The design is too heavy for the fabric.

When I first started I thought if I only stabilized enough then all would be well. Later, I went to a great seminar by Dini of "Momo-Dini" and she showed how she embroiders on nearly anything, but she makes sure the design is right for the fabric, not the other way around.

I would decrease the density and use a light weight cutaway.

Also be careful not to stretch the fabric when you hoop it.

I'm not sure. I couldn't find anything specific regarding the stuff that I have. I asked here last night, but didn't get much response.

Do you have a Hancock Fabrics nearby? They have Sulky Embroidery stabilizers. Also sewing machine shops that sell embroidery machines usually have it. Hope this helps.

Here's what I think I've learned from your tips:

1) Interfacing is not stabilizer
2) I don't know what stabilizer looks/feels like
3) I was using a pattern that is too dense for the fabric I used
4) I had the fabric pulled too tight in the hoop

Does this sound about right? :)

Good summary! Call this project a "class". That's what I do when I don't quite get it right.

If you are shopping at JoAnn's, they often have the stabilizer in a different place from the interfacing. Note: I have used interfacing in a pinch. Stabilizer should hold the fabric just enough so that the stitches don't warp the fabric, but should not stiffen the fabric so much the outline of the stabilizer shows.

Like I said, a design that fits the fabric is truly the way to go, but there is a learning curve to get that right.

Also, it's ok to break the rules if it comes out the way you want it to. :)

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ProjectInstructions.aspx

This site has a lot of instructions on how to do various projects. I learned a lot by looking at the different projects.

It may seem wasteful but on almost everything I double my stabilizer unless I am using a heavyweight cutaway. Most stabilizer companies have a sample package that shows their line of stabilizers in small cuts and what each one does. I know Florianni has one and so does OESD.

mltquilt

One, or all contributed to your problem. Here is some info on stabilizers I found for you.

http://www.windstarembroidery.com/em...le=Stabilizers

When you have very dense embroidery, you use more layers. A large zig zag does like to tunnel It seems to be best to use too much stabalizer than too little. Steam it and see if that will improve the appearance.

I don't know why I never thought of it, but I guess that using two layers of stabilizer works about as well as a heavier product. (Just in case it is late and night and you don't want to go find a different product.) Try using two and make sure that both the stabilizer and the fabric are nice and taut in the hoop. You are going to have soooooo much fun!