Date: 7/13/09 11:39 AM

I am just venturing into machine embroidery and want to understand more about stabilizers. My BL dealer showed me an assortment of BL stabilizers, but since they aren't cheap and since I was in a hurry, I didn't buy any. Please, whoever can, advise me:
Which one or two or three basic (or more) types of stabilizers should have?
Which brands do you recommend? Where to purchase?
Can I use muslin and other types of fabrics as stabilizers?
Will interfacing work as a stabilizer?
What else do I need to know about stabilizers?

Thanks,
Claudia
-- Edited on 7/13/09 11:40 AM --

Date: 7/13/09 3:13 PM

No, you "can't" use muslin or interfacing for stabilizer. There is going to be stretch with these products. I would start with a medium cutaway, medium tearaway and a water soluble stabilizer. You should be able to purchase a yard at either Joann's or Hancocks. That way, you don't have a lot tied up in the larger rolls until you find products you like. Some Walmarts do carry stabilizers. I haven't been able to find cutaway at Walmart for a while now though. I believe that this forum quite a while ago had a discussion about why you wouldn't use interfacing as stabilizer.

What you need to do is dive in and then slowly learn from others. Keep going thru the board here to read whatever you can. You will soon discover what products you and your machine like, what you are willing to be thrifty on and what you need to splurge on.

Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 7/14/09 5:21 PM

Here's a really good book that covers all the basics and then some-a great primer!:

Machine Embroidery Essentials

Date: 7/14/09 6:16 PM

I have a friend who does use muslin as a stabiliser she uses off cuts or muslins the dressmakers have used and no longer need where she works sometimes. She is on a fixed income, I didn't think it would work but it does, she is a beginner embroiderer as a hobby and she is still at the stitching to see how it works phase. Besides the finished piece being a bit heavier, you can't really fault it. Seeing her samples made me think twice about stabilisers cause I always just bought what was recommended.

If you have muslin or interfacing on hand try it and save the money till your ready for a project, if you can live with the result then that's all there is about it really.

I'm not knocking the use of recommended stabilisers but, there is alot of marketing in it some science but more marketing and convenience. You'll feel better about what you do if you try what you have on hand first then compare it with different brands of stabilisers.

Some projects just need the right stabiliser but you can try.

Date: 7/15/09 11:05 AM

Thanks, everybody. I'll check out my local Hancocks and the library.

Claudia

Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 7/15/09 12:47 PM

Joanns have notions 50% sales fairly often and stabilizer is on the notions wall. So when ever they have them I'm there. I use nothing but Sulky stabilizers and have good results with them. The reason muslin wouldn't be a first choice it will stretch when you hoop it and then you unhoop it will unstretch causing ripples in deisgn but if you are doing a lightweight open designs it would probably work find. But wouldn't work on a dense designs. This would become even more apparent if item is washed. As muslin is cotton and will shrink. Even with a lightweight design this may happen.

Date: 11/3/09 4:24 PM

has anyone used HV Hollingsworth and Vose Stabilizer 1525 Tearaway?

Date: 11/5/09 7:50 PM

it's actually called stitch backers, made by H&V. has anyone used the 2020 tear/washaway? thanks!

Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 11/5/09 10:12 PM

I thought BL dealers prices were high as well and I don't have another local source so I started getting my stabilizers from Long Creek Mills in NC.

Prices are very reasonable and I've had good success with the basic items I've used. I especially like the Water Soluable Stabilizer that's $2.00 a yard. It dissolves faster and more thoroughly than plastic film type Solvy. Another good one is the lightweight cut away. It seems softer next to skin than others I've tried.

They also sell Marathon thread as well as Poly-X and my BL likes both of them. Again, good prices.

It is a kind of Mom and Pop operation so there isn't the sophistication with the order system and shipping that you usually get online but they are honest and fair and I really like doing business with them (NAYY)

Welcome to a very addictive hobby!

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