New and needing some help
 

Hi
I have an older Brother PE150 embroidery machine and am new to using it. I have stitched few out but there are somethings I am just very unsure of still. My biggest issue is deciding what type of stabilizer to use. Not wash away vs tear away but more of weight/thickness in comparison to the fabric being used. I was once told to use a stabilizer that was the same weight at the fabric but it seems to me if I have a light weight fabric and use a light weight stabilizer then I will get puckers. So any help in that are would be greatly appreciated.

I will post a picture of a recent project as soon as I figure out how, lol.

Thanks.

When I have problems determining which to use with what, I turn to Embroidery Library....they have a lot of how to's and basic information that I have found very helpful.
Here is a link to that page.....
https://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProj...ory=Fabrics101

Lots of factors play into the stabilizing process. It can be hit or miss avoiding puckers. I like to add a light weight fusible to the background fabric and sometimes the applique fabric too.

Hooping techniques can cause puckers too. It can cause problems too. I use the link above for reference quite often.

Third voice chiming in for https://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProj...ory=Fabrics101. Have fun with the old machine but be warned. Many find the embroidery addictive.

you can also slip a second layer of stabilizer under the hoop if you see it start to pucker. I was just at a store and the lady said to always use two layers of stabilizer. I've only been using one and haven't had problems, I only embroider on cotton quilt fabric so far.

I did buy some stabilizer from that lady, and after using it I can see why she'd say to use two layers. I don't think I'll be buying that brand again.

I have used dryer sheets & worked well. Hoop is 4 x 4... One day I like to upgrade.... Oh I go around edges with basting stitch to keep in place..

Thanks everyone for the replies, but I'm still wondering if there is a "rule or thumb" for deciding what type of stabilizer to use, and yes if more layers are needed.

I mostly just use A4 copy paper, and like to stitch around the boundary to hold fabric in place. Have had no problems with this method, and the paper will wash out easily if you soak the finished embroidery overnight. I even use a nail brush on the straggly bits on the back.

Some will be horrified to see this, but it works for me.

there are websites that can help you decide. I know floriani has one. I bought several "sample" assortments of stabilizer, and am finding that I'm most interested in doing quilt blocks so I'm mostly needing a medium weight tear away.

https://www.rnkdistributing.com/reso...Stabilizer.pdf

You don't have to buy their product, but it helps to learn what products work better for different fabrics and designs. I'm really looking forward to doing some cutwork and lace.

More good information, thank you all.