The machine embroiderers in my guild use a special pad to press the embroidery. I don't know what it is but they are all red in color. LOL And when we have show and tell of their work, it is so easy to see the difference in quality. The ones that use the best supplies outshines the others who use cheap. I always feel behind the embroidery. If it is stiff I won't even think of buying it. I've bought too many soft embroidery to know it can be done.