Using Stabilizers with an Embroidery Machine

We’re thrilled to bring you more information on the who, what, where, why, and hows of using stabilizers to bring your machine embroidery projects to life! This information is coming from a machine embroidery pro and EverSewn Advisory Board member, Marcie Brenner. Marcie runs an extremely helpful Facebook page for owners of the Sparrow X and Sparrow X2 machines. Note that this Facebook page is not directly affiliated with the EverSewn brand and functions as an open community resource for those interested in machine embroidery on the Sparrow X and Sparrow X2.

As the availability of reasonably priced home embroidery machines has increased, so has the selection of related supplies. Manufacturers have created items specifically for machine embroidery. One of the most notable of these products are stabilizers. Stabilizers are used to support the fabric when being embroidered. Stabilizers are not the same as interfacing; they serve two very different functions. Interfacings are used in garment or craft construction and are to remain in the project permanently. Interfacings are not engineered to maintain their integrity under dense stitching and are no longer recommended for machine embroidery nor are coffee filters or paper towels. Stabilizers are reduced to the embroidered area after stitchout or removed entirely, are stable in all directions, provide equal support throughout, and are available in different weights, removal methods, and specialty purposes.

Why does the type of stabilizer matter?

 One stabilizer will not meet the needs of all embroidery situations; it is wise to have a selection of several different types on hand to be able to test which will be appropriate. The choice of stabilizer can greatly affect the outcome of the stitchout. Stitch formation might be compromised or the bobbin thread can jam the machine if the correct stabilizer is not used. Stabilizer is used in both floating and hooping the medium to be embroidered; it is placed in the hoop in both cases.

The heavier the item is, the heavier the stabilizer should be and you can layer stabilizer perpendicularly. When doing a dense stitchout it is appropriate to add additional stabilizer in that area.  The needle is punching thousands of holes into a small area, more thread is being laid down, and so more support is needed. It can be applied after a partially completed design by stopping the machine, removing the hoop and securing it to the backside with adhesive.

Types of Stabilizer

There are various types of stabilizers and they can be broken into many groups:

Method of Removal:  Cutaway, Tear-Away, Washout, or Heat

Method of Application:  Non-Sticky and Sticky

Location: In the Hoop, on Top of the Project or the Underside

The fabrication and use will determine the appropriate stabilizer. You can find many excellent, comprehensive resources online. Listed below are just a few suggestions:

Knits or Stretch Fabrics: Use Non-Sticky or Sticky Cutaway, Tear-Away tears under pressure. Trim Cutaway ¼” from embroidery.

Sheer Washable Fabrics: Hoop Washout, low stitch count design

Lightweight and White Fabrics, Baby Clothes: No Show Mesh, it’s soft and strong

Pile Fabrics (Toweling, Fleece, Velvet, Sweatshirts):  Hoop appropriate stabilizer, float fabric as thicker fabrics can break a hoop and pin in place, use Topper (Washout or Heat removed) to prevent stitches sinking in

Freestanding Lace:  Hoop heavy film or paper-like stabilizer

Quilting: Use a batting for embroidery machines

Protective Cover-the-Back fusible: permanent stabilizer used to cover the embroidery stitches from sensitive skin

A few other tips and tricks

When using spray adhesive be sure to cover the computer interface on the hoop. Covering the computer interface with adhesive will prevent your machine from recognizing the hoop.

When using a sticky stabilizer be sure to place in the hoop with the paper side up. Then score the paper with small scissors around the hoop edge and an X from the corners to then peel back the paper to expose the stabilizer. 

It’s almost always a good idea to use a basting box to secure layers. A basting box is a simple way to tack your fabric and stabilizer together and helps the overall stability of your embroidery project.

Be sure to use an embroidery needle sized to the project, fabric, and stitch count.

We hope this article has helped you feel confident in choosing the correct stabilizer for your machine embroidery project! Please tag EverSewn in your project photos. We love to see what you make!