Which Stabilizer Do I Need for My Digitizing Embroidery Project?

Stabilizers are necessary when embroidering. They support the fabric, preventing it from stretching and distorting with the pressure of the needle. The stabilizer can be cut to fit in any hoop or frame. Try using water-soluble stabilizers when working with dark fabrics as they wash out easily with water. If this post spurred your interest and you want to find out more about embroiderydigitizing, please feel free to contact us.

There are different types of embroidery stabilizers, and we'll explain the pros and cons of three popular options. This way, you can compare them and check which one suits your needs.

Notched embroidery stabilizer

These stabilizers strengthen the fabric as you stitch the design. Once you're done, you simply use a pair of scissors to cut off the excess.

Advantages of the notched Embroidery stabilizer

The cutting stabilizer is the most durable type of embroidery backing. They will always ensure that your stitches are secure and together. These items will always be a part of your outfit.

Even if they are sturdy, you can use cutting stabilizers on any fabric.

If you place the cut-open stabilizer correctly, it will keep your stitches in place forever. These stabilizers are ideal for long-term projects.

These backs are excellent for knitwear: Stabilizers will maintain the original look of the embroidery piece and prevent it from stretching.

Disadvantages of notched embroidery stabilizer

You can never completely remove the stabilizer. The only thing you can do is cut off the excess after stitching the design.

You must be careful to remove excess and not cut areas inside the design. The stabilizer must remain in place for the life of the fabric.

Some models are available only in black and white. As we said, you can't cut open areas in your design. This means the stabilizers are more visible than you'd like.

Tear embroidery stabilizer

These stabilizers are removed naturally. Once the design is spliced, you only need to find or cut an open end. Grab the stabilizer through the open end and tear it apart. It's simple but effective!

The advantages of tearing embroidery stabilizer

You can use rip stabilizer in almost any fabric. After stitching the design, you can remove excess backing very quickly.

These stabilizers support a large number of stitches. They are ideal for large projects.

The procedure is simple. Rip stabilizer is easy to use and remove. These elements will make your workflow more agile.

If there are any traces that can't be removed, don't worry! These fragments will disappear after you clean the item several times.

You can layer these stabilizers if you need extra strength. Remember to remove the layer separately at the end.

Lacerate the shortcomings of embroidery stabilizer

You should not use tear stabilizers on knitwear, elastic fabrics, or very see-through clothing. In the process of removal, you may destroy your work.

Narrow open areas of the design may be difficult to remove. If you do not remove the stabilizer from the area without any stitches, the backing will be visible.

These stabilizers are not as safe as cut-type stabilizers. Therefore, your design will be less stable.

Some tear stabilizers can be removed more naturally in certain directions. It's important to know this before the resistance of the backing affects your work.

Rinse type embroidery stabilizer

Water soluble stabilizers are also known as rinse stabilizers. Both terms are very descriptive. These stabilizers will remain behind the stitches until you clean the garment. You can dissolve them by adding water.

Advantages of water - washed embroidery stabilizer

These backs are ideal for projects where the fabric is not easily marked. You can draw on the stabilizer as much as you like: once water is added, the drawing disappears.

Flush stabilizers are perfect for projects that don't have any support once completed. The stabilizer will disappear completely.

If you are making freestanding lace with an embroidery machine, these stabilizers are perfect for you.

Disadvantages of rinse type embroidery stabilizer

After the stabilizer is removed, there is nothing to hold your sutures together. Unlike cut-type stabilizers, flush-type stabilizers do not contribute to durability. In addition, the stabilizers themselves are not as strong as other stabilizers.

You should not use these stabilizers in fabrics that are not washable.

This backing does not support as many designs as cutting or ripping stabilizers. You must pay great attention to your design choices.

How to choose embroidery stabilizer?

Before choosing an embroidery stabilizer, you should consider three main factors: fabric, embroidery design, and back appearance.

Fabric

Your stabilizer must be complementary to the fabric you are using. If you are using an unwashable cloth, you should not choose a washable stabilizer. If you sew on knitwear, you should not use a tear backing.

To ensure that there are no problems, check the stabilizer instructions before using it on your project.

Embroidery design

High quality digital embroidery design is always the key to success. A good digitizer always adds some layer as a base support for the stitch.

For designs with a high needle count, you will need a heavy-duty stabilizer. These variables are proportional: the more needles, the heavier the stabilizer must be.

You should also check the design for blank areas for stitches. For these situations, you must choose a stabilizer that can be easily removed.

Back appearance

The appearance of the front and back of the embroidered cloth is different. For some stitches, such as freestanding lace, the back aspect is very important. In these cases, you should always choose a stabilizer that can be removed completely (such as a rinse stabilizer).

Consider these three aspects before choosing an embroidery stabilizer. In any case, our recommendation is always to test the stabilizer before stitching the final design.