Machine Embroidery Tips: Which Type of Stabilizer Do I Use for my Embroidery?

[@mileyondisney5588]

Just so your viewers understand, the water-soluble stabilizer would be used on top of fabrics like terry or velour that have a nap to them. This prevents the embroidery from sinking down into it where you can't see it anymore. It's also used for FSL (free-standing lace). There is the clear kind, like the one used in the video and there is another one that looks like Bounce dryer sheets (which is much better for FSL). Thanks for another great video! I learned a lot.

[@lindatodd7904]

Thanks so much for this. I'm new to machine embroidery, and didn't know about the importance of using spray adhesive. Also, I didn't know not to pull off water soluable stabilizer, but wash off instead. I've got a steep learning curve, but it's been an adventure! I appreciate your taking the time to make this video.

[@megb945]

Thanks for he tutorial. I am just beginning and looking for all the info I can absorb before my machine arrives. Your voice is very pleasant to listen to as well and your calm methodology makes for a great experience.

[@steveburgess3658]

wow me rn lol

[@emilylee1867]

How to set the timer on a mb4 sewing machine

[@heathersoule7835]

thank you ! first time user here! you made this look so much easier than what people have been saying ! not so worried about trying my new machine now !!

[@mrsphenomenalcreations1343]

I love your tutorials. I'm new to embroidery and your tutorials are very helpful... thank you

[@KnotsKneedles]

You're welcome! I hope you're liking embroidery and continue with it. :) It's quite fun once you get the hang of it.

[@Baywinds2]

Very informative demo. Thanks for making it so simple and not intimidating for beginners. There are so many stabilizers out there. This was a great start. Will definitely be checking into your others

[@KnotsKneedles]

Stabilizer helps keep the design from puckering, and is needed on softer fabrics. The only fabrics the don't need a stabilizer would be heavier fabric such as felt. I hope this helps.

[@deniseosborne62]

Thank you for this video. I love how streamlined your information is.

[@KnotsKneedles]

Thank you. And the learning curve isn't that steep, you will discover it's not as intimidating as it seems, and half the fun is exploring all the exciting things you can do with machine embroidery. I'm glad the video was helpful, and good luck with your new adventure. :)

[@sothathappened]

Thank you very much for sharing this information!

[@dance4joy2001]

thank you for explaining the stablizers. This brother se 400 seems intimatidating to me, but your videos are helping me to understand better than the instructions.

[@churhpark1126]

Thank you, your demonstration was very useful, it was clear and easy to understand! Thank you

[@verrado1439]

Awesome video, thanks! One thing for future videos....the word is taut, not taunt! I will look forward to more videos from you, and thanks again!

[@tonimiller4340]

That is a mistake that many people make on their videos and elsewhere.

[@Two_Bluebirds]

Thank you so much for this! Very useful information. God bless

[@KnotsKneedles]

I don't have a definitive answer for this. I generally have mine between 3 and 4 on a Brother SE 400, but there are many factors that affect sewing on knits fabric. Your needle (ballpoint is suggested) thread, type of machine, and how well your fabric is hooped. Knits should not be stretched in the hoop so it is important to use an adhesive type stabilizer or temporary spray adhesive (this helps to keep the fabric from stretching and moving during embroidery. I hope this helps you. :)

[@vickyls8132]

Bonnie, thanks a million! I'm brand new to embroidering on my new Brother PE770. Happy Retirement to me! I found this video today and thanks to you, I'm now going to cancel my $25 class that I signed up for at Cr. D. in San Antonio! I was actually using small pieces of stabilizers to save money...now I know why I shouldn't! I tried my first towel on Christmas Eve and cried! LOL.

[@KnotsKneedles]

Hang in there! There is a lot to learn! I am still learning myself. Sewing and embroidery have a broad learning curve, so don't give up! Keep trying, and practicing. You'll get it!! (without the tears, LOL)

[@marysummers367]

I like your videos!!!, just one question, I am new doing this and I don't know what thread to get, I know they are a lot, and I don't know which one to get, which one do you use, or where do you get it? I have a brother machine too!!!! Thanks!

[@paulinesaens9677]

Thank you for the information. I always had questions which one to use now I know.

[@darlenenelson215]

Thank you it's nice to rewatch this and get it reinforced in my mind😊

[@IndianDigitizer]

Very good video - simple and to the point.

[@KnotsKneedles]

You can use any standard Embroidery thread (40wt) There are rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, etc. It's really a matter of preference, and the type of design you are working on, and the effect you want to create. I usually use Sulky, but have used generic brands too. You just need to try some, and see which ones you like. :)

[@Sarafromct911]

I loved your video I wish you had time for the iron on. that's what I'm looking to get into but I'm not sure the whole process. Do you have videos on iron on patches

[@Sclgilles12]

Hi! I am totally new to sewing, I am an artist, newly divorced, happy , safe and inspired for the first time in 20 years,! I'm obsessed with monogram and embroidery , I bought a Brother Project Runway sewing machine,don't know how to thread, YET..what is the best machine for xl monograms yet user friendly? Love your videos! Lot to learn! I subscribed!

[@brians4537]

Great video! Very thoughtful.

[@KnotsKneedles]

Glad you liked it!

[@KnotsKneedles]

I would suggest always using stabilizer except when embroidering on heavier fabric such as felt or corduroy, etc.

[@cherylpeters8466]

You know what I used for cutaway stabilizer, was a used fabric sheet and it worked great.

[@KnotsKneedles]

Cheryl Peters Brilliant!

[@lkwerdehausen7375]

How did you attach the used fabric sheet to your target fabric?

[@KnotsKneedles]

I assume you mean rubber backed curtains? I have not tried to embroider on any rubber backed fabric, so I can't tell you what stabilizer to use, or if you need one at all, since it is a thicker fabric. I don't understand your question about the special foot. If you are using an embroidery machine, you would be using your embroidery attachment, embroidery hoop, and embroidery foot that came with your machine. If you are talking about free motion embroidery, you would use a quilting foot.

[@KnotsKneedles]

I'm sorry but I haven't embroidered on a tie before. I would think that you would need to use a temporary spray adhesive. I am not sure about the stabilizer type with a silk tie, since water soluble stabilizer would need to be rinsed off. Sorry I can't be of more help. Thanks for visiting our Channel.

[@9thd4z]

thank you for the tut...on Stabilizers......appreciate!

[@phyllis26red]

Thank you for sharing that help me a lot.

[@mskaykrafts]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I have so much to learn...Claudene

[@visnee8333]

This is great thank you. What kind of stabilizer would be needed when embroidering felt?

[@KnotsKneedles]

Felt is thick enough that you may not need any stabilizer. Generally the thicker the fabric the thinner the stabilizer, or the the lighter the fabric, the heavier stabilizer is used. I hope that helps. Thank you for visiting our channel.

[@zoegirlshalom]

Thank you so much, you have cleared up all the confusion for me!

[@bebs0647]

Hi Bonnie what stabilizer i have to use if i want to embroider in cardstock that are heavy weight? Thanks for the video

[@KnotsKneedles]

Bebs 06 I have never done embroidery on paper, but I would think that you wouldn't need any stabilizer, since the cardstock would support the stitches.

[@FamilystoreRoss]

please help me , i have sunblock rubber backed curtails i want to add design what stabizer would you use . also do need to use any special foot or needle

[@mrschevymom53]

Suggestion since you are spraying the stablizer why dont you cut only what you need and save waste

[@bethhorack3502]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@Airmaiden63]

I have to say I freaked out when you spayed the adhesive right over work area and ruler!! I would suggest a box to spray in and keep over spray away from gumming up your work area

[@KnotsKneedles]

+Airmaiden63 It really hasn't been a problem, but thanks for the suggestion. :) I will keep it in mind on future projects.

[@blschafer4310]

Definitely. After a few weeks of using that stuff, it was all over everything. And NOT the easiest to get off, either. Always spray in a box.

[@md2992]

where is your tension set when embroidering with knits?

[@oddyy70]

Thank you so muchhhhh!!!. I just received a brother se 400 as a gift from a friend of mine.and I've been looking in you tube videos and x my opinion you are the best.please can u do a video regarding a pes and how download from computer to the machine.thank u again x your time and x share your knowledge with us

[@dianaenglebrick8667]

Most of the you tube I see they say don't use the temp spray it will gum up your machine. I even heard that from Baby Lock when I bought my Destiny 11.

[@KnotsKneedles]

I have not had any issues with my machine. I use it lightly, and clean my needle with alcohol. It's a personal choice and if you have an expensive machine, you may not be willing to take the risk. It's a personal choice, and there are other options. But thanks for your thoughts.

[@odessashekar9684]

Try Terial Magic! Sprays on, stabilizes even in embroidery machines, and rinses out. No traditional backing needed or left in finished product.

[@rlmorrison46]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. I am new to the embroidery world and wow does is there a lot to learn....this stabilizer for that fabric YIKES...lol, thats ok, just like everything else, its a learning process and i learned from your videos, thank you.

[@jbd9507]

Is it necessary to use a spray adhesive? Isn't the stabilizer enough when hooped with fabric to stay in place? Thank you, your video is very helpful.

[@UniNetwork]

if I wanted to embroider initials or short names on a cotton polo or t shirt sleeve, what do you advise? also, what about on the sides a twill baseball cap? thx

[@janeparsons4718]

thank you

[@RAE5558]

Madiera's Cotton Fx is another... makes 5 for me now. PELLON probably has its own version but need to investigate it.. Love how you explain. Tks!

[@mastergardener2000]

thank you this was helpful :)

[@ClouserB]

Thank you - that was informative!

[@belindasmith8790]

I did bead embroidery on a chiffon scarf. What type of stabilizer should I have used on the backing. I realized the bead stitches could have used a stabilizer after I had sewn a 5 ft hip scarf to be worn over a skirt. Now I am going to fuse a lining over it to secure all the stitches. The intricate design is on the bottom edge of the scarf and would flip over as I walked. So I'm covering the stiches. Any stabilizer suggestions for the next time?

[@beachrobin]

Thank you for your videos, they are very helpful! I just received my Brother SE400 and am afraid I might outgrow it quickly, but can't afford to go higher!! Anyway, one question. Today while trying out the embroidery I did not use the temp adhesive, I just laid the fabric over the stabilizer and then hooped. It seemed to work fine, but am I supposed to use the temp adhesive? Thanks!

[@KnotsKneedles]

That's great if it worked for you, but just be aware that there is the potential for the fabric or stabilizer to shift, and created puckering. :)

[@beachrobin]

***** I will be buying the adhesive when I get somewhere to buy it, I just didn't know until I saw your video. Thanks!

[@kellywilliams529]

What happens to the spray on adhesive? How do you remove it?

[@Sharon2426]

Do you need to cover the whole piece with stabilizer sense you're only stitching a small area , Do you use any of the stabilizer that you cutaway for another project.Thanks

[@ellenroddy4465]

Nice to know. Have you ever done a sweatshirt on the SE400?

[@KnotsKneedles]

+Ellen Roddy No I haven't tried any embroidery on a sweatshirt. But I'm sure it would be fine, as long as the embroidery design isn't too dense.

[@UniNetwork]

what happens if you don't use a stabilizer at all? also, for just small letters, does it also need stabilizer? like say like 3-8 letters of the smallest font on the SE400? using the 1x2.5 inch hoop or something, can/should that be done without stabilizer? thx

[@nanna1962]

I am just starting to learn embroidery & was looking to find info to help, I have so much to learn,, but so thankful for your video,, it help clear up a lot of questions I already had before I start on my first piece, I never knew about using a spray on it 1st , so this has helped a lot in just 1 video,, as I am wanting to use embroidery in quilting, what stabilizer would you recommend to be best for that,,Thanks so much for your video & I subscribed so I can keep learning,

[@KnotsKneedles]

Nancy Hall Thank you. You would probably want to use a lightweight self stice tear away or cut away stabilizer. If your quilt is washable, another alternative would be vilene water soluble stabilizer. You may need to do some test quilt squares to see which works best with your chosen fabric.

[@melarky]

Thanks, that helps!

[@KnotsKneedles]

I'm sorry but, I have not worked with iron on at this point, but it may be something I look into in the future. :)

[@ivannapavliuk2199]

Can you use temporary adhesive with water solubale stabilizers?

[@scottapriliana]

Can I use any kind of adhesive like Quilt Basting Spray one?

[@KnotsKneedles]

April Scott Any type of temporary spray adhesive for fabric should work.

[@scottapriliana]

Alright.. Thank you :)

[@billsalvey]

April Scott just make sure you have a window open when you spray it...last time i sprayed that stuff i almost hit the floor...

[@janetmckinney2487]

what would be better for onesies?

[@xiyuanliu1196]

The information is so helpful! Do you know what would be the best stabilizer to use when embroidering on gauze? (Yes, I mean gauze for medical use)

[@KnotsKneedles]

+Xiyuan Liu I'm not sure, but I would treat like you would chiffon I think. So probably a water soluble stabilizer (maybe a self adhesive one). You can use a cut away stabilizer but you would see through the gauze, and see the remaining stabilizer after cutting it away. You may need to just experiment. :) and see which works best for your project.

[@xiyuanliu1196]

+tlcinspirations Thank you so much for your reply! Will the needle size matter? I read a post mentions 70-90 ballpoint needle would be best.

[@xiyuanliu1196]

+tlcinspirations Sorry, I meant 75/11-90/14 ball point needle

[@NGinuity]

Do you need to use a stabilizer for naugahyde? (Vinyl that mimics thin leather)

[@kimt2au]

Why do you spray the fabric rather than applying the adhesive to the stabilizer? If it was on the stabilizer then surely you would get adhesive on a smaller amount of fabric. Do you find that having your implements and hoops around when you spray the adhesive you get a build up of overspray that needs to be cleaned off?

[@KnotsKneedles]

You can apply the adhesive spray however you like. I have not had any issues at all with over spray on my sewing equipment. I keep the spray close, and confined to the area I am working on. You can use self adhesive stabilizer and avoid the spray, if that is a concern. Self sticking stabilizers are more readily available now then when I made this video.

[@gobersgirl]

Why do you use the spray? I never use it. My stabilizer stays in place once I lay it in the hoop.

[@namalea]

what if I don't have the adhesive? Will it still stabilize the fabric if it's not fused?

[@KnotsKneedles]

As long as your design isn't overly dense, you may be able to embroider without the temporary adhesive. Make sure your hoop is tight and secure. The purpose of the adhesive is to help prevent the fabric from shifting and puckering.

[@namalea]

***** Ah ok tyvm for the reply :)

[@visstingworld3312]

Hello. Which one can I use on baby blanket please ??

[@KnotsKneedles]

Choose your stabilizer based on your fabric weight, and the density of your embroidery design, and your preference. You could use a tear away, cut away, or water soluble. A medium weight for quilters cotton is a good choice.

[@crystalbee7654]

Can light tear away be used on caps ? Or what kind of stabilizer do I use on caps ??

[@EsmieDoll]

can i put a stabilizer on top of my embroidery design and underneath it>?

[@KnotsKneedles]

Generally you would use a top layer if you are working on a thicker fabric, with a nap, such as velvet or towels

[@amandasummerton9672]

What stabilizer do you use for rain coats?

[@junemaes5371]

What about iron on stabilizer?

[@alfredasims2794]

thank you that was so helpful

[@nicoleleighton7044]

Where can I find a demo on embroidering felted balls?

[@KnotsKneedles]

Nicole Leighton kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnKtha2Dg9GIi6c

[@kelseyneystel7009]

What kind of stabilizer would you suggest using on towels?

[@Gmaoregon]

What if my stabilizer rips in the middle of my project?

[@1NatHill]

I'm still confused. What kind of stabilizer would I use for a t-shirt? Cut away? And a knit needle?

[@KnotsKneedles]

Cut away is considered the best option for t-shirts. Tear away may work if the design is not too dense. A standard embroidery needle would be what I would use.

[@Crates94]

I dont get how this soft material stablizes anything

[@tonyapolonieto4319]

What kind of stabilizer would I use for tulle?

[@KnotsKneedles]

It would depend on what your project is, but I would think that wash away would be the best. A light weight like Vilene. Since you can see through tulle you would want a cut away or tear away. I have never embroidered on tulle, so you may need to experiment and how it stitches out. Thanks for visiting us.

[@cathydurham10]

Does the adhesive spray gum up the needles?