I have had my embroidery machine less than a year, so still on the learning curve. :wink: I use Floriani stablizer and really like it. I get it at my local sewing machine dealer. Here is a link to learn more about the different stablizers and the uses of each type;

http://www.rnkdistributing.com/floriani-products.html

I've had my embroidary machine less than 2 months and havent' used it much yet, but I had a friend help me at the store with all the different types of stablizer. I ended up buying some that is pretty thick because she said it really helps with less puckering on small projects and when you are changing thread colors alot. She also recommended a very light tulle like fabric on the front of the design so your threads stay nice and even. It really seemed to help. I've just been playing around so far, but hope to get some real projects going before too long.

Hi Miranda, i have been doing machine emb for awhile so will try to help you. first of all, there must be 100 STABILIZERS on the market. the secret to good emb. is to use the right one - which can involve alot of expense trying them out. my best results have come from using a stiff enough stabilizer. i don't have such luck with iron ons. if you can't get it to iron on, just use it as is - are you putting the fabric in the hoop along with the stabilizer? if the fabric is too thick, you can buy a spray adhesive called Sulky KK 2000 (JoAnn Fabrics has it). 1st, hoop the stabilizer; 2nd spray the stabilizer in the hoop being careful not to get it all over the hoop itself; 3rd, position the fabric on the now sticky stabilizer; 4th put the hoop in the machine and embroider away. The stabilizer must be taunt in the hoop and it must be stiff enough. use two layers if necessary to make it stiff. soft stabilizers may feel good on the skin but what good if the emb is rotten looking! If your fabric is thin enough to go in the hoop along with the stabilizer that is best and easiest. hope this helps, let me know. i could explain more ..........

I have been embroidering for almost 14 years. I started out with a Janome and have since moved on to Brother. This is my second and most recent Brother. I have had it for almost 2 years. The best way for most of it is trial and error. I have favorites for doing certain things. Different fabrics react differently to being embroidered on. Depends on who did the didgitizing as well. Depends if you get your fabric hooped square. I have about 6 different staqbilizers. I also use interfacing. One of my favorites for knits is called hydrostick. It is water activated. The fabric doesn't move on it once stuck. My favorite site that supports several program types is emblibrary.com It has a wide selection of patterns and they are reasonably priced. They have regular sales and new patterns every week and free ones every month. They also have a lot of information on using the machines and how to do different projects. Any questions feel free to ask.

My machine is a Bernina 185 E. I love the embroidery unit. I have had it for about 3 years. Stabilizers can be a tricky business. I took classes when I got my machine and learned a lot. Number one most important. The stabilizer and material must be is the hoop taut. You don't want any sloppy play in your fabric once hooped. Number two for me is the better teh stabiliizer the better the final project. I don't skimp on stabilizer. I use the heavy weight non stick for most projects that have a high stitch count or are a small project with condensed stitching. You get less puckering and a much smooter look. Sometimes to layers of heavy is better. I use the sticky spray for my heavy weight and my tear away. Don't use it around the machine in case of over spray. I spray it on the stablilizer and then lay the material on it and flatten it out good and then hoop it. When I embroider my husbands carhart jackets I use a heavy weight stabilizer that is already sticky. What you do with that is hoop the stabilizer and then tear away the paper to expose the sticky side of the stabilizer and then you just press the part of the coat you want to embroider onto it. It is sticky like contact paper would be. It works great becaue you cannot hoop his jacket and the sticky spray does not hold as well. I also use water soluible clear stabilzer for towels and that way when your design is done the towels fabric does not stick up out of the design and the stabilizer melts away as soon as it gets wet. I hope this helps you Butter Cream. It is a lot of fun but, it really is just trial and error and try try again. I have broke needles, ruined jackets, lost designs, used the wrong stabilzer, had designs come out crooked but, the more you do the better you get. Stick with it. I love it. My daughter has some cool looking denim jackets and jeans and no one else has any like em. Good Luck I hope when I screw up the quilt you will help me. :D