Using Stabilizers for Embroidery Designs
In order to properly finish your embroidery design, you must use
the correct stabilizer. There are many different stabilizers on the
market today, most of which are available in both white and black.
However, there are basically four groups of stabilizers; these
include water soluble, tear away, cut away and filmoplast/sticky
paper.
Water soluble stabilizers are available in three different weights.
The first weight is much like a very heavy Sarah wrap, and is
considered plastics weight. This type of weight is used for
monogramming on items such as a robe or towel. The second weight is
heavy weight which is used for making lace ornaments and other craft
items. It is also used for polar fleece. The third weight is the
lighter weight, which can be sprayed off with a misting bottle. You
would need to soak the heavier ones for about a minute if it is not
completely eliminated because the residue will be gummy.
The tear away stabilizer is available in white or black and is quite
heavy. The needle perforates it and it simply tears away. This
stabilizer and the cut away are the most often used. You can buy it
in packages, rolls or by the yard and it will be readily available.
It is also inexpensive. This stabilizer is permanent and will stay
under the design and provide it with stability and extra body.
The cut away is the best type of stabilizer for T shirts. It is
available in various weights. One of the weights is lightweight and
soft which makes it ideal for baby items and sheer fabrics. It comes
in white, black and flesh colored. There is a type of cut away that
dissolves when it is heated with an iron. You can simply brush off
the remainder. This stabilizer is permanent and is great for designs
that do not require as much stabilizer as some of the others.
The filmoplast or sticky paper stabilizer works as follows. The top
paper peels off the sticky side and then you need to stick the
sticky side to the hoop so that the sticky side is facing up, then
stick your item on it. You should use either the cut away or tear
away stabilizer with this one as this particular stabilizer is not
very stable.
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