Stabilising Tips!

Embroidery stabilisers can be divided into two main types: "backings" and "toppers."

A "backing" is a piece of material that you place under the main fabric on which you want to embroider, to make it more stable. The goal of a backing is to prevent fabric puckering, stretching or becoming distorted whilst embroidering and laundering.

A "topper” is placed over the fabric on which you want to embroider. Embroidery toppers prevent the stitches of your embroidery design from sinking into the fabric and hold down the pile of a fabric to prevent it ‘poking through’ your design. They are usually water soluble, to allow a clean removal from your embroidered project.

Handy hints:
1. As a general guideline, match the weight of your backing with the weight of your fabric. A dense embroidery design will, however, require a heavier weight of backing.

2. Stretchy and unstable fabrics (such as knits) will require a cut-away backing.

3. Stable woven fabrics usually work well with tear-away backings. A neater finish to your project is usually obtained as the backing is removed close to the design.

4. Most backing stabilizers are available in black or white. Choose white when working on lighter fabrics to ensure your stabiliser is not visible from the front of your project.

5. When embroidering on towels, fleece or other "fluffy" fabric, be sure to use a thin water-soluble film as a topper to prevent stitches from sinking into the fabric. If embroidering on velvet, satin or other delicate fabrics, a thin film topper will also prevent these delicate fibres from being crushed.

6. If you need the stabiliser to be removed completely (for example, if you embroider on organza, or create cut-work or stand-alone lace), use a strong water-soluble stabiliser as a backing. Generally it is best to use fabric-type water-soluble backing, because it provides support and doesn't stretch whilst it is being embroidered and can then be dissolved without harming your
delicate work.

7. If your fabric and design need a backing to remain under the stitches, use a fusible (iron-on) backing. CAUTION: Never use STEAM when ironing fusible stabiliser. The stabiliser may melt and ruin your fabric.

8. Many stabilisers look alike and are available in different weights, so it is a good idea to
keep them in their original packaging…or in clearly marked bags!