Stabilizers provide a smooth surface so stitches
lay parallel and cooperate with each other.
Stabilizers often will give embroidery a better finished look and help
prevent puckering and bunching of stitches. Stabilizers have two
primary methods: Tear-Away,
Temporary Stabilizers and Cut-Away,
Permanent Stabilizers.
Tear-Away (temporary backings) is available in several weights and can be used in single or multiple layers. It is recommended for use with medium to heavyweight fabrics and densely stitches designs. The backing needs to be torn away carefully in order not to disturb the stitching of your design. This method is not recommended for delicate fabrics.
A few types of
tear-way stabilizers:
- Iron-on Tear Away
- Adhesive Backed Tear Away
- Soluble Stabilizer (a gelatin sheet that dissolves in warm water)
Cut-Away Stabilizers (permanent
backings) are meant to remain with the garment.
It washes well and is beneficial
for jobs where the stabilizer comes in contact with the skin.
A few types of
Permanent Stabilizers
- Cut-away stabilizers
- Poly-mesh Cutaway
- Lofty
- Fusible Cut-Away
When determining
which stabilizer is best for your product, you will need to evaluate
the type of fabric, weight of fabric, density of stitches, the embroidery
design, and other factors. You should also conduct wash testing
to see how well your garment performs with the embroidery before going
to mass production.
Learn more about embroidery:
Drawn Thread Work (embroidery)
