft
or loosely woven fabrics
• spray the area to be embroidered, let dry
or press gently with a warm iron
• always use an additional stabilizer such as
water soluble stabilizer on the wrong side
of the fabric
Application:
• ideal for fine, loosely woven fabrics, e.g.
batiste, fine linen, etc.
