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As always, we attempt to keep
our customers notified of the most recent, continual improvements
in both new products & techniques. We offer the following
information, in addition to our other lessons, proven results
& recommendations; we would like to share our updates to our
latest stabilizer information & findings.
First, there are many variables
in machine embroidery, machine tensions (top and bobbin
thread), type of thread, type of needle, machine speeds, stitch/design
density, hooping techniques & the hoop tension on the fabric,
with proper digitizing being the most important variable.
Don’t fall into the pitfall of over
stabilization, for reasons of bulk, drape-ability & expense
or using the wrong product for the job at hand. Digitizing
and poor stitch quality results [i.e. fabric puckering, off
outlines, design warping, etc.] are not solved with added layers
of backing. Over stabilization can cause as many problems
as under stabilizing! Testing your designs with like fabric
and various stabilizers cannot be stressed enough! See our lesson
on testing your embroidery designs and methods.
The stabilizers in the Perfectly
Stable line are the highest quality backings and we know that
you will agree.
Second, each material has variance.
Some knits stretch more than others, as do nylons, fleeces etc.
The weight if the fabric, quality, density & size of the design
must be entered into the equation.
Third, the quality, density & size
of the design are of utmost importance when considering the
fabric & backing!
Cut away vs Tear away Stabilizers
The chances are that you will get
better, long term, support with a cutaway than a tear away.
Cut aways are usually denser, with a slightly longer fiber,
therefore, able to grasp & hold the thread easier. On
somewhat unstable materials, we would recommend the use of a
cut away for most applications where the project equations include
unstable fabric, dense or minimal quality design.
We recommend a "soft" cutaway on
apparel. On caps, vinyl, stable nylon, and other like
items one can and probably should use a tear away. If
it is an apparel item to be worn (except caps) we recommend
a "soft" tear away.
If you detest the job of trimming
the excess backing when the job is finished, we recommend our
fusible tear away.
Keeping “next to skin” garments soft !
Maintaining the hand of the fabric
is an important consideration when choosing both backing & a
design! Think of your project much like a math equation
- each part of the equation will vary depending on the other
part/s of each “problem”, or the project at hand. If you
are working on a project that will be worn next to the skin
[Ex: a t-shirt, sweatshirt, shirt weight denim, challis, etc.]
the fabric hand is the first consideration. The 2nd part
of that equation is to select a design that is not too dense
for the fabric it will be stitched on. The 3rd part of
the equation is to select the correct stabilizer that will stabilize
the fabric, but not change the hand of the fabric and will support
the chosen design.
For Knits, in general ~ Piques,
knits, T-shirts and sweatshirts
Thread Artist have always recommended
a fusible for knit fabrics!
The best choice on a knit, especially
a lightweight or colored knit, or sheer, woven fabric is a fusible
product.
for Towels or other fabrics that
you don’t want to hoop !
Very often you will run into a project
that the fabric would be marred by hoop mark, We chose
the tear away style of this product, as it is the easiest to
remove when the project is finished.
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