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-   -   Question for those who do Machine Embroidery (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/question-those-who-do-machine-embroidery-t159071.html)

nursie76 10-08-2011 07:19 PM

In the past I have made many FSL snowflakes for presents. I purchased a great sturdy wash away stabilizer online about 3-1/2 years ago after reading a recommendation somewhere online. I don't know if it was Vilene or a Vilene like product. I went to make a FSL piece today and couldn't find my stabilizer. Luckily I had some samples and wound up using a double layer, of whatever brand it was. It just wasn't as sturdy as what I had and can't find, and it didn't work as well.
For those of you who do FSL embroider, which stabilizer has worked the best for you...sturdy, doesn't tear through in the denser edge areas? Oh, and what is the best source for the stabilizer you use?

Any tips, suggestions, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

scowlkat 10-08-2011 07:25 PM

Well I use vilene with success. The key is to not rinse every bit out. I also use Floriani's product which is similar. When you rinse the FSL, use some liquid starch to retain some stiffness as it dries.

1234Irene 10-08-2011 07:37 PM

I use sew n wash. Generally one layer works great, but sometimes I will double it, just to be on the safe side. When I am done, I lay my FSL out in a cookie sheet, then cover them with warm water, letting them set in it about 3-4 minutes. Then I remove them, blot them with a paper towel, then let them dry flat. Works great for me. If I want them stiffer, I don't let them sit in the water very long, or if I want them softer, I let them sit in it longer......

nursie76 10-08-2011 07:39 PM


Originally Posted by scowlkat
Well I use vilene with success. The key is to not rinse every bit out. I also use Floriani's product which is similar. When you rinse the FSL, use some liquid starch to retain some stiffness as it dries.

Where do you purchase your Vilene? Is it available in stores or does it have to be ordered online?

nursie76 10-08-2011 07:40 PM


Originally Posted by 1234Irene
I use sew n wash. Generally one layer works great, but sometimes I will double it, just to be on the safe side. When I am done, I lay my FSL out in a cookie sheet, then cover them with warm water, letting them set in it about 3-4 minutes. Then I remove them, blot them with a paper towel, then let them dry flat. Works great for me. If I want them stiffer, I don't let them sit in the water very long, or if I want them softer, I let them sit in it longer......

Who makes the sew 'n wash? The cookie sheet method sounds like a good way to do it. Thanks.

1234Irene 10-08-2011 08:12 PM

I will call my Machine store Monday and ask them. That's all it says on my container. I think they must repackage it with their own label or something.

nursie76 10-08-2011 08:14 PM


Originally Posted by 1234Irene
I will call my Machine store Monday and ask them. That's all it says on my container. I think they must repackage it with their own label or something.

Thanks so much! That would be great!

Honchey 10-08-2011 08:28 PM

I dissolve the tiny pieces that I tear away in a little warm water then paint them on the snowflakes then let them dry on a flat surface. Absolutely no waste!

tuesy 10-08-2011 10:30 PM

Vilene here, but have on occasion used the stuff they have at w/m..(can't think of the name of it) but it's close to vilene, except I use 2 layers of it.

nursie76 10-09-2011 05:50 AM


Originally Posted by Honchey
I dissolve the tiny pieces that I tear away in a little warm water then paint them on the snowflakes then let them dry on a flat surface. Absolutely no waste!

Kinda like starch or white glue, but free! Great!


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