The right stabilizer for embroidering with an embroidery machine

The right stabilizer for embroidering with an embroidery machine

For successful embroidery

There are also many factors that contribute to a nice embroidery result when embroidering with the embroidery machine. With four helpful tips, we will explain how to find the most suitable stabilizer for your embroidery project.

1. Pay attention to the quality of the embroidery stabilizer

1. Pay attention to the quality of the embroidery stabilizer

A high-quality embroidery stabilizer can be recognized by its even texture. Hold the stabilizer up to the light. Do you see irregularities? This will also lead to irregularities in the embroidered image. It should also be equally thick in all directions. For example, with a tear-away stabilizer, this means that it can be torn in all directions. Then it won't matter in which direction the stabilizer is hooped, it will not expand in any direction.
 

2. Which embroidery stabilizer for which task?

2. Which embroidery stabilizer for which task?

Stabilizers can be torn away, cut away, fused… there are many possibilities. It is easiest if you follow these rules of thumb: 

  • The fabric determines the type of embroidery stabilizer
  • The embroidery design determines the number of layers

A distinction is made between the following three basic types of stabilizer: cut-away, tear-away and wash-away. In addition, there are special embroidery stabilizers that facilitate the embroidery process.

Cut-away stabilizer

Cut-away stabilizer

Cut-away stabilizer can be used for any fabric, but is particularly suitable for embroidery on knitted fabrics and stretchy fabrics such as jersey. The more elastic the fabric, the more stable the stabilizer must be. A cut-away stabilizer holds the stitches in place and avoids distorting the embroidery. It is very stable and thus guarantees the best stitch quality, even with a high stitch density, such as that used for appliqué.

In any case, a cut-away stabilizer is part of the basic equipment. Some suppliers even offer different thicknesses or colors. After embroidering, the stabilizer is cut away around the embroidery design. Be sure not to cut into the fabric or the embroidery design.

Tear-away stabilizer

Tear-away stabilizer

Tear-away stabilizer is ideal for woven fabrics that do not stretch or require such a high level of support. You can also use this stabilizer if you can see the back of the fabric, for instance, for towels, tablecloths, scarves, etc. After the embroidery process, the stabilizer is removed by holding the fabric in place with one hand and carefully tearing away the stabilizer with the other. If multiple layers have been used, remove one layer at a time.

Tear-away embroidery stabilizer: What if my fabric is stretchy?

Then it is important to decide whether a tear-away stabilizer is sufficient for the embroidery design. If there are not too many stitches, it may be sufficient.
 

Wash-away stabilizer

Wash-away stabilizer

Wash-away embroidery stabilizer completely dissolves in water. The advantage is that there is no visible stabilizer residue left behind. A stabilizer that can be washed away is particularly suitable for fabrics such as organza or tulle. This type of stabilizer is also used to embroider freestanding designs (freestanding lace) and does not require any fabric at all.

Tip: first cut away the excess stabilizer, then place the project in a container of lukewarm water so that it doesn’t have to be rinsed out for as long. Then allow to dry. If the fabric is too stiff after drying, repeat the "wash cycle". For freestanding embroidery designs, you want to deliberately maintain the stability.

Wash-away embroidery stabilizers are also used on any fluffy, pile or textured fabrics (terry cloth, fleece, chunky knits, etc.). They are used on top of the fabric, i.e. as a so-called topping. As a result, the stitches do not sink in, remaining smooth and even on the fabric. The stabilizer is rinsed off under lukewarm water.

Adhesive stabilizer

Adhesive stabilizer

Adhesive stabilizer is suitable for any item that cannot be hooped. For example, you can embroider bags or items of clothing more easily. Adhesive stabilizer has a paper side and is hooped without fabric. The paper side is then carefully scored and the paper is pulled off. The fabric is now placed onto the adhesive surface and pressed into place. After embroidering, the excess stabilizer is torn off, cut away or even washed off, depending on the type.

The disadvantage of adhesive stabilizer is the adhesive residue deposited on the needle and therefore in the hook area.
In addition, the best embroidery results are achieved by hooping the fabric with the embroidery stabilizer.

Tip for adhesive stabilizer

A basting stitch around the embroidery design gives it even greater stability.
 

Iron-on embroidery stabilizer

Iron-on embroidery stabilizer

As the name suggests, this stabilizer is ironed directly onto the fabric. By ironing onto the fabric, it is secured in place and can be embroidered without slipping, for example with appliqués. Since this stabilizer contains only a light layer of adhesive, it can be easily removed after embroidering.

3. Hooping the stabilizer correctly

3. Hooping the stabilizer correctly

To hoop the stabilizer, it is best to use a smooth surface, e.g. a table. The embroidery stabilizer should always be a little larger than the size of the hoop. When hooping, make sure that everything is free of wrinkles.

For even better results, you can glue the stabilizer onto the fabric using a temporary adhesive spray. To do this, the stabilizer is gently sprayed - never the fabric - and is glued underneath the fabric, without wrinkles. Due to the residue deposited when spraying, a piece of packaging paper or the like is recommended as a base layer. After embroidering, the spray adhesive will have usually evaporated.

Tip for inserting the stabilizer into the hoop

Press the inner embroidery hoop 2-3 mm lower than the outer hoop so that it doesn't slip out due to the movement when embroidering and so that the outer hoop does not leave any unsightly "dragging marks" on the freearm.
 

What if you can't stretch the project to be embroidered?

What if you can't stretch the project to be embroidered?

Then it is best to use an adhesive stabilizer. Certain manufacturers offer so-called hydro-embroidery stabilizers, the surface of which is slightly moistened and then glued. Alternatively, simply hoop the stabilizer, pin it temporarily, select the basting function around the embroidery design or along the hoop (make sure the pins are not in the way), then remove the pins and embroider the design. This method is not suitable for overly dense embroidery designs.

If you want to embroider a cap, BERNINA offers the practical Hoop-‘N’-Buddyz embroidery hoop.

4. Test embroidery

4. Test embroidery

In order to make sure that the embroidery design works well, we recommend trying it out on the fabric or on a similar test fabric. This is especially true if it is an embroidery design that you have never embroidered before.

Which stabilizer to use for which fabric- Overview Table

   
Embroidery stabilizer
  Area of application​
Fabric / application
 Cut-away stabilizer Essential for: stretch fabrics
 Can be used for: non-stretch fabrics
Jersey, sweat, knit, stretchy fleece,  high stitch density appliqué
 Tear-away stabilizer Non-stretch fabrics Jeans, cotton, linen, felt, wool, silk, appliqué with a low stitch count
 Wash-away stabilizer Washable fabrics
Projects where no stabilizer
residue should be visible
Organza, tulle, chiffon, free-standing embroidery designs
 Topping Fabrics with a textured or
coarse surface
Terry, fleece, plush, chunky knits, corduroy, boiled wool
 Adhesive stabilizer Fabrics or projects that cannot
be hooped
 Leather, artificial leather, cork, velvet, velour, neoprene, fur, corduroy, 
collar corners, pockets, cuffs
 Hydro embroidery stabilizer  Fabrics that can be hooped Similar to adhesive stabilizer
 Iron-on stabilizer Fabrics that can be ironed Appliqué

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