Embroidering can be as simple as picking up a piece of fabric, threading a needle with embroidery floss, and stitching. And that easy method works for many projects! But sometimes taking a few extra steps can make the experience more pleasant, improve results, and reduce the chance of mistakes. Adding a stabilizer to your work is one of those steps.
There are few times when you absolutely must use a stabilizer because, in most situations, it's possible to do without. But on the flip side, there are many times when using a stabilizer will make a big difference!
Below we'll show you various stabilizer types and guide you on when to use them.
Types of Stabilizers
There are a few basic types of stabilizers, and some of them come in different weights. Each stabilizer will typically list the most appropriate usage on the package, but you can try a few and see what you like best for the project you're working on.
Fusible - Fusible stabilizer (called interfacing) is most common with sewing projects, but it's great for standard embroidery. You iron it on the wrong side of the fabric before stitching and it remains on the back of your work after finishing.
Cut-Away - Cut-away stabilizer, commonly used with machine embroidery, is also good for hand embroidery on stretchy fabrics. Baste or hoop it in place on the wrong side of the fabric before stitching. The stabilizer under your embroidery remains; you'll cut away an excess after you're done.
Tear-Away - Tear-away stabilizer is similar to cut-away; this stabilizer is great when your fabric needs a bit of support as you stitch. Some tear-away stabilizers are fusible—you'll apply them to the front of the fabric. Unlike standard fusible and cut-away, you remove tear-away stabilizer when finished.
Water-Soluble - Water-soluble stabilizer is temporary like tear-away, but instead of tearing away the material, the stabilizer dissolves in water. It's useful for marking a pattern, but you can use it on the back of your work as well.
When and Why You Should Use Stabilizer
Stretchy Fabrics - Working with stretchy fabrics is the most common reason people reach for a stabilizer. Using a stabilizer on knits or other stretchy fabrics prevents your embroidery from becoming distorted as you stitch. It's almost always a requirement when stitching on t-shirts; for these projects, you can use a temporary stabilizer. However, if your embroidery work will go through the wash frequently, you may want to consider leaving the stabilizer in place for more support.
Thin or Light-Colored Fabrics - If you've ever embroidered on a semi-sheer or light fabric, you might have seen the back of your work when finished. Using a stabilizer can fix that problem. The extra layer, even if a lightweight stabilizer, prevents your work from showing through. Redwork is a perfect example of a project that requires a stabilizer, as the dark-colored floss will show through the white fabric. A permanent stabilizer is a good choice for this kind of craft.
Lightweight Fabrics - When embroidering on lightweight fabrics, the stitches will sometimes pull at the material, resulting in a fabric that puckers a bit when it comes out of the hoop. Adding a stabilizer makes the fabric more stable (the stitches are less likely to pull at the fabric). Use a permanent stabilizer in this situation, as long as it won't interfere with your project's quality.
Loose-Weave Fabrics - Some fabrics, such as linen or osnaburg, can have space between the fibers, making it trickier to stitch smooth lines of embroidery because you have limited places to bring the needle and thread through. Stabilizer creates a hidden structure that acts like a tight weave on the back of your work. Use a permanent stabilizer so the stitches don't shift when you're done.
The Bottom Line
Stabilizer is rarely essential, but it's often worth using to make your stitching easier.
Keeping some mid-weight fusible stabilizer or interfacing on hand will ensure that you're ready to tackle any project that needs a bit of support from this helpful supply!