How to choose right stabilizer for embroidery on different types of fabric.
Very often we come across of dilemma: how to choose right stabilizer. What are stabilizers? What are types of stabilizers? Why we need them? We have covered these questions and other useful information in post Embroidery Backings & Toppings Stabilizers.
The wrong stabilizer could be one of the possible reasons for defects, which could affect the exterior of fabric.
Below, we have created the table with information about how to choose right stabilizer for different types of material. It could be very helpful to you on, especially in the beginning. It helps you to come up with some stabilizer before you start embroidery. And then, by trying different fabrics and stabilizers, you will have right match fabric – stabilizer.
Of course, stabilizer should be chosen based on material properties: thickness, density, quality, etc.
General recommendations are the following: as the fabric is thicker and denser, as lighter stabilizer you should use. And vice versa. In 99.9% of the job, you will need only one coat of good quality stabilizer, if you choose the right one.
Below, you will see most popular types of fabric, and recommended stabilizers accordingly:
Fabric | Backing | Topping |
Acrylic | Cut Away | |
Acetate | Cut Away | |
Velours | Glue Tear Away (“Filmoplast”), Heat Removable (“Termogaze”). | |
Velvet | TearAway for high-density Velvet, CutAway for thin Velvet | |
Vinyl | Tear Away | |
Felt | Cut Away | |
Gabardine | Cut Away | |
Gauze | DenseSoluble | Soluble |
Jersey | Cut Away or Adhesive | |
Jeans | TearAway or don’t use at all | |
Chamois leather | CutAway for thin leather, TearAway for thick leather | |
Fake fur | Tear Away | Soluble |
Damask | Cut Away | |
Leather | CutAway for thin leather, TearAway For thick leather | |
Lycra | Spunbond | |
Linen | Cut Away with glue for temporary fixation | |
Terrycloth | Cut Away or Tear Away, | Soluble |
Muslin | Cut Away with glue for temporary fixation | |
Nylon | GlueTearAway (“Filmoplast”), HeatRemovable (“Termogaze”). Top quality Tear Away | |
3d jersey | Cut Away with glue for temporary fixation | |
Organdy | CutAway with glue | |
Organza | Water soluble high quality Tear Away | |
Sailcloth | TearAway for thick material, CutAway for thin | |
Brocade | Tear Away | |
Percale | Cut Away | |
Piqué, or marcella | Cut Away | Soluble |
Plush | Glue Tear Away (“Filmoplast”). | |
Poplin | TearAwayor CutAway depends on density. | |
Sateen | CutAway with temporary fixation glue or glueTearAway (“Filmoplast”) | |
Spandex | CutAway with glue for temporary fixation or glue TearAway (“Filmoplast”), spunbond | |
Tweed (cloth) | Cut Away | |
Knitwear (T-Shirts) | CutAway , TearAway, spun bondorAdhesive, depending on knitwear quality | |
Flannel | Cut Away | |
Fleece | Cut Away | |
Canvas | TearAway or without stabilizer | |
Silk | Tear Away | |
Chiffon | Tear Away |
Please, be aware, all information in the table – the only RECOMMENDATION how to choose right stabilizer and not the RULE.
In conclusion, I would like to advice: each embroiderer MUST have Cutaway, Tear away, Adhesive and Soluble embroidery stabilizers.