Even though you may be new to machine embroidery, you have undoubtedly seen embroidery backings on shirts that you have worn in the past. The piece of fabric is known as embroidery stabilizer, it serves as support during the embroidery process. If it is a visible one then it stays behind the stitches. They come in different types to use accordingly, check them out here. 

What is embroidery stabilizer? And what is it made of? 

Embroidery stabilizer comes at the back of the embroidery material to make the process stable and more durable. It is made from woven or non-woven fabric, paper, or water-soluble material.

Most backings are wet-laid nonwovens, which are composed of haphazard fibers bound together by a binder.

You may come across people online, using odd materials as backings, such as paper towels, coffee filters, and newspapers. During embroidery, these items may break apart, producing an excessive amount of lint in your machine parts and bobbin cases. 

Note: Nonwoven backings are strong and stable enough to be used as embroidery stabilizers because of their non-directional nature. 

Embroidery stabilizers

Why using Embroidery Stabilizers is so important? 

The benefits of using stabilizers are numerous. They provide stability and prevent fabric distortion, ensuring that your embroidery stays crisp and well-defined. Stabilizers also help prevent puckering or shifting of the fabric during stitching, resulting in a polished and professional-looking finished product right from your home.  

So, using stabilizers is the fundamental part of machine embroidery. Sometimes it is placed on both the back and top sides of the fabric. When working with fabrics that have raised fibers, commercial embroiderers always use a Tear Away or Cut Away backing and apply a layer of wash away stabilizer on top. Home embroiderers these days know they need something to stabilize their fabric. Typically, the machine or the digitization process are to blame, but the actual problematic thing is not using a stabilizer or the right kind of stabilizer. Even though a poorly digitized design is frequently the cause, keep in mind that if proper stabilization is lacking, you will always struggle to achieve high-quality results. 

How are Embroidery Stabilizers used?

Stabilizers are wet laid at the back or sometimes even on top of the fabric. Their non-woven nature makes them easier to tear away or cut away. Use of non-woven stabilizers is important for machine embroidery. 

It is always better to hoop stabilizer with the fabric. To secure the pieces while hooping, it is useful to apply temporary spray adhesive to the stabilizer and then attach it to the fabric. Don't forget to check that the stabilizer and fabric are both smooth and flat inside the hoop. Also do not extra stretch it. 

Why are there so many types of embroidery stabilizers? When and why should you use stabilizers? 

Stabilizers come in different varieties. Your selection depends on the material you are working with. The right stabilizer choice involves many considerations, including: 

  • Weight, quality and type of fabric.
  • Design density. 
  • If it can be hooped with the embroidery project or not.  

Choosing a stabilizer: 

Look for a stabilizer made with non-directional materials, with no grain. You may also want to hold the stabilizer up to the light to make sure of a consistent thickness, with no thin or bald-looking spots!

Types of embroidery stabilizers

Below are some helpful tips for choosing the right stabilizer for your project: 

Determine fabric Type:  

Think about the type of fabric you're embroidering. Is the fabric stable or stretchy? Will it need a stabilizer? Generally, tearaway is used on non-stretch fabrics, while cutaway is best for stretchy fabrics like t-shirts and sweatshirts.  

Evaluate the Design:  

Next, consider the embroidery design you're going to use. How many stitches does it have? Remember that the more stitches a design has, the heavier the stabilizer needs to be. Also think about the components of the design. For example, are there complicated spots within the design where removing bits of stabilizer might be difficult? 

Consider the Purpose:  

It's also important to consider the purpose of the embroidered item. Will you be seeing it from both sides, like lace? Will the embroidery be lying against the skin? Which backing will be the least visible and the most comfortable? 

Experiment:  

The best way to really become educated about stabilizer is to experiment.  Everyone has an opinion on which stabilizers are best, and you need to discover your own preferences according to your needs. Ask embroidery experts around you what and why they like to use for a certain type of project. 

Conclusion

Stabilizers are essential for various types of fabrics, such as stretchy fabrics, semi-sheer fabrics, lightweight fabrics,  and loose-weave or knitted fabrics. They prevent folding over, keep embroidery visible, and prevent puckering.

Temporary stabilizers can be used for stretchy fabrics, but permanent stabilizers are recommended for light-colored or semi-sheer fabrics.

Lightweight fabrics can be stabilized with stabilizers, reducing the risk of stitch ripping.

Loose-weave or knitted fabrics can be stabilized to create an invisible framework, preventing stitch shifting.

This guide emphasizes the importance of selecting the right stabilizer for machine embroidery to ensure flawless stitching and maintain a consistent aesthetic. Keeping a mid-weight fusible stabilizer on hand is essential for basic projects.

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