Machine embroidery question about stabilizers.
 

Why is paper stabilizer used on cotton fabric for embroidering? I used the fabric spray stabilizer and it worked great. No puckers and the design is soft not stiff. I'm new at machine embroidery and those in my sewing group said I had to use the paper. When I asked why they said that was the way the classes they take say to do it. They have never used the spray. There are many different types of paper stabilizers, I don't see why I have to buy a selection when the spray works perfectly. Is there a reason not to use the spray?

As far as spray basting, go for it. I use it all the time when just the stabilizer is hooped and I'm embroidering on fabric smaller than the hoop. Paper stabilizer? Not sure what you are referring to but I match my stabilizer to the number of stitches in the design and how the finished design will be used. Every stabilizer has a max recommended number of stitch and I start there. (Mine has a information sheet rolled up inside the cardboard roll.) Overall my advise is to use what works for you and is appropriate to the finished product.

I was taught to use tear away when I bought my first machine and quickly discovered that I'm not a big fan of it. It's last on my list of preferred stabilizers. I much prefer using anything else. The type of stabilizer depends on what fabric you're using and the intended finished project. Don't let the embroidery police influence you, let your own experience tell you what to use. I always do at least one test stitch out to see if I need to use a different stabilizer, if the design is going to stitch out correctly, and if I want to make any changes to the colors. There are many charts for choosing the correct stabilizer for the project, I think of them as a guide, not as hard and fast rules most of the time. I've never heard of a spray stabilizer, can you post a link?

Cari

I don't use any stabilizer except the spray, not adhesive spray. It works great. Why aren't more embroiders using it or is there a reason why not?

Probably the same as so many other questions/answers in the quilting world!
There is NO one way to do things ..... and the way that works for you, is the way to do it!

How many times have you seen a technique in an LQS and said, but, why?
And think that they should be doing it in a different manner.
Everyone has their own preferences, and right ways!

Plus, some do not expand their horizons, to see what else there is beyond the same-old-same-old!

I am trying the spray on tee shirt fabric next. I won't wear tee shirts with the stiff embroidery so I hope this works.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8qNNqnDhZg

The density of the design has as much or more to do with the stiffness as the stabilizer does. I'm not interested in using Terial magic but if it works for you that's great. It seems like a lot of extra effort and prep time to me. Hooping the right stabilizer is fast and easy once you know enough about them. Not to say that I always get it right the first time, but that's one thing test stitch outs are for.

Cari

But then the excess stabilizer has to be cut away and from the tiny spots in the embroidery. That alone will be more time consuming then the prep and then the stabilizer will be under the threads making it heavy. I don't put in a bowl, I spray and iron like starch. I don't let it set for any time. Works the same for me. I tried the wash away and tear away, way to much hassle. I'm glad we all have choices.

I'm entering some of my work in the machine embroidery category at a quilt show. I'm anxious to get the judges remarks good or bad.

I love Terial Magic. I buy it by the gallon on Amazon. I use it instead of starch before I cut my fabric for piecing. It's perfect to prevent bias edges from stretching. My hsts and other bias edge cuts fit perfectly together block to block. I use for machine applique, no wrinkles, fullness or puckers at all. Most all the machine embroiders in my guild use it instead of the stabilizers normally used. That's where I learned about it. The tee shirt embroidery is so soft and moves with the fabric not stuck to it like a sticker.

OK my ears are perked straight up!!....I want to know how to use this to do embroidery on t-shirt fabric. I have several shirts I will be making from scratch for a friend.

Do you soak the fabric, let it dry, then cut the pattern out before embroidering? How do you hoop the fabric?

How does the embroidery look after several washings?

Will this work for Jeans shirt fabric as well?

I need details please. Dang I'm excited to learn about this!!!!

Thanks :)