Search here...
TOP
Embroidery Tips & Techniques Uncategorized Wearables

Stabilizer Experiment

2016-07-30_16-41-18Normally, I use fuse polymesh stabilizer to the wrong side of the design area to stabilize knit fabrics. But recently, I was working on a couple of knit skirts. The brown one, shown above, is an a-line skirt and easily slips over the hip. I used polymesh cut-away stabilizer on it with satisfactory results. The second skirt, a pretty avocado green is more fitted. I really needed to keep the stretch of the skirt so it could slip over the hip. I opted to use Piece & Stitch  wash-away tear-away stabilizer instead of my usual cut-away.2016-07-30_17-06-54

As you can see, the stitches are lovely, they sit nicely on the fabric without a ripple.

2016-07-30_16-57-18

This Piece & Stitch wash-away tear-away stabilizer breaks down in water leaving soft fibers in the embroidered stitches and practically vanishing from other areas. And I was thrilled with the results. The stitches are gorgeous and after laundering, the skirt has not lost any stretch.  As a bonus it’s so comfortable to wear because the remaining stabilizer is very soft.

Do not confuse Piece & Stitch wash-away tear-away stabilizer with a water-soluble stabilizer. Water soluble stabilizer means it dissolves and disappears in water. Wash-away tear-away means it breaks down in water, like tissue paper, leaving no gummy residue.  2016-07-30_16-57-43

It’s good for many uses but not a substitute for water soluble, so don’t try to make lace with it!  Normally, I use it for piecing quilt blocks in the hoop but now it’s my go-to stabilizer for stable knits.

«

»

12 COMMENTS

  • Dottie K

    Interesting and helpful info. Thanks.

  • Lynda Case

    Thanks for telling us about this stabilizer.

  • Annette

    Who makes it and where do you buy it?

  • Gaill Beam

    Thank you for the tip for stitching on knits with this stabilizer.

  • Susan Shamekh

    is anyone familiar with the Janome Memory Craft 270? Is it a good embroidery machine? I have wanted to buy a machine for a long time and this one was recommended to me. I can’t find much information on-line?

    • Susan Shamekh

      Sorry the model Number is 370

  • Betsy

    Eileen. Love your blog. So many helpful tips. Thanks.
    Can you share where you got the design you put on the skirts? It’s just too cute.

  • dawn g

    Getting ready to embroider for first time on baby onesies. Would Piece & Stitch be a good stabilizer to use so as to keep underside embroidery stitches SOFT for babies skin?

  • Cathie Paski

    what designs were you using. They are beautiful!

  • lucinda

    can it b used on towels?, and thank u for the information.

  • Bruce

    Thank you for the tip with this stabilizer.

    Bruce, https://www.printavo.com