116 Preparing for Embroidery
Embroidery Stabilizers
When using paper backed
adhesive stabilizer make sure
that the adhesive residue on
needle, stitch plate and hook
area is removed.
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
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
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
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
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.