Description
Designed to support, or even replace, fabric under the stress of dense and multi-directional machine stitching, stabilizers can be applied in many ways, but are usually used in conjunction with an embroidery hoop to hold fabric as flat and inflexibly as possible.
If fabrics are stretchy, will be laundered frequently, or need to hold up to repeated wear and tear, cut-away stabilizers are the best choice.
Cut-away stabilizers stay attached to the embroidered item and are trimmed close to the embroidery. If remaining stabilizer is in a place where it will be in direct contact with skin, it may cause irritation. Ironing a piece of fusible mesh over the embroidery and stabilizer edges on the back of the embroidery will create a soft barrier, which is particularly beneficial in infant and toddler clothing.
| Used for: | Best used on: | Comes in: | Removal: | |
| Cut-away stabilizers | Permanent support | Knits, loosely wovens | Light to heavy weights | Not removed, except for cutting away excess |
| Tear-away stabilizers | Temporary support | Firmly woven, natural-fiber fabrics | Light to heavy weights; fusible and nonfusible | Torn away, but not always completely removable, depending on brand and stitch pattern |
| Heat-away stabilizers | Temporary support | Nonwashable, delicate fabrics and for off-the-edge stitching techniques | Woven sheets, plastic film | Completely removable with iron and caution |
| Wash-away stabilizers | Temporary support | Delicate, mesh-like, and difficult-to-mark fabrics; also for cutwork and embroidered appliqués | Plastic film, paper sheets, brush-on or sprayable liquid | Completely removable with water |
