Type of Stabilizer

Used for

Tear-Away

Light to medium weight woven fabrics

• Typically used on cottons, canvas, satin and corduroy.
• Usually considered a light weight, soft stabilizer, though does come in several thicknesses.
• If using a large filled design (ie lots of stitching) it is recommended to use two layers of tear-away to improve stabilization. I personally use two layers most of the time.
• On completion of design slowly and firmly tear away stabilizer as opposed to pulling too quickly.
• Redwork and some appliqués may only require one layer of stabilizer.

Cutaway

Stretchy, unstable fabrics

• Typically used for knits, fleece, stretch denim, velvet, toweling, corduroy.
• Considered a medium weight stabilizer.
• If using a larger filled design, it might be necessary to use two layers of cutaway.
• Need to cut away excess stabilizer upon completion of stitching, leaving at least half an inch around the outer design area.
• Do not use on sheer fabrics or fabrics where the stabilizer may show through on the front of the fabric.

Iron-On

Most fabrics – especially lightweight fabrics

• A paper based stabilizer which has a waxy-like film that you iron onto the back of the fabric.
• Can be used in combination with a layer of tear-away if you require further stabilization.
• Helps ensure proper hooping.
• Excess can be carefully torn away or peeled off upon completion of stitching.
• Try to avoid iron-ons with too much glue which will gunk up a needle and cause stitching problems.

Water-Soluble

Freestanding lace designs and as a topping on toweling, corduroy, velvet and knits

• Can be used on top of or underneath fabrics.
• Good to use on top of toweling to ensure fabric nap does not poke through embroidery designs.
• Good for intricate designs where it is impractical to tear away or cut away a stabilizer.
• Excess washes away in water.

Sticky-Backed Stabilizer

Fabric or quilts that can’t be hooped

• Sticky on one side (and covered by protective sheeting).
• Typically used where fabric can’t be hooped including quilts, shirt collars, cuffs, socks.
• Place stabilizer in hoop with sticky side up and place fabric on top of hoop/hooped stabilizer.

Heat Removable

Fabrics/projects that cannot be washed and delicate fabrics

• Removed with the application of heat.
• Use only on fabrics that will not burn.

Spray Adhesives

Appliqué designs and multi-hooped designs; any fabric where hoop marks may show.

• Multi-hooped embroidery designs or anywhere that a stabilizer cannot be used.
• Can combine spray adhesive with a stabilizer.